Summer at Kimpton Down has given some hugely rewarding spells, with big-race success across the board and exciting two-year-olds announcing themselves on the scene, even in what has not been the most straightforward of seasons.

At Royal Ascot, AMILOC confirmed his class with a commanding victory in the King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2). Despite the fast ground not being in his favour, he stamped his authority in the race winning convincingly and then underlined his quality again when finishing a highly respectable second in the Irish St. Leger (Group 1) this past weekend. He continues to thrive in training and has plenty more still to give

Goodwood brought one of the most extraordinary days in the yard’s history. TABITI and SAQQARA SANDS could not be separated in the Oak Tree Fillies’ Stakes (Group 3), dead heating in style after both produced dominant performances. If that wasn’t enough, the day reached even greater heights when QIRAT stormed home to land the Sussex Stakes (Group 1) at odds of 150/1. A true Goodwood specialist, he remains unbeaten at the track, and options such as the Prix Daniel Wildenstein (Group 2) at Longchamp on Arc weekend possibly followed by the Breeders’ Cup Mile remain open.

At York, PRIDE OF ARRAS made a welcome return to the winners’ enclosure in the Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2). A horse who has not always been straightforward to train, he has clearly benefitted from being gelded and given time between runs. The manner of his success suggested there is plenty more to come, and an entry in the Champion Stakes (Group 1) beckons.

Among the fillies, ALLONSY has enjoyed a highly productive campaign, notching victories in the Pontefract Castle Fillies’ Stakes (Listed) in June and again with a dominant display in the Chester Stakes (Listed). Her straightforward nature and willing attitude continue to give her credit on the track.

The two-year-olds are also beginning to step forward with real promise. CAPE ORATOR has flown the flag in fine style, capturing a valuable sales race at Deauville before running with credit to finish third in the Champagne Stakes (Group 2) at Doncaster. He looks a colt who will only improve further with racing. PINTARA and SECRET OF LIFE both impressed when winning on debut, showing raw ability and plenty of potential to develop as the year goes on. Meanwhile, PLANET SEEKER broke her maiden at Goodwood before going on to earn black type in the delayed running of the Dick Poole Fillies’ Stakes (Group 3). She is a tough filly with a real purpose to her work, so an exciting future for her awaits.

Sadly, many of you will have heard of the tragic demise of STANHOPE GARDENS, who finished 5^th in this years Derby. He was a wonderful horse who was full of life and had so much more to give. We shall miss him greatly.

Autumn is approaching and there are plenty more exciting days to come for the whole team here at Kimpton Down. So, as we turn the corner for the final straight, we can do so with full confidence.