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26 November 2024
Yesterday at the Tattersalls December Yearling sales in Newmarket, Chris van Hoorn Racing acquired a bay colt foaled March 2023 - by the very successful stallion Zoustar and out of a German mare Felissa, a dual winner herself and from a prolific line of Group winners, mostly in Germany and Italy but also in the family is the Group winner in Australia named Zoustyle. The sire Zoustar has been responsible for over a hundred stakes performers and 51 stakes winners, including the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint winner Starlust with his spectacular last to first victory at Del Mar. Let us hope the colt will show some of that speed and class for Chris ! The yearling arrives in West Ilsley today and photographs of him in the sunshine will follow shortly.
22 November 2024
Definite Dream went up to Warwick yesterday for a 2m 3f hurdle race, with jockey Sean Bowen booked for the ride. Once again she travelled and hurdled very well indeed, to lead the race through the first two miles at a good tempo. Then approaching the third last, she was deceived by a shadow in front of the flight and so jinked to her right, which meant that she stepped at the hurdle and stumbled, sufficiently for Sean to part company with her and her race was over. This really was the first time she has made an error with hurdling in all her races, and she seems to be just a little sore for the experience. This could mean that she will now take a short break from racing again this year but hopefully she will be OK to resume quite soon in the New Year.
14 November 2024
A fine day at the Surrey course and a very fine run indeed from the Keeper's 12 filly Phoenix Moon, who finished comfortably clear of what had looked to be a tight handicap field in the last race of nine on the card. The last day at Wolverhampton the fractions and finishing speed she had clocked gave some grounds for optimism, as she returned to Lingfield and registered her second win in a time half a second faster than her all the way victory back in August. Things had not been straightforward for Phoenix Moon and jockey Tyler Heard as they were first into the stalls and hooded, and then having to wait almost eight minutes before the off. Waking her up at the critical moment and whipping the hood off smartly, Tyler was very pleased with the way she pinged the start and then took a little cover to race in a very close fifth by the end of the back straight. Phoenix Moon travelled very well in the downhill section of the track and in these middle two furlongs of the race it was just a question of waiting for a gap ahead to appear. This did arise as they turned in, and the filly readily found a gear to move up and past the race leader. From that point she really tried and set sail for the line, showing she had plenty left when a couple in the middle of the track closed to within a length, pinning her ears back and going on again to win by a comfortable length and a quarter by the post. She really has fulfilled the promise of speed she had shown to Oisin Murphy earlier in the year, and Tyler Heard now knows her so well to deliver a confident and accomplished ride and win very nicely over six furlongs once again. There are now plenty of options for her, and the Keeper's 12 syndicate are really delighted to have such a gorgeous filly who has proven to be really speedy, consistent and successful.at the track.
Located on the Berkshire Downs in the famous racing village of West Ilsley, Keeper’s Stables is picturesque and tranquil racing yard with some of the finest and most famous gallops in the country, making it a fantastic place to have a horse in training. Pictured right is Miss Marjurie winning Group 3 Pinnacle Stakes at Haydock 30th May 2015
Find out more about the yard and Denis Coakley…
Irishman Denis was born into racing, working with leading trainers around the world and he was a successful professional jockey before commencing his training career in 1999.
See our race entries and recent results…
A day with West Ilsley trainer Denis Coakley’ by Robin Oakley, The Spectator July 2014
Trainer Denis Coakley runs a small team with big ambitions, maximising the potential of each horse in the yard.
Find out more about racehorse ownership with Denis Coakley.
See “Horses for Sale“ page for current available shares.
There is an Owners’ Party held in October - If you are interested in racehorse ownership please contact us for an invitation. This year the yard will be taking part in the National Racehorse Week, opening the stables on Sunday 12th September 2021, from 12 noon until 3pm. This is an opportunity to wander around the yard and chat to Denis and others caring for the horses at Keeper’s Stables
Denis, Barbara and Charlie Coakley pictured here at the yard. Denis Coakley Racing is very much a family business.
Go to websites for Racing Post or At The Races for up to date statistics.
Telephone:
01635 281622
Fax:
01635 281624
Mobile:
07768 658056
Email:
Keeper’s Stables
West Ilsley
Newbury
Berkshire
RG20 7AH
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