NEWS

Funny Man put up a solid performance on his first start in listed company when finishing sixth in the Londonmetrics Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot. After a busy season, we decided to roll the dice with Funny Man to gain some all important black type. Unfortunately it didn't happen for him on this occasion, but we are excited about what more he has to offer next season as a four year old and hopefully he can progress to that standard in time. He may have a well deserved break now, with a view to bringing him back next year.

Funny Man heads to Ascot on Friday afternoon for the Londonmetric Noel Murless Stakes (Listed Race). In what may be his last race of the season before a winter break, we have decided to roll the dice for Funny Man to pick up some black type. This horse has come along way since winning his first race off a mark of 58 in June, and hopefully he can continue that progress into his four year old campaign next season. The forecast soft ground will not inconvenience him and 1m6f looks his optimum at this stage of his career. Jim Crowley rides and we would be over the moon if he could run into the placings.

Gold Maze (Golden Horn x Astonishing) born and raised at Appletree Stud ran a great race to finish 3rd in the Beresford Stakes at The Curragh on Sunday afternoon. He learnt plenty for his debut and the dip into group 2 company proved justified and it is important black type for his dam Astonishing. He looks a promising colt for the future and it is exciting to see Appletree stock being competitive stakes races.

We regret to announce the departure of our Assistant Stud Groom / Racing Analyst Joss Coward who has taken up a position at Shadwell's Beech House Stud In Newmarket. Joss has been an integral part of the team in the two years he has been with us. We are pleased that AppleTree Stud has opened up this opportunity for Joss to progress in his career and the place definitely will not be the same without him.

Funny Man put up another solid display at Hamilton on Sunday when finishing second in the Racing TV HD On Sky 426 Handicap. He found only the lightly raced Mick Easterby runner Art of Diplomacy too good who was in receipt of 15lb from Funny Man. He has had a busy summer thus far and we may give him just one more run before a well deserved rest. You cannot knock how consistent he has been and we are confident he can progress from what he has done this year and make into an even better four year old for next year.

New purchase for Appletree Stud at Keeneland when the hammer went down at $200.000 to Federico Barberini for lot 1999. A filly by Lemon Drop Kid out of Famous, she is a half sister to Aidan O'Brien's promising stayer Il Paradiso who was last seen finishing 5th in the St Leger behind Logician at Doncaster. She is a promising acquisition to the stud and hopefully she is a bright prospect.