Horse Racing

By Peter Burgon

As part of National Racehorse Week in September, Tim Reed’s yard held a well attended Open Day which showcased his team of horses to follow over the winter months as well as giving the general public an insight into what goes on behind the scenes.

The Reed family first moved to the picturesque Moss Kennels Farm near Housesteads Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall in 1963 with Tim taking over the training operation from his father, George in 1998.

He rode as an amateur jockey, winning the championship in the mid 1980s before turning professional and partnered nearly 400 career winners over jumps.

His biggest success came in the 1988 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on High Edge Grey in just his second season as a professional and he retired from the saddle after scoring on Kerry Lads at Carlisle on January 15, 2002.

As well as training horses, Tim has worked as a Jockey Coach at the Northern Racing College for 19 years and as one of the BHA’s jockey coaches for the last eight years.

His team of horses were shown off individually in the indoor arena with commentary from local journalist, Peter Burgon and Tim. Five horses then went through their paces on the adjoining carpet-based all weather gallop before Ruinous and Alf ‘N’ Dor were seen in action over the schooling fences. Back in the yard’s barns, there was a racehorse simulator for any budding jockeys to try along with demonstrations from a farrier and racehorse physio.

Angelsea Lace – Lightly raced nine-year-old mare. Won a Dingley Maiden in May 2018 but finished lame when runner-up next time out at Ampton in January 2019. Off the track for 778 days and now fully recovered. Stays well and wouldn’t want quick ground. Likely to re-appear over hurdles at Newcastle on November 18.

Alf ‘N’ Dor – A gift horse from Peter Bowen last year. Experienced campaigner with six wins and 17 placings from 41 career starts and has never fallen. Best on left handed tracks and, if ready, will run at Ayr on October 25 or November 16.

Force De Frap – Promising six-year-old gelding who was placed in six of his nine starts over jumps in France and a recent addition to the yard. Needs plenty of cut and likely to be seen over hurdles from mid-November onwards.

Largy Fix – One of the highest rated Irish Point-to-Point winners in training in the North and a very exciting prospect. The form of his Loughanmore Maiden success in April 2019 has worked out well and being aimed at a 2m4f Ayr Novices’ Hurdle on November 16.

Leverock Lass – Won an Irish Maiden on debut in May 2018 and has subsequently scored twice under Rules on testing ground for Tim’s yard. Her jumping is a great asset and will stick to mares only contests over trips in excess of 2m4f.

Ruinous – Highest rated chaser in the yard on 128. Both career wins came on right handed tracks and probably wants decent ground. Might re-appear in the Peter Beaumont Memorial Chase at Wetherby on October 13, otherwise will wait for Ayr’s opening NH card on October 25.

Welsh Reign – Irish Maiden winner in December 2020 and joined Tim’s yard seven months ago. Not beaten far when placed in 3m chases at Hexham in June. Will start off in Point-to-Points at Hexham (November 28) or Alnwick (December 12) and an intended comeback ride for Hexham MP, Guy Opperman at Alnwick’s West Percy fixture on Sunday, January 9, 2022.

In addition, ex-Irish Pointers, Choctaw Brave and Time Leader are set to have their first runs for the yard over hurdles, while the unraced She's A Steal could make her debut in a National Hunt Flat Race in November.