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Welcome
to my first instalment of Mick’s Picks and of course, my new
website. I’ll be updating this section on a regular basis
with some news and views and as the title indicates – one or
two dogs that I believe will be worth following around
Oxford over the coming months.
It’s fair
to say I am still on a high after winning Trainer of the
Year at Oxford for the first time in 2009. It’s hard to
believe we’re already (at the time of writing) fast
approaching April. Time is flying fast, but we managed to
finish last year with a bang and we’ve certainly started
this year better than last!
Winning
Trainer of the Year was always my target last year but after
the dreadful start where winners were proving hard to come
by, I thought I’d have to wait another year to win it.
Thankfully, the winners started to flow but even in July,
myself and the kennel didn’t really feel like we were in
contention.
The
winners kept coming however, and after sending out no fewer
than 15 winners in a week, including a five-timer in
November, things were getting pretty close at the top. In
hindsight, everything happened with great timing as we found
ourselves narrowly in front at the beginning of December and
we were not for catching! Even so, it wasn’t until we sent
out a hat-trick of winners on Boxing Day that we started to
relax a little.
It’s an
achievement I am naturally proud of but it wouldn’t have
been possible without a great team of staff supporting me. A
good team who not only work hard, but also have ambitions to
match yours, is vital in ensuring the smooth running of any
kennel. And yes, we’re absolutely desperate to win it again
this year and will continue working hard in the hope our
efforts are rewarded.
As well
as hard work, patience is also essential in this game. With
that in mind, I’d like to thank the continued patience of
some of my owners. Unfortunately injuries will occur from
time to time but it’s great to see both Jet Black Swifty and
Flagstaff Law not only back on track, but exceeding our
expectations after long layoffs. By not rushing them, we’ve
given them every chance to show their best.
 Jet
Black Swifty took an A2 in great style (winning by over 6
lengths) and Flagstaff Law took two races in March, winning
both by more than 5 lengths. It’s hugely satisfying to see
them both running so well.
Looking
at other dogs to follow over the coming months, it will
hopefully prove worth keeping an eye on Jakes Pride who is
just grading on (late March). He looks like going straight
in at A1 and I have high hopes for him. He’s a dog with a
lovely temperament.
Ballylaw Nosey (another just grading on but expected to be
A8 or A9 grade) is an unraced pup and whilst he will not be
a world beater, I am expecting him to give his owner a whole
lot of fun. He’s a nice dog and should win his share.
We’re at
pretty much every sale in Ireland, always looking out for a
bargain. We’ve got lots of contacts but if it’s not myself,
I’ll always have a member of the team over there keeping an
eye on things. We’ve bought several dogs at very reasonable
prices and I am hoping I’ll find a few more like Jakes Pride
over the coming weeks. If I do, I’ll let you know in my next
instalment of Mick’s Picks. |
