NEWS

Light at the end of the tunnel seems close with racing resuming on Monday, although behind closed doors and under trying circumstances it is definitely a positive and something to look forward too. I feel now racing has a massive shop window as it will be for time the only live sport taking place in the UK. I hope everybody embraces this and maybe just maybe we can turn bad to good with the opportunity to showcase our sport to a potential new audience. It is also looking likely that AppleTree will have a couple of runners in the first weeks. D'Arcy Spice (Lethal Force x Inyourdreams 17) is entered at Newcastle in the Callerton Novice Stakes (Class 5) (3yo+) on Monday but with the expected over subscription and on paper looking quite a hot race may not take up the engagement, she is however ready to run. Look out for other ready to go, Surprise Exhibit (Showcasing x Astonishing 18) will be entered over 7f at Haydock on the 9th of June and Kempton on the 10th. Gallaside ( Lucayan x Gallaecia 17) is ready to go as soon as there is a suitable race and Lola Paige (Galileo x Timbuktu 17) will have entries too. I do hope every one reading this is safe and well, watch this space for updates on AppleTree runners.

It is with a little sadness I have to announce that Stewart Bevan our Stud Groom is leaving AppleTree after 3 years services. He has been an inaugural part of our team and will be missed. He is heading home to work and develop the family farm, feeling he needed to do something for him self. However, after negative there is always a positive and it is pleasing to say That Jonny Sutton our assistant Stud Groom is going to take on the role. Jonny has been with us since the start and has worked his way through the ranks becoming part of the family. We are currently looking to recruit a new assistant as back up to Jonny so any one reading this with interest and experience feel free to send your applications along with CV to choc@appletreestud.co.uk

Joyous Sounds, closely related to our broodmare Midnight Thoughts (Henrythenavigator x Irresistible Jewel) and a $1,000,000 purchase at Keeneland sales by Godolphin makes her debut this morning at Saint Cloud in the 1m Prix Praline (Maiden) (Unraced 3yo Fillies) (Turf) 11.40am. Joyous Sounds by Medaglia d'Oro is out of the unraced Street Cry mare Esprit De Vie who is half sister to Midnight Thoughts. It's nice to have some action back on our screens and an interest. Lets hope Joyous Sounds gives AppleTree a pedigree update and a potential smart performer on Midnights page.

Some good news, Midnight Thoughts foaled a healthy strong filly foal by supper sire Kingman last night. She delivered the filly at 9.40pm, it was a straight forward foaling giving us hope for the future. It is not the first time I've mentioned Midnight is 3 winners from 3 foals of racing age, with a Shalaa 2yo filly to run for us once racing gets going again in training with William Haggas. The new Kingman filly gives a great chance for a superstar racehorse as well as a broodmare prospect. We will watch her grow and develop until she can carry AppleTrees's green and white color's.

It is with great sadness that I have to report that Absolute Blast's filly foal by Frankel had to be put to sleep after suffering complications during Foaling in the early hours of Friday morning. She was in the wrong position and had to be helped but we were unable to get the foal out without her being starved of oxygen. As a result she displayed signs of advanced NNE neonatal encephalopathy and was admitted to Anglesey Lodge Equine Facility for intensive care, however she failed to improve and it was agreed that the kindest thing we could do was to put her down. These decisions are never taken lightly and are very difficult to make. We did everything we could and I would like to thank the wonderful team at Yeomanstown Stud where Blast is lodging and the excellent vet work done by Anglesey Lodge and Bena Hickey. I am happy to report that Absolute Blast is fine and recovering.

Three Weeks was disappointing on his Dubai debut in the Derrinstown Stud (Handicap) (Dirt) over 1 mile at Jebel Ali on friday. We had hoped for a promising run but it was to be. Slowly away he was then keen and petered out to finish a well beaten 9th of 11 runners. All is not lost however as Sam Hitchcock reported he was rusty after his long lay off and the run was very much needed. Unfortunately it is very unlikely we will get another run into him before the Dubai season is finished due to the current Covid-19 crisis and we will have to look to next season out there.