Archive News

Archived News:

1st Oct. 2011 - DIALOGUE HAS LAST SAY - Dialogue walked back into the winners enclosure with a bang tonight at Wolverhampton, proving a well-backed winner back on his favoured polytrack surface. Ridden brilliantly by Mick O'Connell, who knows him well, Dialogue produced a great turn of foot to see off all rivals in a matter of strides with a furlong to go. We look forward to a winter campaign with this horse as he seems to relish the All Weather surface.

15th Sept. 2011 - PASSIONADA PUTS BEST FOOT FORWARD - Passionada backed up her promising debut second at Newcastle with a smooth success at Pontefract today. Dropped to 5 furlongs, Passionada broke very well, travelled sweetly and never saw another rival. Later on in the card, Jade bounced right back to form to finish second (for the fifth time this year!) in the feature race of the day, back over 6f.

3rd Sept. 2011 - AMIGO SO SOUND AT WOLVERHAMPTON - Sound Amigo maintained his unbeaten record at Dunstall Park, making it three from three, with a stylish victory under regular pilot Barry McHugh. This victory was Sound's fourth this year, having only seeing the racecourse for the first time with victory in February this year. Barry gave him another great ride, keeping it very simple, to win fairly readily in the end.

29th August 2011 - SANGAR PROGRESSING WELL - Sangar won her second race of the season on only her fifth start this year, with a convincing win at Ripon over 1m2f. Sangar coped well with ground softer than ideal and was given a perfect ride from Graham Gibbons, who had her in the perfect position throughout, leading with two furlongs to go and holding on well. We are sure se can only improve further.

14th August 2011 - SOVEREIGN DOES IT IN THE LAST - Last Sovereign made a successful switch to sprinting on Sunday, aided by the first time combination of blinkers and tongue-tie. Sov bounced out under a dominating front running ride from Tom Queally to make every yard of the running and never see another horse, to run out a convincing winner of the last race on a great afternoon's racing at Pontefract. Hopefully he can follow up again soon.

3rd August 2011 - SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR - We had 6 great chances today spread across Newcastle and Pontefract, and every horse ran a great race, but we came hom empty handed and frustrated with three seconds and three thirds. The horses continue in great form but without the win. We will try again..

15th July 2011 - SANGAR STORMS TO SUCCESS - Sangar got off the mark in good style tonight at Doncaster. After two promising thirds at Hamilton and Beverley, she stepped up again to take this competitive handicap under both a strong and educational ride from Tom Eaves. She promises to stay further in time and looks progressive.

12th July 2011 - TOTO BOUNCES BACK TO FORM - Toto Skyllachy made it two wins from just three starts this year, and proved the form of his run in the Carlisle Bell last time was all wrong. Toto was given a ride full of confidence from Freddie Tylicki, travelling sweetly and coming from last to first, to win going away.

6th July 2011 - UNBELIEVABLE WIN FOR ROSIE - Rosewin continued her upward rise through the handicap with a win here off a career high mark of 78, 14lbs higher than when winning for the first time this year here at Catterick in May, and prove she is one of the toughest mares in training. Rosie can be a tricky ride, both before and during the race, and Julie Burke gave her a tremendous ride throughout. "Rosewin never ceases to amaze us with the tenacity she shows and her resolution in a finish. I don't think she's stopped improving yet, especially with a bit of cut in the ground," says a proud Ollie.

27th June 2011 - FLEETWOOD ONCE AGAIN AT HOME ON THE SAND - Fleetwoodsands made it 4 winds from 6 visits to Wolverhampton's Polytrack when holding on gamely in the 7f apprentice claimer. Given a great ride from top apprentice, Dale Swift, Fleetwood once again ran very keen, but Dale soon had him settled in front and dictated the race therein. Unfortunately Fleetwood was claimed after the race, but he has done the yard proud and we wish his new connections good luck for the future.

24th June 2011 - NO BLUES FOR NOODLES - Noodles Blue Boy ran the race of his life to finish second in the Gosforth Park Cup tonight under Tom Queally. Pressing for the lead throughout, Noodles not only showed bags of early pace, but also his customary determination and great battling qualities deep inside the final furlong. He was beaten by a classy horse from an in-form yard, but showed tenacity to prevail for second, having forced the pace throughout.

23rd June 2011 - PLUM RIDE FROM PAUL ON PATTERN MARK - 12 months on from victory in this same race last year, Pattern Mark repeated the feat under very different conditions and was given a typically trojan ride from champion jockey Paul Hanagan, to dead-heat with Brian Ellison's charge. "Pattern Mark has taken a while to come to hand this year," says Ollie, "but we knew we had him spot on for this race. We thought the ground had gone agaisnt him after all this rain, but he handled it ok and it's great to get back-to-back victories in this race, even if we're sharing the prize!".

19th June 2011 - LATE RATTLE SEES MY ARCH STORM TO VICTORY - My Arch gained a much-deserved success today in the Pontefract Cup under jockey Tom Queally. Settled in mid-division early on in the marathon trip, Archie travelled well for much of the way before getting tapped for toe with three-quarters of a mile still to go. Short of room turning for home, it was not until he got some daylight well into the home straight, that he really found his stride, and mowed down the leader in the final strides to win, ears pricked. The 5lb penalty gained for this success gives us every chance of getting in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle on Saturday.

31st May 2011 - GREAT PLEASURE IN PETSAS VICTORY - Petsas Pleasure gained a much-deserved victory and his first for two years when winning the 9f handicap at Redcar in good style. Under a typically well-judged ride from champion jockey Paul Hanagan, Petsas ran out a ready winner, and now we have got his head in front, there should be more to come this season.

30th May 2011 - TOTO SKYLLACHY NETS VICTORY - Having his first run for the yard and first run for over 10 months, Toto Skyllachy ran out a game winner of the Carlisle Bell trial under Phillip Makin. It was also a first win for us for a new owner, Richard Walker, who was having only his second ever winner as an owner, so a great result. This victory will ensure a rise in weights and entitles us to have a crack at the valuable Carlisle Bell itself in three weeks time.

28th May 2011 - ROSIE BLOOMS AT CATTERICK - Rosewin secured her first win of the year and did so in some style with a facile success at her favourite track, and she showed she was different class, even in a tactically run affair. She was given a beautiful ride by Mick O'Connell, who was getting the leg up for the first time, forging clear entering the home straight and opening up an unassailable lead to eventually win, eased down, by 8 lengths. Although the handicapper has had his say by putting her up 9 lbs, there should be a little more improvement at this trip.

19th May 2011 - AMIGO'S HATRICK - Sound Amigo recorded a smooth success at Haydock today with victory in a very compettive-looking field of 3 year olds. Stepping out on turf for the first time and upped to seven furlongs, Sound Amigo travelled through the race like the best horse, took up the lead with a furlong to run and ran on well to win by 3/4 length. This took his career record to 3 victories from 3 starts and shows he has a very bright future.

10th April 2011 - SUPER SOUND DOUBLES SCORE - Sound Amigo made it two wins from two career starts when running away with the 6F 3yo handicap at Wolverhampton. Still green and perhaps racing a little lazily, Sound Amigo tracked the leaders before striking turning in and winning well by over a length. Barry McHugh, who is working up a decent strike rate for our yard, was full of praise for this gelded son of Iceman, as was Ollie, "Delighted with this run. He is very genuine but still green, and this showed, but he only ever does enough, so we don't really know how good he might be. He is an exciting horse to have in the yard."

6th April 2011 - HANAGAN MASTERCLASS ABOARD OLD FAVOURITE ROWAN LODGE - Paul Hanagan showed just why he is champion jockey with a brilliant ride on stable favourite Rowan Lodge, to get him home half a length in front at the line in the opening race at Beverley. Having been unceremoniously deposited in front of the stands after Rowan had spooked, Paul got back on to steer Rowan to victory. Rowan has now won 7 races for us, and is a superb example of the progress the yard has made since we started over 3 years ago. Back in April 2008, when Rowan was one of the first horses to walk into the yard, he won this same race for the first time and he was only our thrid ever winner. Now, winning the same race for the thrid time, he was 62nd winner overall. The horse is a star.

28th March 2011 - FLEETWOODS HATRICK ON THE SAND - Fleetwoodsands made it three wins, over different trips, from just five visits to Wolverhampton when winning the extended mile 0-75 handicap by a very game nose. Having never raced beyond seven furlongs, we had doubts about his stamina for this trip, especially as Fleetwood broke too well and pulled far too hard for most of the race. Sat 2nd throughout, Barry still had a double handful with 3 furlongs to go and it seemed just a case of when to push the button. So he kicked clear turning in and stole a couple of lengths before the pack looked likely to swallow him up. But Fleetwood showed real guts to stay on, having taken a fierce grip throughout, and get back up once headed inside the last, to win in a photograph. Ollie, who owns Fleetwood himself, said "Barry deserves a lot of credit. He has been begging me to run him over a mile, sure he would get the trip. I've not seen a horse pull as hard as that and still win."

28th February 2011 - AMIGO A WONDERFUL WINNER - It has been a quiet winter for the teeam at Ollie Pears Racing, with our sights very much set on the forthcoming turf season, but the very rpomising Sound Amigo won on his debut and got us off the mark in 2011 in good style. He was given a great educational ride by Barry McHugh and is sure to improve from this. Ollie was particularly pleased with the result and said, "I am absolutely delighted for the owner, Tom McManus. He has put a lot of trust in me, as this is their first horse in training, and he has been very patient, so I am thrilled for them as they have had the best introduction to the sport. The horse has shown us plenty at home and has a temperament to die for. We look forward to the rest of the year with him."

31st December 2010 - 2010 IN A NUTSHELL - 2010 started with a bang as Rebel Duke struck gold on New Years Day, running away with a class 3 handicap at Southwell, and the pace rarely let up throughout the year. So we began the year full of high expectations, with more and better quality horses, and they didn't let us down. There were so many good performances during the season, but I will mention a few personal highlights. Probably the best story, and most satisfying for me, was the improvement Sir George showed through the year. Claimed out of a lowly race at Lingfield back in January, George improved 22lbs over the summer, winning four races and nearly 25k in prize money. George was one of the most consistent horses in training this year and is an absolute pleasure to have anything to do with. Another highlight has been the success of My Arch, culminating in a gallant 8th place, beaten only 6 lengths, in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket in October. We also had notable success with out two year olds - from 6 individual two year old runners, we had three winners, two of which were first time out. Perhaps the most promising was Jade, who won under Keiren Fallon at Pontefract back in September. As well as Clipthorne earlier in the year, and Stamp Duty at Newcastle later on, we have some lovely 3 year olds to look forward to next year. Other highlights have to be the ever-consistent Noodles Blue Boy gaining two good victories at the minimum trip; bargain-buy The Caped Crusader showed he was one to look out for next year after two impressive wins at Ripon and Chester; Quiet Mountain racked up a hatrick of wins, finally fulfilling his potential before injury curtailed his season (we look forward to next year); and Rosewin gaining a much-deserved success recently to end the year on a high note. So at the end of our 3rd full year, we have had 24 winners (59 in total) and ammassed nearly 140k in prize money. Throughout the whole year the horses have held their form very well and have done us and all their owners proud. We look forward to another prosperous and exciting 2011.

16th December 2010 - IT'S ALL ROSIE - Rosewin posted a much deserved first success of the year on her AW debut. Unsure of the Southwell kickback for the firt half mile, Rosie was settled last of the five runners, well in touch. But turning in, the writing was on the wall as she powered down the home straight, leaving her rivals toiling, to win by a cosy 4 lengths. A pint-sized filly, what she lacks in size she certainly makes up for in heart, and by the bucket load. The perfect Christmas present!

29th September 2010 - DUTY PUTS HIS STAMP ON RIVALS - Stamp Duty proved to be both tough and gutsy on his debut today, when running out a cosy winner on what was very deep ground. Having been settled at the back by Barry McHugh in the early stages of the race, Stamp Duty picked up when asked, knuckled down and gradually reeled in the clear leader to land a few bets in the process. He looks a horse that will progress and do well at 3.

23rd September 2010 - JOY FOR JADE AT PONTEFRACT - With the 'King of Pontefract' Keiren Fallon, on board, Jade got off the mark at the third attempt. After two solid races at Ripon and Redcar, Jade posted another improved effort to land this competitive 6F maiden. Drawn poorly in stall 12, she raced wide for much of the race and after making her move rounding the bend, she hit the front fully two furlongs out. She scooted clear of her rivals before idling throughout the final furlong, but kept on well up the hill to score by half a length. A delighted Ollie said, "She has done this well and is probably value for more than the winning margin as she raced very wide and still ran green in the last couple of furlongs. I have thought a lot of her from day one. She is a big filly and we always said anything she achieved as a 2 year old was a bonus, as she will be even better next year. Keiren gave her a nice ride and he thinks she could be quite useful next year."

21st September 2010 - NOODLES CONSISTENCY PAYS DIVIDENDS - Noodles Blue Boy has taken his form to a new level this season, running well in defeat since his last victory at Beverley in May. But at Leicester today, he added a Class 3 0-95 handicap to his CV when defying a career high mark under the unstoppable Franny Norton. Our worries surrounding the downhill start to Leicester's 5 furlongs were unwarranted as Noodles broke sharply and led the field a merry dance down the centre of the track. Narrowly headed at halfway, and again with a furlong to run, Noodles showed plenty of courage and tenacity to get back up on the run to the line, and win by a game head. Ollie said afterwards, "He has been running so consistently all year, he really deserved this success. If he improves again from 4 to 5 years, like he has done from 3 to 4, then we could be aiming at something like the Portland this time next year - you never know."

17th September 2010 - FLEETWOOD HAPPY AS A SANDBOY - Fleetwoodsands made it 2 from 2 on the AW under Tom Queally in the last race at Wolverhampton - a 3yo only handicap over 7 furlongs. Given a very cool ride by Group 1 winning jockey, Tom Queally, Fleetwoodsands came from last to first to win in fine style by a length and a quarter. Breaking slowly from stall one, Tom had Fleetwood sat last for much of the 7 furlongs, before pulling wide in the straight and passing all of his 11 rivals in a matter of strides, showing a smart turn of foot. This 3 year old son of Footstepsinthesand is improving with every race and will be a force to be reckoned with over the winter months.

11th September 2010 - CRUSADER CHESTER CRUISER - The Caped Crusader made it two wins on the bounce this afternoon at Chester, by slamming a competitive field to land the Cruise Nightspot Handicap over 1m2f. From the widest draw, Barry McHugh settled The Caped Crusader in midfield, just off the ordinary gallop, and after getting himself out of trouble over 2f out, showed his rivals a clean pair of heels and sprinted clear down the centre of the track to win going away by 2 lengths. A delighted Ollie said, "He relished this ground, and handled the track OK. We were a little worried by our draw, but his class told in the end. He's a smashing horse to have - he could be anything." Earlier in the day, Sir George, aka Mr Consistent, put in yet another brave effort to finish second in the Eve Handicap over 7 1/2 furlongs. Not seeming to handle the track, he just got going too late to catch the winner, but battled bravely once turned for home and was making big strides in the run to the line. He is a pleasure to train.

2nd September 2010 - PATTERN MARK GRADUAL IMPROVER - Pattern Mark doubled his career winning tally tonight on his first start on the All-Weather at Wolverhampton under a typically strong ride from Barry McHugh. Running over the extended 9 furlongs, Pattern Mark was always well positioned just tracking the leaders, and after scooting clear inside the final furlong, held on well to win by half a length.

1st September 2010 - PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED - Great news to start the month - Planning permission to put up 15 new stables has been granted today to extend our yard and increase the number of horses we are able to train to 35.

21st August 2010 - BATMAN SWOOPS LATE - The Caped Crusader fulfilled our hopes and expectations today at Ripon winning the competitive 1m2f At The Races Virgin 534 Handicap by a cosy neck. Settled in mid-division during the race, he was produced by Ian Brennan with a telling late burst to squeeze between horses with barely half a furlong to run. Ollie said, "I wasn't disappointed with his run at Doncaster last time - people knocked him, saying he didn't run well, but nothing went our way that day. He stays well - he showed that today, and he will improve with easier ground and another year on his back. This is tremendous for his owner, David Silversides, who has been very patient. And nice to get our third Saturday winner in a row!"

14th August 2010 - GUTSY GEORGE GOES IN AGAIN - If George hadn't already been knighted, surely he would have been now, for his consistency and continual improvement. Under his regular pilot, Barry McHugh, Sir George once again showed his grit and determination to win the VW Van Centre West Yorkshire Handicap over 1 mile at Ripon. A delighted trainer said, "He never disappoints, and he ceases to amaze us at just how big his heart is and his genuine desire to win. There is still more to come from him, I'm sure."

7th August 2010 - LANDMARK 50 REACHED WITH SUPERB VICTORY AT HQ - My Arch's gutsy win in the mud at Newmarket today put winner number 50 on the board since Ollie took out his license to train in November 2007. Commenting on this achievement, he said, "It's absolutely terrific. For a small stable, to reach 50 winners in last than three years training - it's more than I could have hoped for. And what a way to reach it - My Arch? He's some horse." Isn't he just. With the official going described as good to soft, with more rain falling during racing, it made the 2 mile stayers handicap a real war of attrition. But that is My Arch's forte, and having been outpaced at the bottom of the hill and seemingly going nowhere, as soon as he hit the rising ground, he took off and outstayed his rivals. On the victory, Ollie said, "He's proved today that easy ground suits him, and Newmarket holds no qualms, so we look forward to October. All roads now lead to the Cesarewitch. I think he's made for it."

1st July 2010 - INJURY RULES PROGRESSIVE MOUNTAIN OUT FOR REST OF YEAR - Quiet Mountain, who has been a rapid improver over the last few months, racking up a hatrick of wins over 1m both on the AW and the turf, has had his progression stemmed for the time being after a recurrence of an old knee injury sees him sidelined for the forseeable future. It is very disappointing news, but he has been a terrific asset to our team and a pleasure to watch improve for his very patient owners.

28th June 2010 - FLEETWOOD AT HOME ON THE SAND - Fleetwoodsands broke his maiden on only his second start for us, on Wolverhampton's Polytrack over six furlongs. We thought he was made for all-weather racing, and after overcoming greeness and possibly wanting another furlong, he was well on top at the line, under a power-packed Tom Queally. Further progess awaits this inexpensive purchase.

24th June 2010 - PATTERN GETS OFF THE MARK IN STYLE - After nearly 300 days off the track, Pattern Mark broke his maiden at Newcastle over the 1m2f trip, and did it in fine style. Ollie said after the race, "He has been a late developing horse - taking until this year to fill his huge frame, and he has come back this year much stronger - able to finish his races off now. It is great for his owner, David Scott, who has been so patient, and he is an exciting prospect, both improving on the flat, and perhaps to go hurdling later in the year."

10th June 2010 - PLEASING RETURN FOR CRUSADER - The Caped Crusader made a very promising debut for the yard at Haydock tonight in finishing a half-length second, having been bought from the sales for a mere £2,200 back in January, and is looking to be a great buy. He is sure to come on for the run and we look forward to some great fun during the summer months.

9th June 2010 - QUIET MOUNTAIN RACKS UP HATRICK IN STYLE - Quiet Moutain proved himself to be still progressing with a comfortable win at Kempton tonight on only his ninth career start. Held up off a strong early pace, he still had plenty to do turning, but once clear in the straight, ran on strongly to win going away by a length and a quarter to put up the hatrick. And from this running, there is every chance he can win a fourth consecutive race.

4th June 2010 - CLIPTHORNE PROVES SHE'S A NATURAL - Clipthorne defied a lack of experience to get her career off to the best possible start with a win at Catterick today in the 2 year old Maiden. Although she broke on terms, she soon ran green during the middle part of this 5F dash and still had five lengths to make up on the leaders entering the final furlong. But under an in-form Barry McHugh, once switched outside, she produced a telling turn of foot in the latter stages to rattle home in front by just a head. This was a brilliant result for her owner/breeders, who were understandably ecstatic, and also for the yard as Clipthorne was only our second two year old runner of the year.

22nd May 2010 - EVER CONSISTENT GEORGE BAGS HAYDOCK WIN - On a glorious summers day when temperatures reached 28 degrees at grade 1 track Haydock Park, Sir George finally gained his deserved first handicap success after hitting the bar so often, and he did it in game fashion. Sat in the box seat off a steady gallop, George took up the running fully two furlongs out and stayed on stoutly to hold off all challengers to score by a comfortable length. With regular pilot, Barry McHugh, up, who's record with George now reads 11221, George continued his rise up the handicap with this win off a mark of 76. This win today, following Lord Fidelio's at Catterick yesterday, shows the horses continue to be in great form, and we already reach 10 winners for the year. They are doing us all proud.

21st May 2010 - FIDELIO LORDS IT OVER RIVALS AT CATTERICK - Lord Fidelio secured his fourth career success, and his first under Ollie Pears Racing, when trouncing his moderate rivals in the 7f seller at Catterick today. Lord Fidelio had been very disappointing at Thirsk last time when taking some dislike to the first time blinkers, but today his showed his true form to win this quite cosily. Given a fantastic ride from the in-form Tom Eaves, he sat tracking the leaders before Tom put the race to bed with two furlongs to go, when sending Fidelio clear to eventually win by 2 lengths.

11th May 2010 - BEVERLEY MAESTRO NOODLES TRIUMPHS AGAIN - Noodles Blue Boy proved that there really are 'horses for courses' when he made it three wins from four visits to Beverley, over the minimum trip. Reunited with Tony Hamilton, with who he formed a formidable partnership last year, Noodles was given a peach of a ride, wearing down long time leader, Sir Geoffrey, in the last half furlong to score by a length. Ollie said, "He has really done well over the winter, and going back to a stiffer track has really suited him. This is only his second start for his new owners, so we are delighted he has put one on the scoresheet for them already."

26th April 2010 - MOUNTAIN NOT SO QUIET NOW - At Newcastle today Quiet Mountain made it two on the bounce with another cosy success under regular pilot Barry McHugh, shouting out he is an improver to watch out for. Given a superb ride, Quiet Mountain was settled near the back of the field. Travelling noticeably well turning, Barry sent him clear entering the final furlong and held off any challengers readily. This was his first run on turf and he proved just as effective, if not better, on grass than on the all-weather.

24th April 2010 - GAME ARCH STAYS ON FOR GALLANT SECOND - My Arch ran a superb second in Ripon's feature race in the 2m 'totetentofollow.co.uk Handicap'. Racing towards the rear of the field in what was a relatively sedate gallop set by the leader, Archie travelled well over this longer trip than his win in the Musselburgh Gold Cup earlier in the month. However when the pace quickened turning in with half a mile to go, Archie was the first off the bridle as he got outpaced. But as has become his trademark, once switched outside, he stayed on very strongly in the final furlong to grab second on the line. Ollie said "He's run a blinder. He handled the quicker ground well. He has come out of the race great and we will head to Royal Ascot for one of two races. The long term aim will be the Cesarewitch - the track and trip will suit him down to the ground. He's a lovely horse to have."

8th April 2010 - MOUNTAIN FINALLY COMES GOOD - Racing has long been a waiting game but in this case, Quiet Mountain has taken it to the extreme. At five years old and having only his seventh start, Quiet Mountain finally put all the pieces of the jigsaw together to win the first race of his career. Given a confident ride from Barry McHugh, he stalked the clear leader for much of the way, settled in third place, before making smooth headway rounding the final bend. Hitting the front turning in, Quiet Mountain still showed signs of greeness, but he stretched out well and held on gamely by three quarters of a length. Ollie says "This is great. The owners have been unbelievably patient, as he has been a big, backward sort, but he has been gradually getting the hang of the game. We are very much looking forward to getting him on the turf and we are excited about the improvement still to come."

7th April 2010 - GORGEOUS GEORGE GOES IN AGAIN - Sir George made it two wins from four runs for us with a game win under Barry McHugh at Catterick today. The going was officially described as good to soft, soft in places and George seemed to relish the testing ground. Settled behind the leaders, Barry gave George a textbook ride, taking the shortest route round on the rail before making the best of his way home down the straight, to win pushed out by a cosy length. We look forward to further improvement now back on the turf.

4th April 2010 - ARCHIE STRIKES GOLD IN MUSSELBURGH - Only four months ago, after his facile victory over more experienced rivals in a valuable steeplechase, My Arch became crippled by recurring back problems, to the extent where it was painful to watch him try to walk. But with time and plenty of TLC, Archie has since never looked back and his progress had been outstanding. Ollie had this race planned for quite some time, although he didn't let many people know, and gradually everything was coming together. Archie told us he was ready. The race itself played out perfectly - settled near the back of the field, the leaders set a strong pace on deep, stamina-sapping ground. With fully 6 furlongs still to travel, Barry McHugh and Archie were still a good 15 lengths off the leaders, but Barry never panicked and stuck to the inside rail rounding the final bend. Staying on all the way up the straight, Barry pulled him wide with a furlong to go, to pick up the long time leaders just strides before the line, to finish ears pricked, a short head in front. This victory means so much to all at Ollie Pears Racing, as it has been a terrific team effort - not least from the owners' Jonathan and Ann Spensley, who have shown such patience, perseverance and faith. May there be many more great days like this one.

27th March 2010 - ISHETOO HOLDS OWN IN LINCOLN - Ishetoo proved his 100-1 price wrong today when he ran a very creditable 10th in Doncaster's opening showpiece, where he had more horses finish behind him than in front. True - Ishe did not stay the mile, but he ran a big race for a long way, and we are very much looking forward to an exciting season back over sprint distances.

12th Feb. 2010 - GRUDGE GOES IN AGAIN - Grudge showed his likeability and versatility for the all-weather today when running out a ready winner of the claimer at Southwell today. A winner at Wolverhampton at the end of last year, he finished a length second at the same venue only four days ago. Today, racing on fibresand, Grudge sat just off the leaders in the early stages of this 5 furlong contest, and was travelling best of the five runners at halfway, and when Franny asked for maximum effort, Grudge put his best foot forward and stormed away from his rivals to win going away by nearly three lengths. Unfortunately Grudge was claimed by Conor Dore after this terrific performance.

25th Jan. 2010 - ARISE SIR GEORGE! - Our newest recruit Sir George proved to be a shrewd buy from a 1m2f claimer at Lingfield 2 weeks ago, as he cheekily won the seller over an extended mile at Wolverhampton. Back at this more suitable trip, George broke well and soon found himself in front unintentionally. But it proved to be the place to be, and given a fine ride by Barry McHugh, quickened clear turning in, and was always doing just enough to hold off the final challenger by a head.

1st Jan. 2010 - DEVASTATING DUKE DESTROYS SPRINT RIVALS - What a way to start the new year! Rebel Duke today routed this strong field at his favourite Southwell just three days after being so narrowly denied over the same distance. Fresh and well after his exertions on Tuesday, Rebel lined up for today's big sprint disputing favouritism and the result was rarely in doubt. Having been hampered coming out of the stalls, Rebel was soon tracking the leaders before looming up at halfway, travelling like the winner. Under a confident ride from Barry McHugh, they kicked clear entering the final furlong to win bounding clear by over 2 lengths, picking up over £10,000 in prize money.

31st Dec. 2009 - THE END OF A SUPERB YEAR - At the end of our second full season, we have had a tremendous year with 18 flat winners and 1 chase win, and too many seconds to remember! The horses have continued to be in good form throughout, with win and place money exceeding £89,000. There have been many highlights during the year, including Rowan's three wins, Noodles' three wins, Kabis' brilliant performance at Beverley, our first across-the-card double and My Arch's professional win in his first chase at the end of November. Let's hope for another successful year with more great days to remember!

18th Dec. 2009 - SAD FAREWELL TO GOOD FRIEND KABIS - A few days before Christmas and we had to say goodbye to 7 year old Kabis Amigos after he suffered a serious leg injury during training and had to be put down. Kabis had been with us 8 months, arriving after Scott Mason had finished training, and immediately made an impact, finishing second at Musselburgh in May before spread-eagling a good field at Beverley winning by over three lengths. He was a very good horse on his day, as he proved at Beverley, and he had a very willing, kind nature. Our thanks and condolensces to his owner, Ian Glenton. Kabis will be sorely missed.

4th Dec. 2009 - COSY SUCCESS FOR SUPER SAILING - We witnessed yet another another fine ride from Franny Norton tonight, as Clear Sailing was steered to victory in the mile claimer. Known for being a tricky ride and a renowned front-runner, Franny had to take a lead early on from the widest of draws and the pace-setters went off at breakneck pace. However, as the early leaders started to toil at the end of the back straight, Clear Sailing was still full of running and took it up 3 furlongs out. The result was never seemingly in doubt as he went on to score by a length and a quarter.

30th Nov. 2009 - GREAT GRUDGE FINALLY SCORES AT WOLVERHAMPTON - After a couple of frustrating seconds for Grudge in the last month, he finally gained this deserved success on a rainy Monday afternoon. Given a peach of a ride from Franny Norton, Grudge led the field early, setting only a moderate gallop, before being headed halfway. But sporting eye-shields for the first time, Grudge had something to aim for in the straight, and showed no sign of stopping as he went on to win the sprint handicap by a length from his previous conqueror, Decider.

22nd Nov. 2009 - FANTASTIC ARCHIE - My Arch, a stable favourite, started his chasing career in the best possible fashion by making a winning debut in a 0-125 handicap chase at Musselburgh. My Arch had really taken to jumping fences at home and has schooled superbly well, so we had been very excited about his chasing debut. And he did not disappoint - given a patient and confident ride from Brian Hughes, Archie took up the running turning in with four to jump, and showed his love for the game by duly bounding clear with ears pricked. We are delighted to have trained our first winner for My Arch's owners, the Spensleys, and hope it is the first of many. What a brilliant day!

23rd Oct. 2009 - MORE SECONDITIS! - The feature of this month has very much been about finishing second. In just over three weeks, we have had 16 runners, and an incredible 7 second placings. The most unlucky of them is game Herbert Crescent, who has ran three times in the last 13 days and finished second on each occasion, the latest of which he got beat only a nose. So although we are certainly not complaining about our seconditis and the continuing good run of form, we hope for just a little bit more luck this week!

3rd Oct. 2009 - TRAPHALGAR RACES TO 3/4 LENGTH VICTORY - Traphalgar, a recent purchase out of a Leicester claimer, proved to be money well spent when getting the better of nine rivals at Redcar on Saturday. Settled just behind the leaders, Tom Queally hit the front fully 3 furlongs from home, but the win was rarely in doubt, as this gelding - bred to win an Arc - stayed on strongly to record his third victory of the season.

30th Sept. 2009 - LUJANO STRIKES TWICE - Lujano once again made all the running in the mile handicap at Newcastle under a good ride from Barry McHugh, to record back-to-back victories and his fifth lifetime win. Quick away from the gates, Lujano set the gallop, quickened turning in and was not to be passed as he stayed on stoutly up the Newcastle straight to win by a length and a half.

28th Sept. 2009 - RED EXPRESSO BACK WITH A BANG - Red Expresso made it 30 winners in under 24 months training for Ollie Pears Racing Ltd. after a patient and confident ride from young apprentice Ryan Powell. Fresh from a near 300 day absence, Red was settled in rear early on before making steady headway turning in and quickening nicely under a hands and heels ride. He obviously enjoyed tender handling and he is certainly one to look forward to for the all-weather campaign.

12th Sept. 2009 - GAME LUJANO BACK TO BEST AT WOLVERHAMPTON - Tough and honest, Lujano made every yard of the mile and half a furlong trip tonight to win off a career high mark and bounce firmly back to form under a positively-brilliant front-running ride from Freddie Tylicki. Back at his favoured Wolverhampton, on the Polytrack surface, Lujano got an easy lead from a wide draw and never saw another rival to win by a length and a quarter. Earlier in the night, Herbert Crescent also confirmed he was coming back to form after a break, with a very close fourth.

31st August 2009 - BATTLE-HARDENED NOODLES TRIUMPHS AGAIN AT NEWCASTLE - For the third time this season, Noodles had to dig deep to win and post a career best effort under regular pilot Tony Hamilton. Once a quiet and timid two year old, Noodles has grown with every run this season, and now as we have become used to, he was hard driven from halfway over this 5f trip, but was game and stayed on best of all to win by a hard-fought neck.

11th July 2009 - FIRST DOUBLE UP AS PETSAS AND MOMENT SCORE - In a little over 20 months training, Ollie Pears Racing has amassed 27 winners, 11 coming so far this year, and today we landed our very first double! In the afternoon, Shared Moment was given a very good ride by Kelly Harrison to win the seller at Nottingham by 4 1/2 lengths on only her third start. And then Petsas Pleasure completed an across-the-card double by winning the final race at Hamilton by a shorthead under Tom Eaves. A brilliant day!

26th June 2009 - NOODLES DEFIES HORRID CONDITIONS TO SCORE AT NEWCASTLE - Noodles Blue Boy, partnered by regular jockey Tony Hamilton, prevailed by a neck in the final race at Newcastle on Friday night. On wet, rain-softened ground and thick fog that nearly abandoned racing, Noodle ran on strongly to wear down the long-time leader near the line to win his second race this year. Noodles is our 25th winner since we started in November 2007.

15th June 2009 - ROWAN DOES IT AGAIN! - We are fast running out of superlatives for Rowan Lodge as he once again proved that weights and figures are meaningless to him in claiming company, as he defeated a higher rated rival by a short-head. In tremendous form this season, Rowan has now won 6 races in the 18 months he has been with us.

10th June 2009 - OUTSTANDING BEVERLEY RECORD UPHELD BY KABIS AMIGOS - Kabis Amigos made it an incredible 7 from 10 for us at Beverley today by trouncing a competitive field by over 3 lengths to confirm he, and the whole yard, are in tremendous form at present.

9th June 2009 - PATTERN MARK BEGINS TO FULFIL PROMISE - Pattern Mark began to repay his owners' patience at Redcar today when he was beaten only 2 lengths into 3rd. Having been outpaced early on, Pattern Mark stayed on strongly up the straight and was finishing best of all at the line.

3rd June 2009 - PROMISING HANDICAP DEBUT FOR DEN MASCHINE - Although only a low grade selling handicap, the first race at Ripon proved to be a very competitive affair, with several of the runners fancied by their connections, none more so than our own Den Maschine. Settled near the back after taking a strong hold early, with the early pace only ordinary, Tom Eaves delivered Den Maschine with his challenge in the straight and although running green under pressure, Den Maschine stayed on well to finish a good second on his handicap debut.

1st June 2009 - CARLISLE WIN FOR EVER CONSISTENT ROWAN - Stable superstar Rowan Lodge proved his tenacity and gameness once again on a boiling hot day at Carlisle, to win the claimer under a tyically good ride from regular pilot Jamie Moriarty. On the same card, Noodles Blue Boy improved from his win in a seller at Beverley 3 weeks ago, to finish a close third in a good 3yr old handicap. On this evidence he is sure to win again this season.

29th May 2009 - BIRKSIDE BACK ON TRACK AFTER HAMILTON WIN - After two solid efforts in good handicap company for us this season, Birkside showed he retains all his old ability in what was a small but competitive field in the claimer, to run out a game winner under a fine tactical ride by David Nolan and win by 1 3/4 lengths. Unfortunately Birkside was claimed after the race.

12th May 2009 - NOODLES PROVES TOO STRONG FOR RIVALS AT FAVOURITE BEVERLEY - Noodles Blue Boy, a previous winner over this course and distance last year on his racecourse debut, benefitted from the big drop in grade and took the opening seller with the minimum of fuss. Always in a good position on the rail, Tony Hamilton produced Noodles to win his race with furlong to go and he duly put the race to bed. This win, not only made our Beverley record now an outstanding 6 from 8, but was our 20th winner since Ollie took out his license only 18 months ago.

24th April 2009 - EXCITING PROSPECT QUIET MOUNTAIN OUT FOR SEASON - Following a disappointing day yesterday where the promising Quiet Mountain lost his action and pulled up lame after his long-awaited debut, today xrays revealed a chip in his knee. However, the prognosis is very good, and we can look forward to seeing this good-looking gelding by Monashee Mountain back on the racecourse by the New Year.

15th April 2009 - BEVERLEY RECORD NOW 5 FROM 7 AFTER ROWAN WIN - Rowan Lodge got his season off to the best possible start at Beverley by winning the seller by a neck. This was not half the story as Rowan overcame what looked an impossible task drawn widest in stall 1, but under a brilliant ride from Jamie, Rowan flew home in the final furlong to collar the long-time leader just yards from the line. Winning his fourth race for us, Rowan remains a superb stalwart for our stable.

28th Jan. 2009 - HERBERT ENJOYS RETURN TO POLYTRACK - Herbert Crescent ran on well to snatch the lead late on to win the concluding handicap at Lingfield by a head. Just tracking the leaders off only a moderate gallop, Herbert picked up well once switched wide and got his head in front at the right time under a good ride from Jamie Moriarty. It seems our stable continues in great form.

15th Jan. 2009 - OFF TO A FLYER - Clear Sailing provided us with our first winner of the new year at Great Leighs. From his wide draw, Chris Catlin soon took Sailor to the lead and he galloped his rivals into submission, and held on gamely to win by the narrowest of margins.

31st Dec. 2008 - A FABULOUS FIRST YEAR - With 14 winners at the end of our first full year, we couldn't have dreamt of a better start, and so a big thank you goes to all our owners. Here's hoping for another successful year in 2009!

18th Dec. 2008 - LUJANO EARNS MUCH-DESERVED SUCCESS AT SOUTHWELL - Yakimov, who only 48 hours earlier finished 4th here at his favourite track, ran a creditable 2nd to the easy winner, Clear Sailing, who we bought in the auction afterwards. Better was to come as Lujano gained a much-deserved success after putting in some consistent efforts on the Polytrack, making all under regular jockey Paul Mulrennan to stay on best of all and record his 3rd success in 12 months.