Foxtrot Syndicate Planning A Big Celebration

Features | 24th April 2019

The dream’s alive for the 20 members of Foxtrot Racing who have a share in Celebration Chase contender Vosne Romanee.

The eight‐year‐old is set to take his chance in Saturday’s Grade One feature at Sandown Park after a string of impressive performances including victory in the Listed Byrne Group Handicap Chase at Ascot in November.

Vosne Romanee, a bargain purchase at 10,000 Guineas as a three‐year‐old, tuned up for jump racing’s high profile finale with a brave second under a big weight in an Ayr handicap on Scottish Grand National day.

Understandably his trainer Dr Richard Newland is excited about taking on some off the best two mile chasers, possibly even the mighty Altior. “He’s had to carry big weights in handicaps so we thought we’d take the big boys on off levels,” he says.

“He’ll love the ground if it’s on the quick side and jumps so well. Jumping is what he really loves – it excites him and I couldn’t be happier with his work approaching the race.”

Dan Abraham, who runs Foxtrot Racing, is looking forward to another memorable afternoon for his members, whatever the result. “Hopefully we can be competitive. He’s rated high enough to get into the race. We’ll have a fantastic day out but this is racing so who know what might happen?”

The chestnut son of Arakan, who began his career on the Flat in Scotland with Keith Dalgleish, has won 12 races for Foxtrot Racing ‐ six over fences ‐ and has taken them to the big festivals at Cheltenham and Aintree.

“We bought him as a three‐year‐old to run in juvenile hurdles,” recalls Dan. “I though he might win a couple of races in the summer when we first got him but never dreamed he’d go on to become a top class chaser.”

Syndicate member Judith Woolliams adds: “He’s been a horse of a lifetime. We all paid £500 for a share and he’s won so much prize money I cant remember the last time I had to pay any training fees.”

Dr Newland, himself a Grand National‐winning trainer, is confident Vosne Romanee will emerge with credit at the weekend but is already planning the next chapter in a remarkable story.

“There’s a possibility we may race him in America. He’d love the fast ground out there, the prize money is tremendous and he’s good enough to go.

“We’ve never done anything like that before but it would be an exciting journey for all of us and I can see plenty of syndicate members booking their summer holidays to The States if that’s the case.”

Foxtrot Racing also have horses in training with Dan Skelton, Jamie Snowden, Olly Murphy, Fergal O’Brien, Ben Pauling and Martin Keighley.

Watch our feature on the team ahead of his tilt at Grade 1 glory below!