Bangor on Dee Racing Club Ltd Sunday 5th September - We're ready to race ...

Cannon Fire

Our new Club horse is an eight-year-old liver chestnut gelding by Grand Lodge out of a French-bred mare, Muirfield.

His racing career began on the flat when he went to the post on eight occasions and his best performance was when occupying second place at Chepstow back in 2003.

Now Cannon Fire is trained by Evan Williams and his profile is that of a versatile, dual-purpose horse, competing over hurdles and steeplechase with some success and consistency.

His 29 outings in hurdle races have resulted in five wins, the first at Uttoxeter back in June 2005, quickly followed by a further victory at Bangor-on-Dee the following month. It was almost 12-months later when he secured a further win at Newton Abbot in May 2006. His subsequent successes have both been at Chepstow in 2007 and December 2008. Perhaps this is his favourite track?

The fist win over the larger obstacles remains elusive despite being placed second at both Plumpton and Southwell in the Spring of 2009. Through the summer of 2009 the horse notched up three thirds at Uttoxeter, Stratford and Southwell.

His first run for the Bangor-on-Dee Racing Club saw our gallant horse run into fourth place at our home track - Bangor on Dee!

Cannon Fire continued his game approach to racing with a great run to once again occupy second slot in a competitive handicap hurdle in September 2009. He was denied victory by a margin of one and a quarter lengths, a combination of a faller, who cost him half a length, and that complex make-up that is racing. Our horse was running on to the line and is surely destined for the winners' enclosure before long!

Join us for the next instalment!

SIGNPOST - NO 29

Update - 19th August 2009

A new horse for the Club and another very exciting day at Bangor. Cannon Fire ran a fantastic race in the valuable Handicap Race at Bangor on Saturday and finished 4th. He was given an honest assessment of his chances before the race by Evan but ran his heart out and was given a great ride by Paul Mahoney. After the race everybody was delighted by the horse's performance and looking forward to future runs. He has come home fine, eaten up and Evan will look for a suitable opportunity. As you know he had also been entered in a claiming hurdle at Southwell, unfortunately claiming races are now a bit too risky, having run so well in such a valuable race if we entered a claimer then there is a high probability that he would get claimed. The Handicapper has also got ‘him in hand', although if we are lucky we might get dropped a pound or two for his run at Bangor. Evan will now look for a Handicap but we might have to wait until he comes down in weight before the next realistic opportunity of winning can be found.

Overall it was a great day and those who were able to attend certainly appeared to enjoy

themselves.

Win a bottle of bubbly in the club tipping challenge!

All members are invited to enter the club tipping challenge at Ffos Las on 28 August. Please meet Jan at the paddock entrance - where the jockeys pass through before each race - 15 minutes before the first race is due off. We are looking for one selection for each race. Don't forget to add your name to your entry! Jan will collect all entries and the result will be announced at the Fox and Hounds club dinner that evening. Bubbly to the winner and a light-hearted wooden spoon prize to the last one home!

Signpost - No 25

Update 16th July 2009

Well we went to Southwell full of expectations, especially after how well Proper Article ran in his first Chase at Fontwell. The facts are that he ran very disappointingly, obviously it was a big disappointment for the Club but we can promise you that the most disappointed person on the day was Evan himself. At home he works like a horse 30lb higher than his handicap mark which is consistent with his form when he was 5th in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham and jumps like a demon. But obviously on the track at Southwell he didn't want to know. He is clearly mentally very fragile and despite all of the ability in the world if a horse doesn't want to do it there is not much the jockey or trainer can do about it.

Evan has therefore offered the Club the opportunity to swap the lease on Proper Article to another horse, which the Directors have accepted with great appreciation. Our belief is that this is a fantastic demonstration of Evan's commitment to helping Bangor on Dee Racing Club achieve success and fun. There are very few trainers who would have made this commitment and we are very grateful for this hugely customer focused commitment from Evan.

When we originally formed the Club the plan was to buy two horses and lease a third. As it turned out the numbers of members prevented us from purchasing horses but we were determined to make the Club a reality and so we went ahead with two leased horses, Proper Article and Foresight. While we have not had the ultimate success of a winner those two horses have given us two 2nds and two 4ths with both horses being unlucky not to be the Club's first winner.

Initially the Directors were disappointed that we were not able to purchase horses for the Club. However in hindsight this may have proved a blessing in disguise. By leasing our first two horses we have been able to effectively respond to changing circumstances and results. After Foresight ran very well at Bangor but then a little disappointingly at Cartmel we were able to follow Donald McCain's advice to give the horse a rest without costing the Club any further expense and without the ‘dead' capital of a purchase. Now that Proper Article has also given us a 4th and 2nd placing but we feel that his temperament may have some issues we are also able to switch to another horse without further expense to the Club or ‘dead' capital.

So looking forward we have the excitement of a new horse with Evan to look forward to and we also have the prospect of Charlie Allnut running on the flat in the Club colours from Steve Wynne's yard.

Turning to social events. The Polo which was planned for Sunday 19th July has been rescheduled to Friday and Saturday. We have therefore decided to postpone this event along with the planned visit to Steve Wynne's yard which will now be rescheduled for later in the year.

The trip to Fos Las on August 28th and the visit to Evan's yard on the Saturday morning are still very much on. We have 10 or 12 members attending and we will have a Club dinner on the Friday evening which should be a very social and good evening!! If anybody else wishes to join us please let us know as soon as possible. Who knows maybe the new horse at Evan's will be able to run at that meeting?

Tom, Jan & Dave

Making the difference

SIGNPOST No 22

Update - 23rd June 2009

We have talked to Evan extensively and he says that Proper Article has come out of his last race better then ever before. He is now looking for the best opportunity to run again in the next couple of weeks. Another thing that added to Evan's confidence that he can win a race for us was that the fact another one of Evan's horses, Just Like That, won a little Handicap at Newton Abbott recently and Evan's comment was that Proper Article is a stone better that Just Like That at home.

A unique opportunity/benefit for Club members has also arisen. We have been offered the opportunity of a free lease and possibly a partial share purchase of a 4 year old Cape Cross (Sire of this year's Derby winner) filly. She is broken and in a pre training yard and ready to go into full training. She could be an excellent prospect for a Bumper later in the year and then who knows - Cheltenham comes to mind!

With the current level of membership the Club can't afford to take her on but we could form a ‘Sub Group' of members - ‘Bangor on Dee Racing Club Opportunists' to take advantage of this rare opportunity to be involved with a highly bred unraced horse. To train her until the end of the year we would need £10,000 in the kitty and should the opportunity to purchase a share exist then we would need further funds. At this stage we are trying to gauge the level of interest so if any member would be interested in this opportunity or have friends who might be interested in this opportunity can you let us know.

Tom, Jan and Dave

Signpost No 21

Update 12th June 2009

Well how exciting was that!!

Despite the disappointment of not getting our first Club winner on the board we have to be pleased with Proper Article's chasing debut. We are not sure how many of you managed to watch the race but after the first two fences he jumped well and ‘pinged' a few. Turning in he had them all ‘at it' and looked like he would fend off the challenge of the favourite. As we know this was not to be and despite jumping the last in front and a great ride from Christian Williams he was not able to fend off the favourite who had been heavily backed and we gave over 2 stone to. As they say ‘weight stops trains' and that does seem to be true in this chase. Evan was not able to watch the race but once he has had chance to assess the run and talk to Christian we will discuss with him where we go from here. Watch for the next Signpost in the next few days.

So once again the Club is knocking on the door with another placed horse, our first winner can't be far away.

The flat horse, Charlie Allnut, which will run in the Club's colours is also not far from a run and Steve Wynne is looking for suitable opportunities and hoping that we can ‘get in' an appropriate race.

Tom, Jan and Dave

Signpost No 20

Update 8th June 2009

Following Foresight's run at Carmel and a discussion with Donald McCain the Board agree with Donald's advice that Foresight is only a 4 year old and needs a break. We have therefore agreed with Donald to suspend the lease with a view to reinstating it later in the year for an autumn campaign.

Evan is very pleased with Proper Article although the injury which was deep and has taken a little time to heal. We have just heard that Proper Article has an entry in the 7.00pm Selling Handicap Chase at Fontwell on Thursday evening (12th June). If any members are interested in attending please contact us to express their interest and request a badge.

We are predominantly a jumping focused Club but flat racing in the summer can be some fun. We have agreed to take on a sprinter called Charlie Allnut for the summer. This is on a free lease which also includes the training fees. The Club will make minor contributions to expenses, jockey etc. Charlie Allnut is in training with Steve Wynne and has been placed on several occasions. He is no ‘star' but this opportunity gives members a chance to have a bit of fun during the summer when jumping opportunities are limited. He is ready to run and Steve is looking for suitable opportunities in the next two weeks.

We are also looking at a well bred 4 year old (Cape Cross - out of an Ela Mana Mou male) and the grand dam was raced in the Irish Guineas. She is currently in pre training and we are looking at the potential to acquire her for an autumn campaign and 2010.

We also have the Fos Las trip coming up when we are planning a stable visit to Evan's yard on the Saturday morning.

Dave, Jan and Tom

Club Trip to Ffos Las Racecourse and Evan Williams Stable

All members are invited to join us for the official opening of Ffos Las racecourse, Trimsaran on Friday, 28 August 2009. Entry to the racecourse is £17.00 per person. There is sufficient time to drive down in the morning to South Wales as the first race is due off at 2.10pm.

After racing we plan an overnight stay in the area before a Saturday morning stable visit to see Evan Williams and view his training facilities in Llancarfan.

It will be more convenient to travel from the racecourse on Friday evening to accommodation that is within a short drive of Evan's yard. We are arranging a club dinner in a local hostelry on Friday evening to wile the time away in a convivial manner and perhaps the conversation will drift around to racing!

Our initial research has identified a number of locations with a range of prices and facilities and we believe the easiest option is for everyone to make individual or small group arrangements for their travel and stay. Contact details are:

Fox and Hounds, Llancarfan, telephone 01446 781287, prices from £55 for a single room. (closest to yard) Website: www.foxandhoundsllancarfan.co.uk

Vale Park Hotel, Barry, telephone 01446 726007. A friendly, family run establishment. Website: www.valeparkhotel.co.uk

Egerton Grey Country House Hotel, Porthkerry telephone 01446 711666, quality and luxury throughout your stay, priced at a somewhat higher level!
Website: www.egertongrey.co.uk

Ffos Las is located between Llaneli and Carmarthen at Trimsaran, the closest motorway exit is Junction 48 on the M4.

Please e-mail enquiries@bangorondeeracingclub.com if you would like to book places for dinner on the Friday evening as we will need to confirm numbers with the Fox and Hounds nearer the time of our visit.

Signpost - No 19

Update 29th May 2009

It was a glorious day at Cartmel on Bank Holiday Monday when Foresight ran in the Four Year Old Novice Hurdle, and a number of members enjoyed the day. The outcome was not quite as we had hoped but at least for one member, Ollie Greenall, it was a good day because he rode the winner for Venetia Williams. The winner looks like a very nice horse and Evan Williams thinks a lot of Dantali who was second so perhaps on reflection the result was not as disappointing as it first appeared. Donald's comment was that the track probably didn't suit Foresight who was still well in contention going to the last. Jamie McGuire gave him a great ride and he has come home sound. Donald's opinion is that he now needs a break and so we will discuss with him the best plan for the future.

Evan report that Proper Article is well and although the cut was deep it is healing well. He feels that he'll be ready to run in about 10-14 days which is likely to be in a Chase and he will start to look for a suitable opportunity. Evan is very keen to get the Club its first winner and is working very hard towards that objective.

We stilll need some further members and so can you all look out for potential candidates.

Dave, Jan and Tom

Signpost - No 18

Update 18th May 2009

Another good day at Bangor on Saturday. Once again thanks must go to Bangor on Dee Race Course and Jeannie Chantler for their great support.

Foresight ran well, although a little keenly, which probably accounted for his ‘tired' finish. He now holds an entry at Cartmel on Monday 25th May in the 3.00pm Four Year Old Novice Hurdle Race over 2m 1.5f which looks ideal. This is the first time that he will have the opportunity to run against his own age.

Proper Article is also entered at Worcester on Wednesday 20th May evening meeting. However given his slight injury it is unlikely that he will run but we will keep you informed.

Please find enclosed a flyer regarding the forthcoming trip to Ffos Las in August.

Dave, Jan and Tom

Club Trip to Ffos Las Racecourse and Evan Williams Stable

All members are invited to join us for the official opening of Ffos Las racecourse, Trimsaran on Friday, 28 August 2009. Entry to the racecourse is £17.00 per person. There is sufficient time to drive down in the morning to South Wales as the first race is due off at 2.10pm.

After racing we plan an overnight stay in the area before a Saturday morning stable visit to see Evan Williams and view his training facilities in Llancarfan.

It will be more convenient to travel from the racecourse on Friday evening to accommodation that is within a short drive of Evan's yard. We are arranging a club dinner in a local hostelry on Friday evening to wile the time away in a convivial manner and perhaps the conversation will drift around to racing!

Our initial research has identified a number of locations with a range of prices and facilities and we believe the easiest option is for everyone to make individual or small group arrangements for their travel and stay. Contact details are:

Fox and Hounds, Llancarfan, telephone 01446 781287, prices from £55 for a single room. (closest to yard) Website: www.foxandhoundsllancarfan.co.uk

Vale Park Hotel, Barry, telephone 01446 726007. A friendly, family run establishment. Website: www.valeparkhotel.co.uk

Egerton Grey Country House Hotel, Porthkerry telephone 01446 711666, quality and luxury throughout your stay, priced at a somewhat higher level!
Website: www.egertongrey.co.uk

Ffos Las is located between Llaneli and Carmarthen at Trimsaran, the closest motorway exit is Junction 48 on the M4.

Please e-mail enquiries@bangorondeeracingclub.com if you would like to book places for dinner on the Friday evening as we will need to confirm numbers with the Fox and Hounds nearer the time of our visit.

Update 13th May 2009

Proper Article now holds entries in a Novice Chase at Uttoxeter and Bangor on Saturday and Newton Abbott on 18th May.

As previously advised Foresight is also entered at Bangor.

Dave, Tom & Jan

SIGNPOST No 1

Update 20th April 2009

Great news! Both our club horses have been entered for the evening meeting at Bangor on Dee this Friday, 24 April. At 7.15pm plans are that Foresight will line up for the Weatherbys Bettrends.co.uk Novices' Hurdle and one hour later Proper Article is set to take part in the Carlsberg Handicap Hurdle. An exciting evening is in prospect for all Bangor on Dee Racing Club members!

Once again we have arranged a chalet facility for members and their guests. Hot soup and a roll will be available to sustain us and there will be a cash bar throughout the evening.

In order to access the chalet, please bring your membership card and enter the course via the owners and trainers entrance where you will be given a chalet badge. We will distribute the owners and trainers badges in the chalet when we know what our final club allocation will be; this is dependent on the total number of declared runners at the meeting.

Please e-mail (enquires@bangorondeeracingclub.com) or phone Tom on 01948 860380 if you plan to come on Friday and also let him know if you are bringing any guests, who will be subject to the prevailing racecourse admission rate, with you.

We look forward to seeing members on Friday evening, the first race is due off at 5.35pm - a great start to the weekend!

Jan, Dave and T

Signpost - No 15

Update 11th May 2009

The latest news from the yards is from Donald that Foresight had a slight bang on the knee after his last race and was on the quiet list for a day or so but has been cantering and will work again this week. There is a race for him at Bangor on Saturday16th May and he will hold an entry. We will let you know if he is declared to run.

Evan continues to be pleased with Proper Article who is schooling well over fences. Evan feels that he needs a little more time but that he will be very good over a fence and so he will look for suitable opportunities in the next 10 days or so. In hindsight his run at Fakenham might not have been so bad given the performance of Joejo Star on Saturday at Haydock, who won a £42,000 race.

 Dave, Jan and Tom

Signpost No 14

Update 5th May 2009

A quick update

Proper Article has been schooling over fences well and Evan has found a suitable race for his first Chase at Wincanton on Thursday 7th May. We will let you know if he is declared but in the meantime can you let Tom know if you wish to be put in the ballot for O/T badges.

Dave, Tom and Jan

Signpost - No 13

Update - 27th April 2009

Wow! What a great night we had at our spiritual home, Bangor on Dee, last Friday night. As usual we are very thankful for the fantastic hospitality that Bangor on Dee helped us provide. It was great to see so many of you join us in the Chalet that Bangor provided along with the additional O/T badges.

Foresight ran fantastically and I'm sure for a moment we were all getting excited about the possibility of the Club's first winner. Donald says that he has returned home in fine form and that "he is going the right way". The jockey reported that he seemed to handle to ground and he also believes that in time (perhaps next season) he will get 2½ miles. He also jumped very well and so maybe his future is over a fence.

On the face of it Proper Article ran a little bit disappointingly. However the feedback from Christian Williams as he dismounted was very positive. Christian said that he ran like a horse who had lost his confidence, which is understandable after his fall and nasal problems. Christian was very pleased that he was able to give him a "good experience" without being hard on him and that he galloped to and beyond the line. He was "certain" that he will find a race and that like Foresight chasing will be his future game. Speaking to Evan he reports that he came home ok. In fact he is better after a race than he has ever been. He will now "kick on with him". Hopefully the handicapper will drop him a further few pounds and we can look for another opportunity.

While the dream hasn't yet happened we have now had 5 Club runners, a 4th and a 2nd, plus two great get togethers at Bangor. Let's look forward to more fun and our first Club winner before too long.

Tom. Jan and Dave