Winter Miles and Early Foundations

This time of year always feels busy in a different way. While most people associate late autumn and early winter with slowing down, for me it’s one of the more important phases of the year — balancing the tail end of the yearling sales while quietly getting the next crop of horses started.

It’s a juggling act, but one I’ve grown to enjoy. Sales season keeps you sharp and disciplined, constantly feeding back market realities. At the same time, having young horses coming in to be broken and educated keeps you grounded. One side is commercial pressure; the other is long-term patience. I find the contrast healthy.

Why I Like Them Going Before Christmas

People often ask why I don’t leave it later to start them — and to be fair, you could. There’s no rule that says a horse has to be going before Christmas.

But over time, I’ve found there’s a noticeable difference between the horses that have done a small bit before Christmas and those that haven’t, particularly at inspection time when the sales houses call out. They simply look stronger, with better muscle tone.

The horses with four steady weeks under their belt tend to come back in January more furnished. They’re usually broader, the muscle tone is better, and they look more like athletes starting work rather than raw youngsters being introduced to it. Mentally, they’re often more settled too. They understand the routine, they’re going forward, and they’re not trying to figure everything out all at once.

From an economic point of view, it matters as well. Yes, you can start a horse at Christmas — but when you’re working back from a fixed target date, you only have a limited number of training days. Lose a week here or there to an interruption or a minor setback, and suddenly you’re feeling the pinch.

Why take that risk?

I’ve always been more comfortable using the period before Christmas to get a feel for them. It takes pressure out of the new year and gives you options rather than deadlines.

Four Weeks That Set the Tone

I like to have them in early enough to get four solid weeks of steady cantering before Christmas. Nothing rushed and nothing forced — just consistent, uncomplicated work.

That early block does a few important things. It gets them mentally going forward, establishes routine, and puts a small base of fitness into them. Nothing dramatic, but enough that when we come back after the break, we’re building on something rather than starting from scratch.

January then becomes about progression rather than introduction. You’re refining, not explaining.

Observation, Not Judgement

At this stage, it’s far too early for strong opinions — experience teaches you that quickly. None of the horses have shown anything out of the ordinary yet, but equally, they haven’t done enough to tell you much.

What does begin to reveal itself is temperament.

You see how they cope with routine, new surroundings, and mild pressure. Some are relaxed, some sharper, some need a bit more time. Even then, early impressions need to be handled carefully. Time and again, the horses that are tricky at the start turn out to be the quietest and most straightforward later on. Often they’re simply thinking more.

It’s a reminder not to label horses too early.

Movement and Maturity

One thing you can take small notes on early is movement. You begin to see which horses are naturally good movers and which ones use themselves easily without being forced.

It’s not about drawing conclusions — just building a picture. Good action doesn’t guarantee ability, but it rarely hurts. Horses that move well often find later stages easier, whether that’s coping with faster work, breezing, or holding together through a preparation.

Pre-Christmas, everything stays deliberately steady. The goal isn’t progress — it’s maturity. Letting them strengthen naturally, both physically and mentally, without pressure.

Looking Ahead

I’m pleased with the team we’ve assembled.

Bayside Boy

Blue Point

Calyx

Ghaiyyath

Mehmas

New Bay

Sioux Nation

Space Traveller

Too Darn Hot

There’s nothing flashy to report yet — and that’s exactly how it should be. The real work starts in the new year.

For now, it’s about patience, consistency, and giving each horse the time it needs.

Brasil Power

Closing Note

“2b or not 2b…” — some may remember the horse a few years back who clocked the fastest time at the Tattersalls Ireland Breeze-Up when it was held in Newmarket, yet flagged a borderline scope. It was a situation that summed up the realities of this game — decisions made on fine margins, often with incomplete information. On that note, it was great to see Brasil Power (by Dark Angel) enjoy a strong December, winning twice as a now seven-year-old. Looking back over his record — eight wins from 39 starts, achieving career-high official rating of 93 and an RPR of 99. Its a big testament to George Bougheys training capabilities. I often like to go back and look up their dams record, it was nice to see that Brasil Power is the mares best produce to date. You’re only ever a small part of a horse’s journey, but it’s always satisfying to know you played a role along the way.