BRUYERE deservedly broke her duck today under Martin Dwyer after three consecutive seconds when winning at Yarmouth which gave the stable a record 40 wins in a year.
The 3yo filly was sent off the 5/1 second favourite in the 15-runner 1m2f handicap on heavy ground. She was always in a handy position with her Derby-winning jockey saving ground by staying on the rail. Sent to the front three furlongs from home, she repelled her challengers during the final furlong and was a length to the good in front of Carey Street at the line.
This was a welcome success for the daughter of Exceed And Excel who had been runner-up in her last three starts on Soft and Good To Soft Ground. There might have been some doubt in today’s heavy going but she handled it well and as this was only her second try at 10 furlongs, there could well be more to come over this trip. Certainly the win will have done her future paddocks value no harm at all.
It is fitting that the stable’s record 40th win in a year was owned by the yard’s biggest owners, Heather and Michael Yarrow. They have been staunch supporters of Harper Lodge Farm for many years and have bought and owned some lovely horses including Sirius Prospect, Lancelot Du Lac, Stake Acclaim and Eirene. This was their 11th win this year so congratulations to them for their win and in bringing about a little history to the yard.
The stable has been knocking on the door of 40 wins for the last few years. Thirty-nine was achieved in 2013 and in 2017 the yard reached 38 before again recording 39 last year. Everyone connected with Harper Lodge Farm is delighted the 40 barrier has been broken. It has been a great team effort and thanks should go to the stable staff, farrier, the vet and office staff who have made it possible. A big heartfelt thank you to them all.
No ambitious trainer ever sits on his or her laurels and the next target is 500 career wins which is just …seven away!