Wednesday, October 8, 2025 – Richard Phillips Racing

Sumatran Tiger made a wonderful debut for us over hurdles at Stratford on Monday when she finished fourth, just beaten by the winner by five lengths. She jumped with great fluidity and settled well at the back of the six-rider field before challenging on the straight and staying well past the last position. She likes good ground and hopefully we can find another opportunity for her before the rain comes and a step up in the journey would suit.

The rain was too much for Fighting Poet in Brighton yesterday. He met the challenge with two to run before staying at one pace on the tricky road in the final half-furlong to finish a comfortable fourth. The four pound handicap increase from his win in August wouldn’t have helped his cause either and hopefully he will drop a pound or two. He will be back on the track next week.

Mozart in particular was left in the stables for a while due to some unruly horses. He didn’t like the course and we will step him up on the trip and also train him over obstacles.

We’ve named Dora Vita (pictured) at Kempton at 4.05pm on Friday, where she will make her debut in the six-furlong novices stakes for two-year-old fillies. William Cox takes the lead and this daughter of Dream Ahead has shown a lot of talent at home and will hopefully enjoy her first experience on the track. Some opponents look very strong, but it would be good to know a little more about this half-sister of five winners.

This year’s ‘Five to Follow’ competition will look a little different as entry is free (maximum four entries per person). The winning prize is a meal for two at the excellent Kings Head in Bledington. With many promising showjumping horses for the coming showjumping season and also flatrunners in the offing, it seems to be an exciting competition for all entries. For more information on how to participate, please visit HERE.