Roger's back

Yea - back from our summer jollies - but not without firstly calling in on our way home to see the Clayeux's near Moulin. Always interesting . If you didn't already know Emanuel was the pre-trainer of 'The Brothers' - and has many exciting horses - either to stay with him in training or to be sold on . His best young horse - Violet Rose ( pictured in red on far side - with Emanuel and Nicola looking on ) is a big sort blessed with speed who won its first race at Vichy . Willie Mullins has the first option and is over next week to broker a deal but would need to part with 150k € . Don't think that'll be a problem !
I was interested to know how how the 2yr old by Bucks Boom ( brother of Big Bucks ) and Fee Magic (mum to The Brothers ) was progressing . They intend to keep him as a stallion but would like to win a race first . Although they are happy with him Emanuel doesn't think he's in the same class bracket of Grands Crus or Gevery Chambertin . Keep on eye on that one !
Another interesting thing that Emanuel mentioned that due to the new tax rates in France it is becoming almost impossible to send horse to the sales and come away with making a profit . All the 'gooduns' are now bought privately . Does he mean cash-cash ?
The Clayeux's also intend to have more runners at the Cheltenham Festival . They had an excellent 2nd last March to the brilliant Quevaga and are now smitten ! Although they think the prize money is derisory ( tell me more - we won 5 races last year for a total pot of about 16k ) they feel the prestige of a Cheltenham - and the publicity it attracts for them - is well worth the effort . I think we'll be seeing them again next March !
Emanuel has a high reputation for training fillies - so I'm keen on him looking at our young one - Kaptivating . ( Nicola suggested the name and I like it ) He's not bothered if he's training to race - or training to sale - so she'll be heading to the Clayeux's for her formative years . At least he will be quite blunt about whether she'll ever make a racehorse !
And we're off down to Pond House this Saturday to see how our fellas have faired this summer - so plenty of photos to come . CU