The Final Countdown

Welcome back! And just like that, we’re down to our final 2 foalers…
 
Apologies for the lack of content recently. We’ve all been flat out here at Byerley, and everyone has been putting in huge shifts and playing crucial parts in helping to make the clogs turn in what is such a pivotal time of year for us. I feel like the season has gone very quickly this year, and I’m putting this down to the excellent team that we’ve had this year – time flies when you’re having fun.
 
A moment of reflection, as last week we said ‘goodbye’ to a hugely important member of our team, Sue. In between sitting up and covering, we were all able to sit down after work and have a few drinks at the local pub. Topics of conversation included reflecting on Sue’s time here with us, from the highs and the lows, it was evident how much she will be missed by everyone. Sue has carried the team throughout the season with her enthusiasm, diligence and her say ‘yes’ attitude. It won’t be goodbye forever, as I’m sure it won’t be long before Sue is back and checking in on all her favourite mares and foals. But we wish Sue all the best of luck in her new job, and we’ll always be here, just in case you change your mind!
 
Some of our recent arrivals include a filly by Havana Grey out of Bosra Sham Listed winning Kodiac mare, Sweet Cecily, as well as not one, but two Caturra colts. Keeping Ian on his toes for much of the night until finally foaling down at approximately 6 am, Freckles foaled a strappy big chestnut Caturra colt. Freckles is an exciting young mare for Mrs Heather Raw of Shoreham Stud, who has a 2YO by Havana Grey to run for her this year in training with Johnny Murtagh and is reportedly going well. Congratulations also go out to Mrs Raw with her previously owned and bred Grey Cuban, who hosed up on his 3YO debut for connections by 8 lengths. After a successful 2YO campaign, this son of Havana Grey ran in some very well-respected handicaps and came out of the year with an OR of 82. He’s one to watch for the season.
 
Earlier on in the week, it was over to Ian’s own mare Zia - the dam of Listed scorer Jakaby Jade - who also foaled a colt foal by Caturra. With a rush of late colt foal additions to our Class of 2024 adding to the tally of colts vs fillies, the fillies are still ahead, but only by 2, and with only 2 mares left to foal, there’s every chance it could eventually even itself out.
 
With the weather finally looking up, the paddocks are drying out and greening up, I’ve noticed that the choice of footwear is beginning to change with short boots or trainers making a welcome appearance in the yard. It won’t be long before someone braves wearing shorts for the first time this year… I wonder who that will be.

From left to right: Sue, Victoria, Kirstie and Shahid.