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.