Stable and Racecourse Tour

This month we went for a tour of Peter Wiggins' stables and the working side of Thoroughbred Park.

It was a beautiful Autumn morning and a perfect time to visit the racecourse - not too hot or cold.  The sun was out, there was no breeze, and no need for warm clothes.  We all met at Peter Wiggins' stables, and after a quick champagne we headed off for a tour of the training facilities whilst breakfast was being cooked.

Firstly we saw the swimming pool, where Peter showed us how the trainers exercise the horses in it.  Then we walked over to the grass track where Peter, who had a previous career as a jockey, explained the features of grass tracks and the differences between different courses, and what jockeys like in a track and what they watch for when they are racing.

Next, we went over to the synthetic track where he explained about the mixture they use and how some horses love it and some hate it.  But overall, it is a very consistent surface for racing on.

Finally, we saw the starting barriers that they use to train the horses on how to jump.  He explained how they get the horses in, and the risks that the barrier attendants take when leading the horse in - because there is nowhere to go if the horse rears up.  He explained how the jockeys have to be ready to leap off the horse if it plays up, and how the barrier attendants get them out if necessary.  He said the barrier attendants are the bravest people on the track.   He also explained about why some horses, like Black Caviar, need to wear a blanket into the starting stall, and how they get it off them at the start.

After that, we went back to the stable for barbecued bacon-and-egg rolls and champagne in the warm sunshine.   Peter then brought out one of his horses that he has started to train and explained about the process of training and selecting horses, and how difficult it is to predict a fast racehorse when it is young.