Our flagship recruit, Ain’t That A Shame, was secured at the David Maxwell Dispersal Sale at Cheltenham in October 2025 for £40,000. A purchase made with careful consideration and conviction.

A 12-year-old, 150-rated chaser previously trained by Henry de Bromhead, he has twice completed the Grand National course, most notably finishing an excellent sixth in the 2024 renewal behind I Am Maximus. He had earlier demonstrated his class when winning the Grade 3 Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park.

Although his age and a previous leg issue presented an element of risk, two independent veterinary opinions were sought prior to purchase, both of whom were satisfied that he would stand up to training and racing. With just 19 career starts, he remains relatively lightly raced and retains the physique and presence of a traditional staying chaser.

Now in training with Tom Ellis, preparations continue with the aim of lining up in the Grand National in April. At the Grand National Weights Luncheon on 17th February, he was placed 57th on the list and will require some luck to secure a place in the final field of 34.

He is very much a soft-ground horse, the softer the better and alternative targets such as the Midlands National remain under consideration should conditions dictate. An ambitious longer-term aim could even include the Grand Steeplechase de Paris in May. We remain hopeful that, following his recovery period and with limited mileage on the clock, there are still significant performances to come.

Our First Homebred Winner – Sold Out

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February delivered a landmark moment for Eventmasters Racing as we celebrated our first homebred winner.

Sold Out (Massaat x Turanga Leela) has progressed steadily with racing, and that development culminated in an impressive all-the-way victory at Newcastle Racecourse on 15th February. Showing excellent gate speed, he took control early under Stevie Donohoe, travelling powerfully and pulling clear in the closing stages to win by two and a quarter lengths.

It was a particularly special success given Stevie’s previous association with his dam, Turanga Leela. Immense credit must go to John Mackie, whose patience and careful management have been instrumental in the gelding’s development.

He followed up with a solid fourth-place finish at Lingfield Park on 21st February. The sharper nature of the track may not have played entirely to his strengths, and a stiffer test could see further improvement. We look forward to seeing how he continues to progress.

Soldhi – Racing Debut Approaches

Soldhi, our filly by Capri out of New Money, is nearing her racecourse debut under the care of John Mackie. She is currently having the final touches applied to her preparation, with the possibility of an away day to further sharpen her before she runs.

She is a filly of considerable scope and athleticism, with black type on her pedigree page. The strength of her staying family gives us every reason to be optimistic as she edges closer to her first start.

Swinging London – Consistent and Versatile

Swinging London continues to run with credit and consistency.

At Kempton Park Racecourse, he contested a two-mile handicap hurdle and produced another commendable effort, staying on well to finish fifth despite a slight mistake at a crucial stage. He followed up at Carlisle Racecourse on 16th February over 2m1f, again finishing strongly to take fourth in the final strides.

His versatility remains a valuable asset, and options include stepping up in trip over hurdles or returning to the all-weather. His attitude and consistency continue to be a great credit to the team.

Four Decades – Encouraging Progress

Four Decades has continued her education over hurdles and is progressing well.

She built on her initial experience with an encouraging performance at Kempton Park Racecourse this month. Settling in midfield in a competitive 16-runner novice hurdle, she made good headway after three out and despite a slight mistake at the final flight, kept on well to finish respectably.

The race represented the strongest contest she has faced to date and we are very pleased with the progress she is showing as she gains experience.

Vaguely Royal – Signs of Improvement

Vaguely Royal, now with Ian Williams, has had two starts on the all-weather.

At Wolverhampton Racecourse on 6th February, he was slow from the stalls and unable to recover sufficient ground to get competitive. He was subsequently stepped up to two miles at Newcastle Racecourse on 19th February, where, despite again losing ground at the start, he showed notable improvement in the straight to finish sixth.

We are hopeful that with sharper beginnings and continued fitness, further improvement will follow.

Thomas Tallis and Unraced Gelding

Thomas Tallis (Havana Gold x Polyphony) has returned from his break looking stronger and refreshed, and we are hopeful that the time away will yield dividends as his campaign resumes.

We also continue to be excited by our unraced gelding by Kameko out of Turanga Leela at John Mackie’s yard. He is developing nicely, and we hope to see him on a racecourse in the not-too-distant future.

Mary Returns

Mary has resumed training following her winter break. Ian Williams is pleased with how she has strengthened and feels the time away has benefited her greatly. We look forward to her return to the racecourse in the coming weeks.

Retirement of Party Business