With just eight weeks until the Jumps Season Opener at Chepstow, which to National Hunt enthusiasts is the official start to the jumps campaign – especially for those residing in Wales! Things are starting to step up a gear where our horses are concerned and hopefully we’ve assembled a talented team to represent Potter Group and James and Jean Potter Ltd both in the UK and America where Leslie Young is in charge of all things Stateside.
Our Power was undoubtedly the star of the show last season, winning the prestigious Coral Trophy at Kempton en route to an excellent run in the Grand National where he jumped round to finish a very credible 11th. It’s quite remarkable what he has actually achieved over fences bearing in mind he’s by Power, who never raced beyond a mile, and has a strong flat pedigree. The fact Our Power was winning Juvenile Hurdles five years ago is quite amazing when you consider what he’s gone on to accomplish and it’s testament to his constitution and attitude that he boasts such a glittering CV. He is a superstar and we couldn’t be prouder.
He’s back in full work and coming along nicely under the tutelage of Sam Thomas and his excellent assistant James Standen who rides Our Power every day. The Coral Gold Cup (AKA Hennessy) is the early season target and it would be wonderful if he could make up for lost time after being withdrawn on the day of the race last year owing to a small injury.
Obviously a return to Aintree is the main aim but we shan’t count our chickens because we all know how things can change at the drop of a hat so we’ll take each day as it comes!
Stolen Silver has been in a while and getting fitter day by day. Cheltenham in October looks a possible starting point for him.
Alfie’s Princess has been doing plenty of schooling in the Canter Carpet ménage and if you saw the video we posted on @PotterGRacing I think you’ll agree she was very clever and looks a natural. She is a mare we think an awful lot of and hopefully she will develop into a lovely hurdler.
Others set to go over obstacles this season include Range, who was unlucky not to win a Bumper last term, while Dancing In Brazil, Choccabloc, Call The Dance, Strong Belle, Spring Gale, Sister Julienne and Smiling Getaway, who carry the silks of James and Jean Potter Ltd, help form part of a strong contingent of Novice Hurdlers.
Egbert has been crying out to jump fences and he may go that route along with Uncle Bert.
There are also several very exciting youngsters who were away learning the ropes last year and will head to respective trainers over the coming months as we continue to strive for success.
Speaking of youngsters, we are looking forward to welcoming you all to the annual Yorton Sale on September 7th which currently features 50 handsomely-bred two-year-olds, many of which by the likes of Gentlewave, Masterstroke, Pethers Moon and new sire Arrigo, who all stand at Yorton Stud.
Here’s the link to all the lots https://yortonfarm.co.uk/goffs-uk-yorton-sale-2023
The sale gets underway at 1pm and we hope to see you there!
