DOWN LAMBOURN WAY

Richard Eagle brings news from the Valley, Epsom and beyond

- Richard Eagle

Ed Walker is enjoying a wonderful season having moved into the Bjorn Nielsen’s Yard in Lambourn.

He saddled the final winner on a thrilling evening on the last day of the Racing League at Southwell.

Hats off to Jamie Osborne and daughter Saffie for taking the trophies for the leading rider and Wales and the West team.

Remarkably Ed’s handicapper Fantasy Believer supplied the confirmation of their wins only weeks after surviving a life-threatening infection.

His owners David and Chris Stam agreed to pay a small mortgage to pull him though, and they were rewarded by Fantasy taking his third win in a row. The Dubai Duty Free meeting at Newbury is next on the cards.

Barry Brennan has moved in to share the famous Uplands Yard close to Lambourn centre - and celebrated with an 80/1 winner. Previously he was at Newlands with the Racing Club from where Dunstan won a trail-blazing four consecutive races on the All-Weather. Knows his stuff does Barry!

A few of Stan Moore’s string put songs into your head, Owner Caroline Instone names her horses from lines from epic hits. Go Your Own Way, Raintown, Touching Hands and Til It Shines are examples. Better not to ask Stan for a rendition though!

Staying on the music front, anybody passing Heather Main’s Kingston Lisle yard may also hear some tunes. Heather is an accomplished classical vocalist who often sings an aria or two to her residents! It obviously works wonders as Tanmawwy and Mostawaa both picked up a nice races at Epsom recently.

Sad to see the yard opposite The Queens Arms in East Garston still empty. The landlord of The Queens, who owns the yard doesn’t appear to be interested in redeveloping. Former occupant Stan Moore was successful there, as was Natalie Lloyd Beavis (so successful with giveaway horses other trainers gave up with).