Time is the one thing you cannot stop but offers the opportunity of looking back at the memories made. Bielsa burst on to the scene with a winning debut before being a mainstay for the major sprint handicaps. He achieved the big one when taking the 2021 Ayr Gold Cup, landing the fifth for Kevin and the team at Hambleton Lodge. Unfortunately he will not be seen on the track again as the decision was made to retire the 9yr old and allow him to take up leisurely duties where it all began for him.

Bred by the Wainwright family at Highbank Stud, Bielsa didn’t make a sale so was sent into training. He was set a tough task from the get go, named after Marcelo Bielsa by his die hard Leeds United fans owners. Marcelo Biesla was obviously a legend in Yorkshire around this time so it was quite obvious that when his equine namesake hit the track, it would garner a lot of attention.

It was quite a wait to see him in action, with Bielsa making his debut at the end of his 3yo season. Winning at Redcar was the perfect start but it would be 6 months before he would back that up. Now 4, the gelding would turn up at Doncaster with a bigger legion of followers. As the Leeds United forums and twitter accounts clocked on to a horse named after their manager, the support got stronger for him through the day. Despite carrying 10st and giving heaps of weight away, Bielsa won again and was the toast of Yorkshire. Now he would enter handicap company, starting off 87 but the winning run would be stretched to three when he won at Thirsk next time out. Unfortunately his first try at a top Handicap, The Portland at Doncaster, would prove to be all wrong. The sharper trip on quick ground did not suit but Bielsa would round off 2019 with one more win and see his handicap mark rise to three figures.

2020 would be the season where nothing went right for the horse but a lot was learnt. Purchased by King Power Racing during the winter, Bielsa offered the chance for famous blue colours to be represented by Hambleton Lodge. Obviously the whole year was thrown into chaos with lockdown but Royal Ascot was the first opportunity when racing resumed. Sent off favourite, Bielsa couldn’t make any impression in the Wokingham, won by stable mate Hey Jonesy. It was clear that fast ground was not favourable and in time Bielsa would have a little wind op after a winless season.

From then on Bielsa was a regular at all the big meetings and any top handicap would usually have him somewhere to the fore of the betting. The 2021 season was actually quite frustrating but would culminate in one of the best performances. On three occasions it looked as though he was the most likely winner, only to be done by the draw. Everyone knew there was a big one there for the taking but it felt that lad luck was not on his side. Again it seemed that the cards were stacked against Bielsa  when he lined up for the Ayr Gold Cup. Drawn 25, against the stands side rail, was deemed as a bit of a death draw. Nothing had been winning from the high numbers but Kevin was adamant that this had left fresh ground. Kevin Stott (the only jockey to win on the gelding to this point) took the advice and went on a solo mission. The 24 runners split into two groups, hugging the far side and the centre. There was on lone warrior, stuck against the rail with Kevin Stott almost rubbing the paint off the rails he was that close. There were many a betting ticket crumpled at the 5f pole, as the general feeling was the race was now down to 23, you couldn’t win from there. By halfway the the field two groups began to merge and a glance to Bielsa  saw he was still keeping tabs with them. Again the feeling was that he was running a good race to be this close for so long but he wouldn’t be in the shake up. All that would change at the 2f pole. Suddenly it seemed as though Bielsa was actually in with a chance, more than a chance, he was pressing the leaders. With he favourited bursting through on the far side they were separated by the entire width of the track. It looked set to be a real battle, that was until the camera angle panned round. Inside the final furlong the whole race perspective changed. Bielsa wasn’t just doing well, he wasn’t giving it a go, he was winning, no he was dominating. What had seemed a minimal margin was a clear lead and it was only going to be extended. Celebrations from Stott was echoed by everyone involved as Bielsa took the 2021 Ayr Gold Cup.

It was always going to be hard following that success, with his handicap mark now up to 107. Bordering on the handicap/pattern races through 2022 it was the following year where Bielsa would be back to his best. Last season started well, back down in the weights and on his favoured ground, Bielsa returned with a close second at Redcar. To prove that age was not yet catching up with him, the gelding would then secure a big field win at York, at the Dante festival. Ridden by Oisin Murphy, he travelled beautifully behind the pace, bursting through inside the 2f pole before repelling a late challenge. It was great to see him back and although the season wouldn’t offer any more wins, there were a couple of close calls. Finishing third in the Stewards cup was a fine effort and with a more favourable draw it could have so easily been better still.

Bielsa retires in great health and owes nothing. He finished with 6 wins to his name from just 33 runs, accumulating £197,840 in prize money. He will always have his name on the roll of honour at Ayr racecourse. Bielsa has returned to his birthplace of Highbank Stud thanks to King Power for kindly agreeing. He will have a lovely retirement and throughout his career, he did his namesake proud, carrying the name Bielsa to some top performances.

Just one run as a juvenile at the back of the year, Inisherin may have caught the eye on debut but he would certainly go into notebooks on his return to action. Impressing all the way, Inisherin took the Win £2,000,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Novice Stakes at Newcastle in emphatic fashion.

Owned and bred by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, Inisherin is one of Shamardal’s last progeny with the star stallion passing away in 2022. Matched with the Group 1 winning mare, Ajman Princess, Inisherin has the pedigree to be a star but he has to prove it on the track.

There was never a rush with the colt and he was allowed the time to progress through his juvenile year. Inisherin is a beautiful physical but he did just need the time to really fill out into his frame, and when he did the home work began to show this. Starting his career at HQ, Inisherin showed early professionalism but narrowly went down to a far more experienced rival. The front two pulled a long way clear and Inisherin had been given a very easy, educational ride which solidified the promise shown.

Coming to hand early in the year is a positive but there will always be an issue of ground conditions if running on the turf. The good thing is the Newcastle offers plenty of 3yo races and the Tapeta surface is perfect for good moving horses. Inisherin headed north to take on 6 rivals. It looked a strong field and despite Inisherin going off odds on, he would have to be on his game to take the spoils.

Tom Eaves was took the ride and was positive form the outset. Inisherin jumped well and was allowed to use his stride as the colt swiftly move forward to take the lead. With his rivals happy to take a lead, Tom was able to set a fairly steady pace as they tracked over towards the stands side rail. Very little would change through the first half of the race and the market leaders were to the fore, headed by the favourite, Inisherin.

When the pace is sedate you always expect a mad dash with a sudden increase in tempo. Inisherin was allowed to stride out in front and smoothly took the field to the 3f marker. As they continued on towards the business end, the market leaders started to take control as they lined up for a crack at Inisherin. Tom had yet to see a rival and maintained his confident demeanour in the saddle.

Passing the 2f pole the lead had been cut but the difference was that Inisherin still travelled hard on the bridle. Sometimes this can be a false dawn but not for Inisherin. He held his rivals at bay with the minimum of fuss giving Tom the decision of when to go. Again inexperience can catch a horse out but Inisherin quickly dispelled those thoughts too. Moving into the final furlong, Tom gave the colt a squeeze and the response was immediate. The race was over in a couple of strides and the final furlong was a victory lap. Inisherin strode out to a comfortable 3 1/2 lengths win, doing so as he please and under the minimum of fuss.

You couldn’t have asked of anything more than what Inisherin did in his comeback. He travelled well, quickened up when asked and showed he had learnt from his first run. Obviously there will be bigger tasks for him but this did read a good novice on paper and he put his rivals in their place comfortably. Everyone is hoping their Cassy 3yo’s could potentially develop into a classic contender and Inisherin does hold those entries. He has done the first part well and now it may be worth looking towards a trial to test his credentials.

Promising at 2 and holding some big entries, 2024 was always going to be an important year for Sisyphean. The son of Dubawi had caught the eye in his juvenile season but now he would have to confirm that promise. Returning to the track he did just that, making all the win the 1m Win £2,000,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Novice Stakes at Newcastle.

Owned and bred by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, Sisyphean always had the size and scope to develop in time. It was great to see him hit the track as a 2yo when he tackled the Convivial Maiden on his debut at York. Despite showing inexperience, he finished the race strong and suggested that stepping up from 7f would suit.

Finishing second at Ayr, when he travelled with ease before just getting collared on the line, and then fourth at Newmarket confirmed the promise shown on debut. Everything he did in his 2yo season was going to be a bonus so there was excitement about what he could produce the following year.

The winter break had been beneficial for Sisyphean, who really matured into his large frame. Coming to hand early meant that the all-weather was an obvious option for the colt. This time of year does offer some nice maiden and novice races, with Newcastle providing the ideal type of track for Sisyphean. Despite Sisyphean holding the best form and a handicap mark of 80, he would only be second favourite behind the £1.2 million debutante No Retreat. Tom eaves took the ride and would take control pf the race from the off.

Bouncing out of the stalls, Sisyphean jumped to his left but immediately corrected his course and took the lead. With the favourite happy to take a lead, Sisyphean would set the early fractions as Tom began to edge over towards the stands side rail. Allowed to use his big stride, Sisyphean set a nice gallop and would stretch to over a length advantage as the field gallop chased him.

Moving well, Sisyphean had the field stretched by halfway as the majority of his rivals came under pressure. It was clear by the 3f pole that the race would be between the 3 market leaders as they moved into position to lay down a challenge to Sisyphean. The colt was still travelling powerfully on the front end was eating up the ground with every stride.

Cruising up to the 2f pole, Sisyphean was still out in front but his rivals were beginning to shift through the gears. Tom now loosened the reins and asked his mount to lengthen. The colt began to quicken up and now the race was on for the win. With leading trio pulling away from the rest they were also dragging each other along. having com off the bridle earlier, it was actually the fav who now looked to be going the best of all. Sisyphean still held the lead and had yet to hit top gear.

Entering the final furlong Tom now asked for maximum effort. Sisyphean now began to find his stride and pulled away from the fav. Holding a 1/2 length lead, Sisyphean now had just 1oo yards to secure the win. He would need to battle though as between the front two, the eventual runner up was finishing well. This late charge seemed to help the fav and the pair threw down one last challenge. Sisyphean was not for stopping and battled all the way to the line. Sticking his neck out, the colt secured his first career win by a nose.

Although he has shown plenty of promise as a 2yo, Sisyphean had yet to really learn how to race properly. This win will have certainly helped with that as Tom took control of the contest before he then had to show a gutsy attitude in the latter stages. Obviously the winning margin was narrow but there is reason to think that he was worth a bit more. It was his first run of the new year and whatever he did here, Sisyphean would certainly come on for the run. Also he had to do it the hard way, setting the pace and running with a target on his back. Sisyphean is a lovely colt and it will be very interesting to see just where he can get to. With a beautiful pedigree there is suggestion that he could well get further in time and there could be some nice races to look forward to this season.

It has been a productive start for the yards 3yo’s in shedding their maiden tags. Call To Action had made a very promising start to his career when finishing second on debut. He improved upon that result immediately when winning at the second time of asking, taking the 5f Build Your Acca With Betuk Maiden Stakes at Newcastle.

Whilst Call To Action had made his debut over 6f, he had shown plenty of speed. With the nature of Newcastle, the 5f maiden looked a nice race if the colt could handle to step bak in trip. The race attracted 10 runners but it was all about Call To Action who was the well fancied 4/5 fav. Shane Gray had ridden on debut and retained the ride for his second start.

Jumping well, Call To Action latched on to the pace, chasing the early leaders. Edging over, closer to the stands side rail, the pace was brisk as Shane maintained his spot towards the outer of the first three. There was no messing about and the first couple of furlongs went by in a flash.

Halfway through the race saw the majority of the field struggling to get involved in the contest. The leader kicked 2f out and this meant Shane had to go with them. Call To Action was still travelling the best while the owners other horse split the pair.

It was the Bronte Collections colours who moved to the front as they went eye to eye passing the 1f marker. Shane had to get lower in the saddle but he was getting a good response from his mount. The further they ent the more it suited Call To Action and the colt began to move away 100 yards from home. Staying on the stronger, he powered clear to take the win by a clear 1 length.

This was a nice performance from Call To Action and he could have put more distance to the second horse with further to run. The stiff track at Newcastle certainly helped him over the minimum trip and more will come when stepping back up to 6f. He only has the two runs so there is plenty of improvement open to him and Call To Action could progress nicely over the next few months.

The all-weather provides ample opportunities at this time of the year for lightly raced individuals. Only in Jakarta ticks that box with just 3 runs to his name last year. He made his a successful, return to action when taking the 7f Boost You Acca At Betmgm Novice Stakes at Newcastle.

Typical of his sire, No Nay Never, Only in Jakarta was a lovely looking colt along with a powerful physical. After making a low key debut he was afforded time to mature through the season before tackling his second run. Subsequently his following two runs would result in runner up finishes, showing plenty of promise along the way. On both occasions only immaturity cost the colt, who had yet to match up his racing mind with his physique.

Keen to get a win under his belt and looking towards his 3yo campaign, it was decided that Only in Jakarta would have a campaign on the all-weather. although holding a handicap mark of 78, the novice route was chosen. Tom Eaves would take the ride as the pair lined up against 8 rivals. The race revolved around the two with handicap marks and it was Only in Jakarta who would be sent off favourite, 4lb higher rated than his rival.

Tom took the race by the scruff of the neck from the off. Despite stepping unto 7f for the first time, he sent the colt straight to front, aided by his rivals not willing to go on. It was easy to see why with the British storms creating a gale to race in to.

Only in Jakarta travelled powerfully on the front end setting a steady enough pace. The race would be a tough enough test so Tom was ensuring that there would be plenty in reserve if required. Very little would change through the first half of the race with the only thing to note was the keen racing second fav.

As they moved towards the 2f marker, Tom just allowed his colt to lengthen and increase the tempo slightly. Still travelling well Only in Jakarta edged a little further from his pursuers as the race began to heat up. Now Tom started to get a little more animated, niggling away and moving through the gears.

still there was no real change in the order but the race was certainly now on. Working away in the saddle, Tom was getting a good response from his mount who started to pull away from those around him. Entering the final furlong it was time to go and Only in Jakarta was asked for his full effort. Tom was working hard in the saddle but it was all hands and heels. He began to assert but there was one rival who was making good headway, storming through along the rail. Only in Jakarta was finding for pressure and still Tom didn’t resort to using his whip. Despite the gap closing Only in Jakarta had enough left and repelled his rival, scoring by a neck.

Although the winning margin was only a neck, the performance does require a big upgrade. There was never any doubt throughout the contest that Only in Jakarta was the best horse in the race. Making all in a strong wind was very impressive, doing all the hard work but having plenty in the tank when required. Also Tom didn’t really have to do too much in the saddle, suggesting that he felt there was more there if needed. Finally it is always hard to come back off a layoff and no matter what he did here, there was always going to be room for improvement. Only in Jakarta is a lovely prospect and whether he continues on the artificial surface or waits for the turf, there should be a lot more to come from him now.

It is not very often that a horse can win a couple of times in a season but then remain in the same grade throughout. Camacho Star had a fine run of form through the first half of the turf season, winning twice and runner up twice. Unfortunately this petered out which led to a few changes on his latest start. All the tinkering worked a treat as Camacho Star returned to action by taking the 7f BetMGM: It’s Showtime Handicap at Southwell.

The 3yo became a little disappointing towards the end of the season but he also looked like that something was stopping him. Following some checks, Camacho Star had a small wind op, aimed at helping him to recapture some form. It did keep him from the track for two months, but he returned to action at Southwell with his regular rider, Tom Eaves on board.

Following a break, wind op and poor draw, it was decided a change of tactics should be tried. Having done most of his running from the front, Camacho Star went a full 360 and was restrained from the start. Drawn 11 of 12, Tom had to go left-handed from the off, trying to tuck in. The pair settled toward the rear of the field as the 12 runners raced towards the left hand bend.

Camacho Star settled very well and travelled well throughout the contest. Used to taking tight turns, he swung around the bend with ease and picked off a couple of rivals. The leaders kicked from the bend and tried to stretch the field, which did turn the heat up. Entering the final 2f, the race was on but looking back through field there was a motionless Tom Eaves.

The field had spread right across the track and Tom made a move to come towards the stands side. Still travelling well, Camacho Star was then asked to go and lay down his challenge. Almost immediately a rival cut straight across him, causing Tom to take evasive action. This just caused Camacho Star to take a step back which meant he had a little more work to do.

The lead was swapping hands as challengers were coming thick and fast but passing the 1f marker, Camacho Star was beginning to really find top gear. Now he began to motor and was eating up the ground with every stride. Storming down the stands side, Camacho Star was finishing like a train and easily swept past his rivals to hit the front 100 yards from the line. There was no stopping him and he strode out to a 3/4 length victory.

It was great to see Camacho Star bounce back and he raced with a lot more professionalism here. Obviously the wind op has helped but nobody knows just how much. Also the tactics really helped the 3yo settle and he showed a good turn of foot, alongside a good attitude. It is a really interesting win and there could be some more to come now if the same Camacho Star turns up next time out.

Following a wet summer and distinct lack of opportunities, Bergerac is among up for lost time on the all-weather. Having won comfortably on his last start in November, Bergerac stepped back up in grade and duly followed up by taking the 5f BetUK.Home Of The Acca-Fenwa Handicap at Southwell.

Bergerac had slipped down the weights throughout this year but his latest victory had seen that slide halted and his handicap mark rise back to 90. It meant that he would be top weight for the race at Southwell but for a horse who had been used to competing in heritage handicaps, his 10 rivals were not of that quality. Despite this, the market wouldn’t actually have the top rated runner as the most likely winner.

Tom Eaves was in the saddle once again and applied the same tactics as last time out. Southwell does tend to see races run at a strong pace and this was true here also. The favourite set off at a strong gallop as Bergerac sat just in behind, on the far side. It was evident immediately that the race was going to be a pure speed test with a few of the runners struggling to go the pace.

Quickly the field were past halfway and nothing was going to get into the contest. With the favourite leading the way, and travelling well in front, the race Wass on from the 2f pole. Tom got to work on this mount to try and close the gap and Bergerac would turn out to be the only challenger. As the leading pair quickened up, they separated themselves from 5 the others as Bergerac looked to reel in the leader.

It would prove to be a nice battle up front with the favourite holding sway fro much of the way. Although coming off the bridle first, Bergerac was finishing strongly and was eating into the lead throughout the final furlong. Having won over 6f, the extra little bit of stamina was coming through and Bergerac pulled up to the leader with 100 yards to run. The momentum switched and under a power packed ride, Bergerac swept through there take the lead. Striding out he opened a clear neck advantage, securing his second win of the winter.

Bergerac has shown an affinity for the all-weather and he is edging back up the handicap. There are some nice races throughout the aw season and it will be interesting to see if Bergerac continues on this route. He is a horse who really enjoys a sound surface and so he could easily maintain this run of form before looking towards the summer.

Group 1 wins are the pinnacle of our sport but sometimes they do come with small caveat. Triple Time took the prestigious Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, catapulting him into one of the stars of the mile division. Although this was a huge highlight of the 2023 season, it did also mean that it cemented his future as a stallion and 4yo colt would soon be leaving Hambleton Lodge for pastures new.

The son of Frankel hails from a family packed with high class winners. His dam, Reem Three, has produced 7 pattern performers including group 1 winners. Triple Time always carried himself as a horse who could have a bright future, with the size and scope to thrive throughout his racing career.

Placed on his first two runs, it wasn’t until he stepped up to a mile that he really thrived. Shedding his maiden tag by 9 1/2 lengths showed what class he had but then he went and earned the all important pattern success. Making most of the running, Triple Time powered home to take the Listed Ascendant stakes at Haydock. Although there were options following that win to take a further step up in grade, connections decided to wait for his 3yo, where classic ambitions would held.

Thriving through the winter, Triple Time really developed into a wonderful specimen and looked to be improving all the time. All roads led to the 2000 Guineas and he was impressing everyone in his work leading up to the contest. With no prep run it was decided to take Triple Time down to Newmarket for piece of work, to get him used to the tracks characteristics. Again he impressed in what he was asked to do but unfortunately a small issue found following that gallop which would rule him out of the classic bids.

Patience proved key and Triple Time would return to action in September, back at Haydock, the scene of his listed win the previous year. Stepping up to group 3 level for the Superior Mile, he was a short priced favourite to make a winning return. Triple Time did just that and after racing quite keen in the early stages, he swept past his rivals a long way from home, running out a comfortable winner. Unfortunately he couldn’t build on that performance when tackling very soft ground at Longchamp but it bode well for his 4yo campaign.

The Lockinge is the start of the older miler’s season. This was always going to be his first run, before heading to Royal Ascot and it would be a good barometer of where he stacked up against the best milers. Unfortunately, always with perfect timing, he had to be withdrawn on the day which would mean he would head straight to Ascot without a run under his belt.

The Queen Anne opens the Royal meeting and Triple Time would finally have his chance at group 1 level. Everything had gone smoothly leading up to the contest but he would be taking on multiple group 1 winners, without the benefit of a run. Nevertheless there was confidence that he should be at home in this company and with Neil Callan on board, the 4yo would have to overcome freshness to prevail. Early on it looked as though he may try to be too keen but once Callan got the colt settled, he raced in a lovely rhythm just on the leader’s coattails. The race could not have panned out any better with a nice gallop to chase it allowed Triple Time to stride out. From a way out the favourite was struggling and it was Triple Time who head into the final 2f travelling powerfully. He came through to challenge and took the lead as they bared down on the final furlong. With the majority of his rivals floundering in behind it was left to the superstar filly, Inspiral, to throw down one last challenge. The pair fought tooth and nail throughout the final furlong, with Inspiral looking the most likely winner all along. Triple Time dug deep and showed tremendous tenacity to find more and overawed his rival with a game performance, leading to an enthusiastic celebration from his jockey Neil Callan.

Triple Time was unfortunate to not have a long season this year but mother nature ensured that a washout during the summer would work against him. It was only an 8 race career but Triple Time managed to pack plenty into those races and secured his Group 1, something which was deserved for the ability he had. From day one Kevin had faith that he would be something special so that day at Ascot was justification. It is also fantastic for owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum who not only owned the colt but bred him too. With his stature and ability, there is no doubt that Triple Time has every chance of making a name for himself in the stallions ranks. Hopefully one day we may see his progeny emulate his success on the racecourse, to even surpass him.