31 May 2023
This week Bobby Kennedy and Hoornblower were unable to take their opportunities for different reasons : at Leicester on Monday Bobby Kennedy was held up and George Bass felt he had been much better suited by softer ground at Bath on his previous outing, and he was unable to close up the straight, finishing eighth but only beaten just over four lengths. At Brighton Hoornblower set sail, moving very well for his first outing on the turf, only to go much too fast down the hill - touching 41 mph at one stage - so that come the rising ground he was not able to see out the mile and get home, and he gradually weakened to finish fifth a little over five lengths back. He is sure to do much better with a more measured and efficient run next time if a suitable race can be found.
27 May 2023
Denis had the four year old chesnut gelding in very good tune once more, and on only his second outing for The Harrow Racing Club he secured an emphatic win in the Octagon Consultancy Handicap over a mile at Bath, confidently ridden out by Rob Hornby. The spell of fine weather had brought about a going change from his April run, and the firm ground was very much to My Ambition's liking as he broke well and led very early on. Rob then had him settled straight away and moving very easily to make the running from the outset, only joined by one rival around two furlongs out - the winner of the April contest where soft ground had stopped him the last day. This time the story was very different as he saw off the challenge readily, and Rob reported that he knew he had plenty left to repel all challengers and to stretch clear to win by over two lengths at the post. On fast ground the Galileo Gold gelding recorded a very good time and things very much went his way this time for a straightforward victory - much to the delight of the Racing Club members on course and watching across the world ! A very exciting prospect for them, now that My Ambition has some summer ground to compete on and some future race days to look forward to.
27 May 2023
At Kempton Park this week Golden Phase, the three year old Gustav Klimt filly owned by West Ilsley Platinum, took her first venture into handicap company over a mile at Kempton under George Bass. From a wide draw he had to settle her at the back of the field of a dozen and she was stlll well back entering the final three furlongs. From that point she made rapid headway to pass four rivals, and then to keep on very well indeed inside the last quarter mile. Moving right up into fourth in the last half furlong the Racing Post noted her as an eyecatcher, and staying at a mile next time she should be winning her race from a more kindly draw and racing position. The form of her Bath run is very strong and this was a run full of promise too.
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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