HMS PRESIDENT VICTORIOUS RETURN TO THE TRACK
HMS President has been a high performer for HP Racing on the Flat and made a start over hurdles when finishing second at Plumpton in February this year. He has benefited from a good break over the last few months and rewarded his patient owners with an impressive winning return to racing, making all to take the novice hurdle at Kempton on Monday without coming off the bridle. He had one or two hairy moments when a loose horse came across and knocked him off his stride, but aside from that the result was never in doubt.
Well done to Alan King, Tom Cannon and everyone concerned with this well deserved win. An exciting day for his loyal owners. Pictured with Mandy Thomas, giving him a well deserved pat!
ASTON MARTINI JUST MISSES OUT AT BANGOR
Aston Martini looked in fabulous shape in the Parade Ring ahead of the Class 2 handicap hurdle at Bangor on Wednesday 13th November and was awarded the Best Turned Out prize. She travelled round strongly under Nico de Boinville for most of the race and likely would have won but for jinking left then right and losing momentum at the last hurdle and Nico did well to stay on board. She was about 2 lengths up at the time and without this error would possibly have held off the challenge of the eventual winner and was beaten three-quarters of a length. This was her handicap and seasonal debut and she will surely come on for the run.
TROY STORY DELIGHTS ALAN KING & ROSSA RYAN
Alan King has always been pleased with the progress of Troy Story, our attractive 2yo colt by Ulysses, who was making his nursery
debut at Kempton on Wednesday, ridden by the in form Rossa Ryan. Rossa gave him a lovely confident ride and Troy Story picked up well and hit the front within the final furlong, just getting caught in the final strides by an experienced filly trained by Richard Hannon. Rossa and Alan were both delighted with this effort and he is an exciting horse to look forward to next year. (photo right – owners with Rossa Ryan in Parade Ring, Kempton)
Alan King reports HMS President in good order and ready to return to the track and he has made an entry in the novices’ hurdle at Kempton on Monday 11th November. He schools well and we are looking forward to seeing him back in action.
DETAILS COMING SOON OF NEW COLT BY ULYSSES, TO BE TRAINED BY EVE JOHNSON HOUGHTON
HP Racing’s latest recruit is a striking yearling colt by Ulysses, a fabulous mover with great presence and substance. Sourced for us by Anthony Bromley of Highflyer Bloodstock, this colt looks a great middle distance prospect, to be trained by our principal Flat trainer, Eve Johnson Houghton. Get in touch to reserve a share in the small syndicate being formed.
SEVEN BARROWS VISIT TO SEE ASTON MARTINI
The weather was perfect with beautiful autumn sunshine for the owners’ visit to see Aston Martini on Nicky Henderson‘s gallops at Seven Barrows recently. She looked in fabulous condition after her summer break and this lovely mare by Getaway, a three times winner last season, looks all set to give plenty of fun over the coming months. HP Racing owners had an enjoyable visit and lunch with Nicky Henderson and were able to spot one or two of the stable stars as well!
Aston Martini – a beautiful looking mare with plenty of ability – an exciting prospect for the coming months
STASH THE CASH SCOOPS THE PRIZE AGAIN AT HAMILTON
Stash The Cash and David Allan landed the short odds with another good victory in the 5f sprint at Hamilton Monday 30th September, following their nice win at the track the previ0us week (pictured right). Tim Easterby is delighted with how this consistent 3 year old gelding by Profitable has progressed, notching up his third win of the season and all being well there should be more to come …
TROY STORY RUNS ANOTHER NICE RACE
Our attractive 2yo colt by Ulysses, Troy Story, has made a very pleasing start and ran another nice race to finish third at Catterick, on just his third outing. His trainer Alan King says he has a great attitude and is making up in to a lovely horse and his owners have much to look forward to. He will be allocated a handicap mark and may have one more run before the end of the season.
STASH THE CASH FLIES HOME AT HAMILTON
Stash The Cash just missed out by a neck last time at Carlisle and he deserved this decisive victory at Hamilton on Monday 23 September in the 5f handicap, where he flew home to win by a length and a half. David Allan reported he pinged the stalls and had the race won in four strides and Tim Easterby was pleased to see this consistent and likeable 3 year old get his second win of the season. The good to soft ground was in his favour and his owners can expect further fun and success ahead.
DUE TO HENRY – FABULOUS THIRD WIN OF THE SEASON
Newbury 20 Sep 2024 – Pic Steven Cargill
Due To Henry won the 1m 2f handicap at Newbury on Friday, making it his third victory of the season. It was great to have Tom Marquand back in the saddle for HP Racing and Tom gave him a beautiful ride, making virtually all and staying on well to win by a neck. This lovely progressive 3 year old was named by one of his owners and the syndicate put together in memory of HP Racing founder, Henry Ponsonby and was a poignant victory for all concerned.
EVENTS COMING UP FOR HP RACING OWNERS …
- HP Racing Owners were hosted by Whitsbury Manor Stud in Hampshire, to see our 2yo filly by Sergei Prokofiev, Soviet Symphony, who is having a break there at the moment. This was a great chance to see behind the scenes of this incredibly successful stud and view the leading sires that stand there, including Showcasing (sire of our own Forever My Prince), Sergei Prokofiev Havana Grey and their latest stallion, the stunning grey Dragon Symbol.
- A day at the Tattersalls Yearling Sales, Newmarket – spending some time with leading Bloodstock Agent, Anthony Bromley of Highflyer Bloodstock and our principal Flat trainer, Eve Johnson Houghton, who is having a tremendous season this year. A glimpse in to the art of what to look for in a potential future winner and experience the excitement of being in the auction room, where the great and the good of the bloodstock world gather to bid on fabulously bred youngsters. JOIN A NEW SYNDICATE –
HP Racing has got a new colt to run as a 2yo in 2025 Get in touch without delay if you are interested in being part of the next small syndicate, limited spaces.
Email: office@sheffordbloodstock.com or ring 01488 638718.
- Special private arrangement for HP Racing owners to see the Juddmonte Stallions at Newmarket. A tour of Banstead Manor Stud and viewing of some of the top stallions that stand in this country, including Frankel, Kingman, Oasis Dream.
TROY STORY – VERY PLEASING SECOND RUN
Troy Story, (pictured) put in a very nice run on just his second start in a highly competitive maiden at Sandown last month. Kieran Shoemark gave him a beautiful ride and the pair held a good position just in behind the leaders, making a move at the 2f mark, running on to finish fourth. The race was won by the talented Sir Michael Stoute trained Jonquil, ridden by Ryan Moore. There is much to like about Troy Story, he should build again on this effort and looks an exciting prospect for his owners.
DUE TO HENRY DOESN’T DISAPPOINT IN THE RACING LEAGUE
Due To Henry trained by Eve Johnson Houghton put in another good effort with a great run in the Racing League 1m 2f handicap at
6.00 at Windsor on Thursday night. This was his toughest challenge yet taking on some seasoned handicappers and he travelled well throughout the race, coming 5th in a tight finish beaten just 2 lengths. It was an enjoyable evening for his owners to be part of the Racing League competition and another fun evening at Windsor.
HENRY DOES IT AGAIN…
Due To Henry was an impressive winner of the last race at Windsor on a wet gloomy evening on Monday 15th July. Ridden by Champion Jockey William Buick, the pair dictated the 1m 2f handicap from the front for a comfortable two and three-quarter lengths win. This was Due To Henry‘s second win from just his fourth run and this progressive 3yo delighted his owners. The syndicate was formed in memory of HP Racing’s founder, the late Henry Ponsonby and several family members were present to share in this victory. Eve Johnson Houghton loves this horse and he continues to be an exciting prospect.
FOREVER MY PRINCE WINS AT LINGFIELD
Forever My Prince was a good winner at Lingfield in July, taking the 6f nursery handicap with a comfortable 1 length win. There is likely to be more to come from this likable 2yo colt by Showcasing, he has a great attitude and all credit to him for getting the job done on soft ground conditions that he probably did not enjoy. A wonderful win for his enthusiastic owners, many of them present to enjoy this victory – onwards and upwards!!
HOORAY FOR HENRY!
Due To Henry came on leaps and bounds from his promising first run at Chepstow to win the novice stakes at Lingfield on June 10th under
another nice ride from George Downing. He travelled easily for the most part of the race and when George asked him to go at the two marker, he responded well to lead 1f out, running on well to the line to win by half a length.
Congratulations to all concerned. He had a good team of supporters present to be part of this poignant victory. Due To Henry was one of the last yearlings bought by HP Racing’s founder, the late Henry Ponsonby, just days before he sadly died and this syndicate was put together in Henry’s memory, with the horse being rather aptly named by one of the owners. Well done to our trainer, Eve Johnson Houghton – this victory continued the great run of form she is having and long may it continue!
STASH THE CASH RUNS A BIG RACE TO FINISH SECOND AT MUSSELBURGH
Stash The Cash, trained by Tim Easterby, put in a great effort in the £12,000 5f handicap at Musselburgh, finishing second behind the runaway winner, Pilgrim (subsequent Royal Ascot winner). This likeable horse got us off the mark for the Flat season at Catterick early April winning in good style and has run well in his subsequent two runs at the prestigious Chester Festival and York’s Dante meeting. Duran Fentiman was again on board at Musselburgh and knows him well and the pair should be back in the winners enclosure before too long. Stash The Cash is a nice looking 3yo gelding by successful sire Profitable and a good fun type to be involved with. Get in touch if you would like to join in.
STASH THE CASH – GETS US OFF THE MARK FOR THE FLAT SEASON
Our promising 3 year old Stash The Cash, trained by Tim Easterby, has been coming along nicely in his recent work at home and powered home in testing conditions at Catterick to win the 5f handicap by 3 1/4 lengths, ridden by Duran Fentiman and we are delighted to have our first HP Racing winner of the Flat season! Tim Easterby was very pleased with this effort and was grateful to the owners who have been patient and given this good looking horse plenty of time. Stash The Cash, a well bred gelding by Profitable, put in three decent efforts as a 2 year old and we can expect more fun and excitement over the coming months from this good looking horse.
HP RACING OWNERS’ MORNING WITH EVE JOHNSON HOUGHTON
Eve Johnson Houghton has got off to a flying start to the turf season with plenty of winners on the score sheet already, including 2 year old winners. It is good to see her horses running so well and our HP Racing owners had an interesting and informative visit to her successful yard last week to see our team of four horses. Our 3 year olds Gold Minx and Due To Henry look extremely well and we are excited about smart looking 2 year old colt Forever My Prince. The latest addition is a lovely 2 year old filly named Soviet Symphony and her sire Sergei Prokofiev has made a great start to his stallion career.
Gold Minx Due To Henry
Forever My Prince Soviet Symphony
CONGRATULATIONS TO HOLLIE WILTSHIRE – AWARD WINNER!
HP Racing is delighted that Hollie Wiltshire, who is based with Alan King and looks after the superstar Edwardstone and our own Mount Olympus, (pictured together after his win at Goodwood, above) was awarded the Newcomer Award at the Godolphin Thoroughbred Employee Awards Ceremony held at Ascot Racecourse in February. A marvellous achievement, congratulations and well done Hollie!
Hollie with Alan King at the Awards Evening
MOUNT OLYMPUS PLEASING RETURN TO THE TRACK
Alan King was pleased with Mount Olympus’ run at Ludlow, on his second start over hurdles. This was an encouraging effort on ground that was more testing than would normally be suitable. He travelled well and hurdled very well under Tom Bellamy and just ran out of steam on the ground conditions. There is much to look forward to over hurdles when the going has improved and also mixing it up on the Flat, where he was a 3-times winner last season.
ASTON MARTINI MAKES IT THREE FROM THREE – BUT WITH A STING IN THE TAIL …
Aston Martini looked in fabulous shape ahead of the Mares’ Novices Hurdle at Lingfield’s Winter Million Festival on Sunday 21st January. She ran a great race in a competitive Class 2 event under a good ride from James Bowen and despite being headed in the final half furlong, she fought back to win by a nose in a photo finish, to make it a third win from just three runs. An exciting moment for her owners present. However, then came the sting – there was a slight coming together and bump between Aston Martini and the second horse and following a lengthy Stewards’ Enquiry, the result was reversed with Aston Martini being placed second. The ups and downs of racing were certainly experienced all in the space of half an hour!
Following an appeal against the demotion, a hearing was convened and the Appeals Panel reinstated Aston Martini’s win. It was a fair hearing and a relief to all concerned that Aston Martini has had her three from three record restored.
Nicky Henderson is delighted with the progress of this lovely mare and she was the first HP Racing winner of 2024. We can expect more exciting days ahead.
ASTON MARTINI SMOOTH VICTORY ON HURDLING DEBUT
Aston Martini kept her unbeaten record intact at Hereford on Tuesday in very taking fashion. Readily putting the 2:05pm Mares’ Maiden Hurdle to bed, she won by a comfortable 9 lengths under a confident ride from Nico De Boinville, going clear after 2 out . She jumped well and looks a really exciting prospect going forward.
Thank you to Nicky Henderson and the whole team at Seven Barrows, who produced her in great form, and to Nico De Boinville who gave her a lovely ride. Congratulations to all her owners ,who can continue to look onwards and upwards.
REMEMBERING HENRY AT NEWBURY-SEPTEMBER2023
We had a wonderful turnout of owners, friends and family to remember Henry Ponsonby at Newbury on Friday 22nd September 2023, where HP Racing sponsored the first race, the Henry Ponsonby Memorial EBF Maiden Stakes. Eve Johnson Houghton had kindly arranged for our two 2 year olds, Due To Henry and Gold Minx, led by older horse The Princes Poet, to parade before racing in the Paddock and we were very fortunate the sun was shining. It was a most enjoyable day to gather together in our hospitality Box and share memories and raise a glass to Henry. The race was won by a promising Godolphin owned grey colt called Movie Maker, trained by Saeed bin Suroor and Christine Ponsonby (Henry’s daughter) made the presentation to winning connections, with Liz Rutter and Fiona Marner.
SCARLET DRAGON CONTINUES TO IMPRESS IN THE SHOWRING
Former HP Racing Royal Ascot winner and general stalwart Scarlet Dragon (pictured with Hollie Doyle) is thriving in his new career in the show ring. Under the supervision of Solway Sport Horses (see here ) he last week continued his winning thread at the ROR National Championships held at Aintree International Equestrian Centre. Having qualified for the event when winning his first show on grass in May, he partook in three individual classes and in the Always a Star Parade.
His results at the Championship were as follows:
1st – In Hand Newcomers (Flat)
5th -Tattersalls ROR Novice Show Horse Series
6th – In Hand Showing -Always A Star (Flat & NH)
The equestrian centre is based at Aintree Racecourse so he probably thought he was back in action on a racecourse, having previously run at the track in the Grade 1 Novices Hurdle. Hollie Doyle also recently mentioned him in an interview as a horse who kick started her career. Well done Scarlet Dragon!
Who Dares Wins , a winner at Royal Ascot in the same year as Scarlet Dragon has also been progressing nicely with his retraining. His new owner recently sent across videos of him having a go at cross country. We look forward to seeing more of him as well.
STASH THE CASH FINISHES FOURTH ON HIS SECOND RUN
Tim Easterby was delighted with Stash The Cash‘s first time out on a racecourse at Carlisle and this smart 2 year old gelding by the speedy sire Profitable looks like being a fun horse for his owners. He had his second run at Ripon in a decent 2yo novice stakes and finished a very pleasing fourth. He has clearly come on in leaps and bounds and was quick out the stalls, travelled well and stayed on well to the line. A most promising effort and much to look forward to, particularly when he is qualified for nurseries. Tim Easterby was very happy with this performance and also commented on what a great temperament and attitude he is showing. Shares available in this super prospect
HMS PRESIDENT – AN EXCITING DAY AT ROYAL ASCOT
HMS President ran a fabulous race, expertly guided by Rossa Ryan, to come second by just a neck to Okita Soushi in the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap today, Friday 23rd June. Congratulations to all connections!
This is a race we have won previously with Alan King when Scarlet Dragon was victorious in 2020.
Alan’s horses continue to be in tremendous form and we congratulate him on achieving an incredible 2,000th winner at Sandown.
ASTON MARTINI IMPRESSES WITH SMOOTH BUMPER WIN
Aston Martini is a lovely 4 year old mare by Getaway and Nicky Henderson has been patient in finding the right track and ground conditions for her to make her debut. Nico de Boinville (pictured on Aston Martini) gave her a super ride and the pair cruised to victory, quickening away from the field to win the Mares’ Bumper by 5 lengths at Southwell on Tuesday.
She is an exciting prospect to go hurdling with in the autumn. Well done to all concerned and the fourth winner in five weeks for the small team of HP Racing horses.
HMS PRESIDENT EXCITING WIN AT NEWMARKET
HMS President ran a great race to get up and win by a neck the £100,000 Guineas Festival Heritage Handicap at Newmarket on 1,000 Guineas day Sunday 7th May. Rossa Ryan gave him a lovely ride and owners present were delighted and it was also a poignant victory, remembering the late Henry Ponsonby, who adored this horse and was surely looking down with a smile.
LAST FEW SHARES AVAILABLE IN NEW TWO YEAR OLD PROSPECT WITH TIM EASTERBY
STASH THE CASE Bay Gelding by Profitable – Appreciating (New Approach)
Contact: office@sheffordbloodstock.com for further details
He is by the high performing Profitable, who is getting plenty of winners and his dam was bred by our late Queen. The pedigree on his dam’s side is full of Black Type and this fellow looks a speedy type to have some fun with this summer. Tim was delighted with his first run at Carlisle recently, where he ran a bit green but was finishing off his race well – a good start and jockey David Allan was most complimentary and liked him alot.
OUR LOVELY FILLY WITH NICKY HENDERSON – ASTON MARTINI – TAKING A LEAD FROM ONE OF THE YARD SUPERSTARS, JONBON
HP RACING OWNERS VISIT TO EVE JOHNSON HOUGHTON’S WOODWAY YARD
We had the ideal weather to view our horses at Eve Johnson Houghton’s yard in the spring and our owners in The Princes Poet, King Of The Dance, Noble Masquerade, Boy Browning and new 2 year olds Gold Minx and Due To Henry spent an enjoyable morning seeing the horses in action on the gallops. All the horses are coming along nicely and thanks and credit to Eve and her staff for organising this and giving us a warm welcome, it was a pleasure to be there.
On the Downs to see the horses – our two 2 year olds Due To Henry (yellow cap), Gold Minx (red cap, nearside)
A WONDERFUL FAREWELL TO HENRY
The Church in Lambourn was packed full with Henry Ponsonby’s family and friends from the racing community and beyond for a service of thanksgiving remembering the life of a special person on Thursday 20th October 2022. Henry, the founder of HP Racing and Shefford Bloodstock and pioneer of racing syndicates, died peacefully at home on Thursday 15th September 2022 with his beloved dog, Miller, by his side. Miller was present at the private funeral for Henry in the village Church, where his constant wagging tail kept many amused!
Henry’s sister, Elizabeth Shand, gave an insight in to his early years and life and another sister, Caroline Maloney, did a reading. Nicky Henderson made a warm and humorous address and with rousing hymns the service was very moving. Donations were made to the Injured Jockeys Fund www.injuredjockeysfund.co.uk a cause that Henry supported over many years.
Racing has lost a great friend and huge character, with an enormous appetite for life and Fun. Described by many as an eternal optimist, enthusiastic, infuriating, irrepressible, he was a complete one off and will be greatly missed by his family and his many, many friends in the racing world and beyond.
The HP Racing syndicates continue on, as Henry would have wished and he would be delighted to see the horses racing and fulfilling the plans he had made with his trainers, Eve Johnson Houghton, Alan King, Nicky Henderson and Tim Easterby. With the support of his loyal owners, HP Racing will continue Henry’s passion for horses and racing.
Click here to view possible entries Entries Being Considered – HP Racing (henryponsonby.com)
MEMORIES OF 2020 – WHO DARES WINS & SCARLET DRAGON – A FAIRYTALE ROYAL ASCOT 2020
Who Dares Wins ridden by Tom Marquand rounded off an incredible Royal Ascot week for us with a narrow victory in the Queen Alexandra Stakes. Timeform’s comment sums up this wonderful horse:
“Who Dares Wins has been a wonderful servant, without needing to even run to his best in a thin renewal, added a 
Royal Ascot success to a role of honour that includes a Northumberland Plate, the Gerry Fielden Hurdle and Pendil Chase, a level of versatility that is rarely seen; never far away, shaken up three out, led under pressure approaching final one furlong, driven out”.
Scarlet Dragon, reunited with Hollie Doyle, skipped through the field to an exciting victory in
the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes, giving Hollie her first Royal Ascot success. Hollie knows this horse well, having won his biggest ever victory in the Heritage Handicap at Newmarket as a 3 year old and also being Group placed at Goodwood, beaten under 2 lengths behind Poet’s Word . Held up in rear, they made steady headway over 2f out weaving through the field and finishing strongly to win by half a length. A great ride by Hollie and well deserved victory for Scarlet Dragon.
HMS President, trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, came very close beaten just over 2 lengths in the Golden Gates on Thursday and this horse is one on the block for the future. He is rated quite a bit higher at this stage of his career than Who Dares Wins and Scarlet Dragon were, so lots to look forward to.
“I cannot thank all our HP Racing owners enough for the support they have given us over the years and without them none of these events could ever take place. We must also raise our glasses to Alan King, Eve Johnson Houghton and their staff, who have been so instrumental in planning these horses’ careers” Henry Ponsonby
