Exciting times for Herbert and Highclere
It is hard not to notice Harry Herbert on the racetrack.
Tall – over 6ft – and urbane, he has the air of someone without a care in the world as he greets you with his genial smile.
No doubt at Newmarket tomorrow he will still give the outward sign of calm but the nerves will be jangling as he contemplates the Sagitta 2000 Guineas in which Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, the organisation he founded 11 years ago and of which he is managing director, have, perhaps, their greatest opportunity yet to land a British Classic.
Actually, not just one opportunity but two chances as the ‘Blue Chip’ organisation of racing syndicates will be doubly represented in the one-mile contest on the Rowley Mile at racing’s Headquarters.
It is a decade since the first horses carrying the colours of Highclere hit the racetracks and, although they have gained Classic success in Ireland courtesy of the brilliant filly Petrushka, who took the Irish Oaks three years ago, similar success has evaded them on the other side of the Irish Sea, something Herbert hopes will be put to rights come 4pm on Saturday afternoon.
Seven syndicates make up Highclere, once regarded as the ‘posh’ way into group ownership with shares costing between £10,000 (€14,000) and £40,000 each, and two of those will be suffering the same agonies as Herbert as race time draws near.
Unbeaten Audience represents the 10-strong Van Dyck syndicate, while the 40 members of the North Library syndicate, will be hoping Saturn will run rings round his rivals in the Group One showpiece.
Both are trained just down the road from the famous track with Audience in the care of William Haggas and Saturn’s well-being under the watchful eye of Michael Bell.
Both trainers have been pleased with the work of their relative charges, according to Herbert.
“Both horses are well, touch wood,” said the son of the late Lord Carnarvon, former racing manager to the Queen.
“Saturn worked with Richard Hughes for the first time on Wednesday and Richard was very impressed.
“Likewise, Kieren Fallon worked with Audience the day before.
“It is terrifically exciting to have two Guineas horses in an operation of our size.”
Berkshire-based Highclere have 40 horses spread among their various trainers, numbering 17 two-year-olds and a similar number of three-year-olds, including their Guineas prospects.
The organisation’s main policy of selling off their horses when they finish their three-year career is rarely breached but they have kept the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Distinction for a four-year-old career as it is felt the son of Danehill needed time to strengthen up.
“He was a big weak horse but we have high hopes for him now.”
But what of the Guineas hopes?
Audience, backed down from 33-1 to 12-1 for Saturday’s highlight in recent weeks, landed both his juvenile starts but has yet to race beyond seven furlongs, something which does not faze Herbert.
“One has to say from a pedigree perspective – he is by Zilzal out of Only Yours – he will get a mile.
“The horse hadn’t been with William for very long before he described him as something special. We are thrilled that he has won both his starts. His physical development from two to three has been quite astonishing.”
The champion jockey, who rode the 82,000 guineas yearling on the last of his two-year-old outings, agreed with that view according to Herbert.
“Kieren worked twice with Audience and said ‘this horse has come on very well’. He didn’t hesitate to accept the ride last week,” he said.
Saturn’s fourth to Hurricane Alan in the Craven Stakes, while slightly disappointing, did not come as a total surprise admitted Herbert.
“Michael had been unable to get decent work into the horse prior to the race,” he said.
“The grass gallops were very fast and he was debating where to work the horse.
“He had said for some time that Saturn would need a prep race, the horse definitely needed a run to get race-fit and Michael hoped class would get him through.
“But the horse was way too fresh. Kieren couldn’t believe how hard he pulled.
“He made a pretty significant move then hit a brick wall inside the final furlong.”
However, 33-1 chance Saturn has pleased his connections with his recent efforts on the gallops.
“He worked impressively on Wednesday and went eight to 10 lengths clear of his work companion.
“He is clearly on very good terms with himself.”
Herbert’s views on Saturn are backed up by colleague and brother-in-law John Warren, the man who purchases the Highclere yearlings, and a much respected bloodstock expert.
“John told me that in his time at looking at horses he can’t remember a horse changing so significantly from two to three. He’s really filled his frame.”
Success on Saturday would be a major boost to Highclere’s already high reputation.
The organisation has always specialised in putting together small groups of individuals to share in the purchase of top-quality horses and since their creation in 1992 they have an impressive 27% win and place success rate in ‘black type’ races, that is success in Group or Listed race company.
“We have a wonderful mix of people and when we set out our stall we aimed to take all of the hassle out of ownership for them,” said Herbert.
“We wanted to buy horses with substance and pedigree to give our owners the best possible chance with Listed and Group horses and a chance of success at meetings like Royal Ascot.
“Our owners come from all over the world.
“For instance we will have people flying in from the States, Singapore and South Africa for Saturday.
“Of course, there cannot be any cracks and our organisation has got to be watertight. We have people who know how to read balance sheets and our finances have to be kept in order or we would soon know about it.
“But we have a fantastic team and I’m very spoilt to have John Warren. We buy horses together and there is constant communication between us with a lot of dialogue.
“We discuss when to sell, move on and close down syndicates with the best possible return.
“I have a tremendous back up in Tim Jones and Alex Smith and the team in the office.
“Our owners invest a lot of money, anything from £10,000 (€14,000) to £40,000 (€57,000) and put their trust and faith in us and we are grateful for this.”
Victory on Saturday for either Audience or Saturn would further boost the reputation of Herbert and Highclere – and that trust and faith will be enhanced even more.
