Bourbon is a Beauty at Kelso!

8 December 2020

It may have been a cold and windy Sunday afternoon at Kelso but it did not detract from the pleasure gained from Bourbon Beauty’s win in the mares hurdle. 

Owned by the Old Stoics Racing Club 2, which is a racing syndicate aimed at encouraging past pupils, parents and staff of Stowe into racehorse ownership alongside supporting some of the many Stoics working in the sport, Bourbon Beauty appeared to be struggling in the heavy going around Kelso. 

Her jockey was constantly nudging her into hurdles and she wasn’t travelling with her usual fluency. Coming into the home straight with just two hurdles to go, if looked as if she would finish in the places however as the leaders started to feel the consequences of their earlier exertions she began to gain ground. As each stride past, this game mare, with her very animated Old Stoic jockey, Harry Bannister (Chatham 12), started to rally. She jumped the last upsides Blue Polly and with a large number of Stoics roaring her on from around the country she battled tenaciously towards the line putting her nose down in front by the barest of margins.

And with that one of the Racing Club’s missions was accomplished with an Old Stoic owned, trained (Alex Hales - Chandos 92) and ridden winner. Unrivalled by any other school.

To watch a replay of the race click here

Bourbon Beauty has been the model of consistency since beginning her racing career in November 2019 finishing only once out of the first four in seven races. She will now most likely have a break before running again although there is a valuable hurdle race at Newbury in the middle of March that we are considering.

Henry Kimbell (Chandos 04) who manages our Old Stoic Racing Clubs reflected,

“It nearly was a very long three hundred mile journey back to Alex’s yard near Banbury for everyone! Thankfully Harry Bannister had had his porridge that morning and I am just thrilled she put her head in front when it mattered. All of this is huge team effort from everyone at Alex (Hales’) yard to the many Old Stoics, parents, staff and friends of the school who have taken shares and it is days at Kelso that make it all worthwhile.

We have lots more planned - particularly with Stowe’s centenary in 2023 fast approaching - so do let us know if you are interested in finding out more about our Racing Clubs”

For further information please visit the Racing Club webpage or email oldstoic@stowe.co.uk