Chief correspondent @TheTDN, chair of @BritishEBF, dogsbody at Beverley House Stables. Words and photos via Collings Berry Media.
Suffolk or Sutherland
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It is with immense sadness that we share the news that Roy Rocket has died.
Thank you to all who loved him, supported him, visited him and sent him cards, carrots and polos. We know you will miss him as much as we do. Our hearts are heavy.
johnberryracing.com/post/roy…
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Forever Young has pulled out better this morning than his trainer Yoshito Yahagi, who said he spent the night dancing, drinking and watching the Dodgers winning the World Series.
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Not at all surprising that the excellent horsewoman Princess Anne would take time to speak to the people that did the hard work with Desert Hero at the races and at home.
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The magnificent Kitasan Black, sire of Equinox and this year’s Japanese Derby winner Croix Du Nord.
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The remarkable 34-year-old Wind In Her Hair, dam of Deep Impact and Black Tide, relaxing in her paddock at Northern Horse Park and coming in for her lunch.
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A total of 37 sports stories in the Sunday Times and not one mention of Charlie Appleby, a British trainer, winning the Irish Derby three weeks after he saddled the Derby winner.
Racing, we have a problem.
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When someone’s sitting in your breakfast but you’re too polite to ask them to move.
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This is one of the loveliest gallops in Newmarket, known as 'Between the Ditches'. The July Course is to the left of shot, the Rowley Mile to the right.
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There are actually two horses in this photo. Closest to camera is Tarbat Ness (Reliable Man).
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John and I were married 15 years ago today at Holkham. We stayed one night in Norfolk and he had to rush back for a NTF meeting and racing at Lingfield. Similar wildly romantic gestures have continued over the years.
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The old horse watches on as the visitors look at the bright young things but there’s still a gleam in his eye.
Fantastic Light at 28, this morning at Dalham Hall Stud.
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Contrail's former jockey Yuichi Fukunaga with Koji Maeda, buyer at ¥520m ($3.7m) of lot 360, from the first crop of the Triple Crown winner.
Fukunaga, who will start training soon, will take charge of the Contrail colt eventually.
'It is my gift to the new trainer,' said Maeda.
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Today is the shortest, darkest day. Tomorrow will be brighter, and the day after, and the day after that. Keep going.
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Special light this morning on the hill for first lot. Newmarket in all its early autumn glory.
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A touch of frost on the ground in Chantilly this morning but it promises to be another beautiful day for France’s final Group 1 of the season at Longchamp.
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Took this photo while walking with mum and dad in Scotland on 18 December. On 18 January, mum underwent lifesaving brain surgery with a grim prognosis. Today, 18 February, mum has, miraculously, been given the all-clear. A long road to full recovery ahead but the light shines on.
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He only really likes the mud when he can roll in it but his massive heart carried him home. There are many better horses but few braver. Thank you, Roy.
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Last October, two champions walking home down Warren Hill together. Today Stradivarius was hailed the hero once more while his old friend Roaring Lion lost his life. Triumph and despair.
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Frankie Dettori aboard Emily Upjohn on the July Course this morning. John Gosden confirms the pair will be reunited for the Irish Oaks.
@theTDN
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Racehorses are not measured merely by racing success. Panto, now 22, placed twice in 11 starts but has been invaluable since joining our stable 18 years ago, both as a kind companion for any horse who needs him and as my therapist. Here he is this muddy morning with a newcomer.
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We should never fret about getting old. We’re lucky if we are afforded that privilege, one which tragically has not been granted to Michael O’Sullivan.
He won’t be forgotten, not by those who love racing, nor by those who loved him. He and they are in the minds of many today.
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Sorry to hear that Joe Tuite will no longer be among the training ranks. A good, hard-working horseman. I fear the day that we end up with a bunch of 500-horse stables. Racing will be poorer for it as fans of the sport like to engage with smaller stables as well as the big names.
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I’m sure no trainer takes being sent horses for granted, but for smaller trainers, when an owner puts their faith in you and sends a horse it means the world. Even one new horse in the yard makes a big difference.
Welcome to Double Meaning. May you be lucky for your good people.
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In just over 8 hours, the equivalent of £52 million was spent on 144 yearlings at Tattersalls, making it the highest turnover in a single day at a horse sale in European history. The strange parallel universe of the bloodstock industry continues.
I’m going to need a bigger gin.
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Four years ago today, at 7.35am, gearing up for his seasonal return and what would be his sixth win at Brighton. His box is still empty.
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I’m not a very good rider and he wasn’t a very good racehorse but he’s been with me for 15 of his 18 years and my life is much the better for it.
#NationalRacehorseWeek
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The hardest-working person I know: @JohnWathenBerry riding out on Sunday morning following a ten-hour round trip at the wheel to Hexham, home at 11pm last night. He’s also the happiest person I know because he loves what he does, and loves the horses in his care.
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Three legends of the turf, Pat Smullen, Lester Piggott and Mick Kinane, at the Curragh on 2,000 Guineas day.
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By a champion out of a champion. Northern Farm’s Equinox colt parading with his dam Midnight Bisou. He sells on Tuesday at the JRHA Select Sale with a reserve price of ¥100m (approximately £500,000).
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Take a walk through the most expensive woods in the world. Some of the most elite mares and foals in Japan gathered here ahead of the start of the JRHA Select Sale. An art gallery of bloodstock.
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I grew up near Ascot and it’s impossible to drive to the course without thinking about my mum and how much I miss her. Today I’m wearing a hat she gave me and bringing one of her handbags. She was an avid recycler and fan of big, bright hats so I know she’d approve.
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We are very touched by @BrightonRace naming a race in Roy Rocket’s memory on 22 June. We hope to have a runner in the amateur riders’ race won twice by Roy and @RossBirkett.
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This is one of the most beautiful gallops in Newmarket. Known as Between the Ditches, it also lies between the July Course and the Rowley Mile. The Wesley Ward horses have easy access from their base at the National Stud.
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Excellent piece by @DavidWalshST. Plenty of folk within racing should hang their heads in shame at the treatment of Bryony Frost.
It is indeed the sport’s loss that her riding and exuberance are now so rarely in the spotlight.
thetimes.co.uk/article/bcb56…
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There are around 3,000 racehorses in training in Newmarket, but the heath, with all its rich history, is still the most peaceful and uplifting place to be. Birdsong and hoofbeats.
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Newmarket folk, please do not put horses & riders at risk by walking dogs on the gallops before 1pm. To the man walking dogs off the lead on Waterhall this morning, it is never, ever acceptable to threaten to slap a woman and, no, you do not have right to roam on @NewmarketGallop
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October 2018: Cracksman, Roaring Lion, Stradivarius and Too Darn Hot. Two at stud, one sadly gone, the other still picking off Group 1 races as he likes. Gotta love a stayer.
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Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe heroine Alpinista parades at her birthplace @Lanwades for visitors to the stallion parade. She retires ‘home’ after six straight Group 1 victories for Kirsten Rausing and Sir Mark Prescott, the culmination of decades of work for both parties.
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The phenomenal Jim Bolger, who will be 80 on Christmas Day, not only bred Poetic Flare & his Guineas-winning sire Dawn Approach (who is now standing at his Redmondstown Stud), but also trained grandsire & Derby winner New Approach as well as Poetic Flare's first three dams.
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Turn Of Phrase has a colour change today and will be running in the colours of Ukraine. It is a symbol of support. Actual support can be pledged through the British Red Cross’s Ukraine Crisis Appeal: donate.redcross.org.uk/appea…
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A rare sight on Newmarket Heath of Wesley Ward’s 2yo filly Ruthin (Ribchester) being ponied riderless by former Royal Ascot winner Strike The Tiger, now 14. Great horsemanship from Ollie Sangster.
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Happy 55th birthday to @JohnWathenBerry, the hardest-working person I know. Currently heading out on his second of four lots before driving the box to Windsor.
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Seven weeks since we lost him and there’s now a little face in Roy Rocket’s box: his sister Mrs Maisel, the last of the Minnie’s Mystery line and a 2yo daughter of Dunaden.
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The happiest of happy birthdays to Newmarket’s best dressed trainer. You can guess how much @JohnWathenBerry looks forward to Royal Ascot #NoShortsAndWellies
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It would be impossible for me to love him more. For a humble little horse to win the same race at Newmarket three times is quite wonderful, as were the cheers that brought him home.
Thank you, Dereham.
And thank you, John, Abbie, Jana, Ivona and Adriana.
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A happy Christmas to all, and a glass raised skywards to those we loved and lost this year.
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Happy birthday to the hardest-working person I know. Best present John could have is the recent improvement in his old best friend, who is enjoying this lovely weather.
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Japan’s reigning champion sire Kizuna (Deep Impact) on parade at Shadai Stallion Station. He was also the leading sire of two-year-olds last year and the champion first-season sire of 2019.
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Superb ending to a fascinating trip to Japan with a visit to the mighty Equinox at Shadai Stallion Station.
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For anyone who followed Tracy Vigors on this platform, her dedication and love for her family and horses was clear to see. Her hard work played a huge part in the success of Hillwood Stud. Sincere condolences to Charlie, Harry and Oliver.
thoroughbreddailynews.com/tr…
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I’m always proud of Dereham but I’m extra proud tonight as he wins on our home track @NewmarketRace, becoming the first winner in the @RacingWithPride silks in #PrideMonth. Huge thanks to Harry Davies, and of course to John, Abbie, Jana, Vendi and Ivona. 🌈
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It's still just about Christmas, which gives me an excuse to dig out my old photos of Desert Orchid at Egerton, taken back in 2006 when he was 27 #Dessie
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Taken on this day five years ago: one is now sire of this year’s Arc winner, one sadly gone, one now the boss of the National Stud, and the other is one of the most exciting young stallions in GB.
Cracksman, Roaring Lion, Stradivarius, Too Darn Hot.
Just a Newmarket morning.
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There is not a friendlier person in the racing press room than John Hunt. Words won't change anything but I hope you know how much you are loved and respected by us all @HuntyCaller.
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Fancy a spin on the Newmarket gallops? Follow Roy Rocket and Hope Is High up Railway Land grass alongside the Al Bahathri. Blustery commentary from @JohnWathenBerry on Roy.
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Hard to believe it’s ten years since this magnificent horse swept all before him in a brilliant season, starting with the Guineas, ending with the Arc. Still the best. #SeaTheStars
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A dark, wet morning back in October 2012, and a poignant moment. Sir Henry Cecil pats Frankel on the neck as he leaves Newmarket Heath for the final time on the eve of his victory in the Champion Stakes. He is being led, as always, by his brother Bullet Train.
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Special for Newmarket’s opening day to include the Pat Smullen Memorial Handicap. The Curragh was Pat’s home course but we remember him here with respect and fondness, especially for his 2000 Guineas win on Refuse To Bend.
Well done @TedDurcan for honouring your friend today 💚
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No. 4,367 of things I’ve never seen at a sale before: this colt foal has just sold for ¥280m/$2.5m and has already stood perfectly for press photos and group photos before being petted by the whole family of his new owner. Temperament of a champion.
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When this was given to us out of the blue we were both brought to tears. For me, it encapsulates completely how John feels without Roy here. A moving image. Thank you, @DarrenBirdie
The genius of @DarrenBirdie is that his great artistic skills are matched by his emotional creativity. There is no better illustration of this than this wonderful piece of art which now occupies a very special place in our house.
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Dear Santa, I've been a good girl this year. All I want for Christmas is:
1. Ken Clarke to be Prime Minister
2. The 'word' Brexit to be banned from use for good
3. Britain to stop being a global embarrassment
4. World peace
5. A Terry's Chocolate Orange
That's all, thank you.
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All horses in our stable have been given the all-clear after being swabbed for equine flu on Friday. Looking forward to returning to our normal routine. Hoping for the same results for fellow stables and a swift resumption of racing.
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For a few glorious years, this was the scene that greeted us as we rode up the hill and they descended from Warren Place: Henry Cecil's string led by two of Kind's sons, Bullet Train and Frankel. An unforgettable privilege.
#RIPKind
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The beautifully mannered Tacitus watching Knicks Go trot past on track this morning in the build up to @thesaudicup
@theTDN
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Always special to see horses on the rarely used Between the Ditches gallop. Here’s @KennyMcPeek’s Classic Causeway getting his first taste of Newmarket Heath this morning. He runs in Wednesday’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes.
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A happy Derby day birthday to @JohnWathenBerry. Enjoy spending it with your 14-year-old birthday present, the best dog that ever walked the earth.
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Nine years ago today, a chestnut foal was born in Normandy. He turned grey like his dam and joined us in Newmarket as a 2yo. Roy Rocket is still going strong and will aim for his 10th win at Brighton on 20 April. He's given us nothing but pride and fun since the day he was born.
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Lord and Lady Derby have announced the death of the brilliant race mare and Classic producer Ouija Board at the age of 21.
Farewell to one of the true greats.
thoroughbreddailynews.com/ou…
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Sadly can't make it to @BrightonRace tomorrow but I'll have a lump in my throat at 3.20 when the Roy Rocket Amateur Riders' Handicap is run. We have Hidden Pearl in the race.
And here's a happy memory of Roy meeting some of his fans at Brighton a few years ago.
📷@CDi_Iorio.
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John's father, Claude Berry, died suddenly on Tuesday night. Owner, breeder, PTP trainer, amateur rider, racecourse steward, passionate National Hunt supporter, sporting art expert and, to me, the kindest father-in-law, he will be missed terribly.
thoroughbreddailynews.com/g1…
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This boy that I’ve loved since he first drew breath and went on to become my first homebred winner has already fought his way back from serious illness and on Wednesday fractured his pastern. The brilliant @NEHreferrals have saved him again and now we wait, hope and pray.
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I've never known the heath without the coffee-and-cream string of @lucacumani. One last runner this evening and that's a wrap for the Bedford House Stables team. Newmarket will be poorer for the absence of a true great of the training ranks. A poignant day.
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With mum & dad at Tarbat Ness lighthouse 3 years ago today. The last walk I ever had with mum before she was diagnosed with a brain tumour soon after. In the week mum died, Ethics Girl foaled a colt, now named Tarbat Ness, who will, we hope, make his debut soon. She’d like that.
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A memory to start the day, from 2003, the year I moved to Newmarket. I loved (and still love) taking pictures on the Heath and this was a sight I’ll never forget. The great Henry Cecil (knighted in 2011), stylishly dressed as ever, observing his string from his smart hack.
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I’ve never seen anything like today, and I’m pretty sure we’ll never see anything like him again. God bless you, Tiger, you absolute champion.
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Nearly 3 years ago I bought this sweet mare for 800gns. Since then she's won 5 races, placed 10 times, and has unfailingly made me happy and proud. She's at Wolverhampton tonight at 9pm. Win or lose, I know she'll try her best #HopeIsHigh
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I've been sufficiently riled by rudeness at Yarmouth & by abuse of John to break my blogging silence. Off for a gin. unstablelife.blogspot.co.uk/
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