The Gold Cup Racing Club enjoyed its first visit to Fergal O'Brien Racing this morning, and what a way to start our journey together.
With the sun shining and Ravenswell looking as spectacular as ever, it was fantastic to welcome a wonderful mix of both familiar and new faces. There was plenty of chatting over coffee, lots of introductions being made, and an immediate sense that The Gold Cup Racing Club is going to be great fun.
Our morning began with a walk around the yard, where members were able to meet not only our mare, Carrigeen Karenga, but many of the other horses in training. There was, as with any yard at this time of year, plenty going on.
Assistant trainer Max Kendrick, who was celebrating his birthday on the day, was on hand throughout the morning answering members' questions and sharing his knowledge. We also spent time on the round gallop with Fergal himself, whose birthday was yesterday, making it a double birthday celebration at the yard! Amazingly not a morsel of cake to be found anywhere!
The highlight of the visit was, of course, meeting Carrigeen Karenga and hearing from Fergal about her progress and what we might have to look forward to during the season ahead.
Q&A with Fergal
What is Carrigeen Karenga like at home?
Fergal described her as a very laid-back character in her stable.
"She's very chilled in her box, she’s normally calm but can be very feisty. Having had a year off she's as keen as mustard during exercise."
It certainly sounds like she's enjoying being back in work.
What do you like about her?
Fergal was quick to praise her physical attributes.
"She's well-built and strong and everything is in the right place."
A reassuring assessment from a trainer who knows exactly what he's looking for.
What makes her exciting?
Fergal was careful not to get too carried away at this early stage.
"She's only been with us a couple of weeks, so we haven't seen enough yet."
However, he did add with a smile:
"She can be a little monkey."
A comment that certainly raised a few laughs among members.
What does she still have to learn?
The focus for now is on allowing her to develop and strengthen.
"She's getting stronger every day."
Having already run in point-to-points in Ireland and recorded two third-place finishes behind some useful horses, the plan is to start steadily.
"We'll start in bumpers around October and see how she gets on. We'll start back at the beginning."
What could the season ahead have in store?
As with all young horses, the message was one of patience.
"We'll start in bumpers and see how it goes."
However, there is already one meeting firmly in everyone's minds.
"The obvious aim would be the April Meeting at Cheltenham on Mares' Day."
Now that's a thought to get us all excited.
And finally... what is the dream?
Well, if you're part of a racing club, dreaming is very much allowed!
The dream is that Carrigeen Karenga progresses through the season, gives us plenty of exciting days out, and perhaps, just perhaps, earns herself a place on one of the biggest stages of all. We'd love to be standing together next spring cheering her on at Cheltenham, sharing a moment that every racing enthusiast hopes for.
For now, though, the message from Fergal was clear: enjoy the journey, take it one race at a time, and have fun along the way.
The adventure has officially begun, and we can't wait to see where Carrigeen Karenga takes us.
If you are interested in being part of the journey and would like to join the Gold Cup Racing Club please contact Lucy.Jackson@thejockeyclub.co.uk
