A look back at our first season

Our first season as K&M Racing…

As the sun has set on the inaugural season of K&M Racing, it’s impossible not to reflect on the journey we have gone on so far. K&M Racing’s first season is one of dedication, passion, unwavering determination and consistency.

Firstly, to our passionate owners, dedicated supporters, and invaluable staff, It’s with hearts full of gratitude and appreciation that we extend our deepest thanks to each and every one of you for your support and hard work, dedication, and belief in the vision of K&M Racing.

Starting our season at the end of July, we finished the season with 13 NH winners and 4 flat winners. As important as the individual winners was the level of consistency we managed to keep up throughout the season. Some horses winning multiple times, more of that in a moment!

The winter was one of the most challenging on record in terms of the weather. The amount of rain played havoc with race meetings being abandoned and many horses waiting around for suitable conditions. Our staff gritted their teeth and rode out on the cold, dark and very damp mornings.

We started out season slightly later than everyone else, after the joint licence was sorted out in mid July, it was exciting to get going. We hit the crossbar a few times early on with lots of gallant efforts on the track going very close. EAGLES REALM came 2nd at Bath and DIRK GENTLY finished 3rd at Worcester, both getting some prize money on the board.

Our first winner was a day we’ll never forget, MOON CHIME  winning his 2nd bumper at Stratford impressively for David and Jackie Adams. It was an emotional day for everyone. Nick Slatter built a close relationship with the horse after doing so much with him at home. His hard work certainly paid off!

Our first NH winner was quickly followed up by our first flat winner, EAGLES REALM started off what would be a quite spectacular run of results by winning at Wolverhampton for our sponsors, The Good Racing Co. EAGLES RELM would go on to win a further 4 times and managed to string together a hat-trick. What a super horse. His groom, Phoebe, was proud as punch taking him racing. The pair went up to Newcastle and enjoyed success there as well as at Southwell.

One horse that didn’t need any introduction at the start of the season was MARBLE SANDS who would be making his chasing debut. We had been looking forward to seeing dear Marty run over fences since the day he arrived here. We sent him up to Ayr to start his chasing career off and he was brilliant. He jumped fantastically well under a confident Nick Slatter and went on to win well. He went into a few peoples note books that day. David and Jackie adore this horse and he really is a superstar. He put os on the big stage a few times last season, running in graded company and at big meetings.

Heading towards the new year we went to Doncaster with PHILLAPA SUE. Kielan Woods, who knows her well, took the ride on her and it was a dream combination. Ridden quietly early on she turned in and stared passing horses, Kielans timing was perfect. She kicked on to lead at the last and stretched on to win by 7 lengths impressively.

Two days later, SUNDAY SOLDIER headed up to Musselburgh to run in her first handicap off a mark of 78. We thought she would run well, but nobody could have dreamed what was ahead. She won impressively to go and win by 7 lengths and would end up stringing together an incredible 5 timer. She now runs off a mark of 120! She has really flown the flag for us this season and has been a model of consistency. What a dream it’s been for all involved, her owners 4 Left Footers & A Blewnose. We don’t think she has finished wining yet either, she is a very exciting and progressive horse. Richie McLernon was a brilliant pilot for 4 of her wins.

The new year saw BILLY BOI BLUE get his hurdling career off to a good start, winning at Hereford under Johnny Burke. He jumped well and won going away. We have always liked this horse, he has lots of ability and is well related. BDR Syndicates have been big supporters of ours and have had lots of success!

More success for MARBLE SANDS, and more success at Musselburgh. Marble Sands went up to Scotland to take his chances in a decent limited handicap. He put his best foot forward and beat a strong field that included Monmiral, who would go on to win the Pertemps at the festival! Again it was Nick Slatter in the saddle, Nick has proved to be excellent value for his claim and is a real asset to the yard. Marble Sands is now rated 146 over fences, the highest rated horse at Martins Hill.

Another winning novice hurdler, MOON CHIME got his jumping together to win at Huntington under Brendan Powell. He then probably became the only horse to ever win by over 50 lengths without having his handicap mark amended. His second success at Newcastle was probably enhanced when his only rival fell at the last, but jumping is the aim of the game. Moon Chime is a horse with an exciting future and he is improving all the time.

Some noteworthy runs from SISTER MICHEAL and BARRAKHOV who ran their usual consistent races. Also a mention to NOT SO SOBERS who made a very promising debut in a good looking bumper. A nice horse to keep an eye on this season.

Another multiple winner was PHILLAPA SUE, who after her good win at Doncaster, was reunited with Kielan Woods for her chasing debut. She’s a mare with lots of size and scope and we’ve always thought she’d be a nice chasing prospect. Once again Kielan gave her a brilliant ride, after a few early errors she really warmed up the the task and battled hard to win by half a length.

Sunday Soldier landing her 5 timer was our final winner of the season and a fitting one at that!

We can’t wait for the season ahead, with a nice team of horses to look forward to, including lots of youngsters that will make debuts in the autumn. Lots to look forward to.

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