Latest News

14th December 2011
All well at the studs - Material World in very good condition in her winter coat and still out in the paddock day and night.
Storm Patrol continues to develop well - she has a lovely friendly nature and is very relaxed just like her mum! Her bone structure, confirmation and action are a delight to see. Material Star - the older half brother - is also in great shape - a club visit to see him is due on the 20th December.

8th October 2011
Material World very happily still in foal to Oscar while the 8 month old Shirocco filly, Storm Patrol, continues to thrive and looks amazingly powerful. Please see the Millie gallery for latest action shots.

1st August  2011
Material World and her 2011 filly foal - now officially named Storm Patrol and leased to the racing partnership Storm Force Ten, continue to relax and flourish at a private stud in West Sussex. As you can  see from the photos in the Millie gallery, Storm Patrol is looking in very good order and will soon be weaned and share a paddock with other young stock.
Material World is happily in foal to one of the proven best Irish jumps stallions - Oscar.
There is a check visit to Overbury Stud next week to see Ollie (Now officially Material Star) and catch up on gossip at a pub lunch afterwards with other Material World club members who are free that day. Ollie is in his last year of growing and enjoying just being a horse before starting proper full time work next summer.

25th July 2011
Daisy and Millie are now safely back in West Sussex and looking in fine fettle. Having returned from Ireland they will stay in quarantine for two weeks with two other mares and foals which have also returned from Ireland for company. After the quarantine period ends just after Glorious Goodwood, they will all be transferred to other paddocks and the time will then have come for Millie to be weaned away from Daisy. They are both so friendly and pleased to see visitors. Latest photos are in the Millie gallery.

2nd July 2011
At County Stables, Lewes members of the Material World Racing Club were treated to a display of Ollie being ridden and then were allowed to give him lots of attention! He is just like his dam, Material World, in so many ways including his laid back attitude! After his first spell of work for three months, he will now return to Overbury Stud to grow some more before returning to an extended training programme as a three year old next year. Thanks go to Suzy and Serge for the special care they have taken with his development to date.
At the AGM which followed, Ollie’s racing name was chosen after a long voting process starting with 13 suggestions culminating in a sealed vote for the final selection. After the name, which has been reserved by the MWRC, has cleared final registration with Weatherbys, it can be released.

Daisy(in foal to Oscar) and Millie should soon be on their way back from Ireland to a private stud not far from Goodwood.

19th June 2011
Good news! Material World confirmed in foal to Oscar - now await confirmation of pregnancy held at 42 day stage in July and then Daisy and Millie can be transported back to England and lots of attention!
Michael Moore - respected Irish bloodstock agent - saw Daisy and Millie at Coolmore in Ireland today and said that Millie was the best foal he had ever seen! No Michael - she’s not for sale! We want to develop her carefully and see her win at Royal Ascot and/or Cheltenham for the new racing club, Storm Force Ten.

22nd May 2011
Ollie’s Birthday! Now two years old - club members were treated to a display of what he has learned in a month on a long rein at the Suzy Smith racing yard on the Old Lewes Racecourse.  The day was dry but very windy but Ollie took it all in his stride. Afterwards members retired to the Rainbow Inn for a celebration lunch and toasted Ollie and absent members who were unable to join us on the day. Latest pictures are in the Ollie gallery. As you can imagine, members are delighted with his progress and usual friendly manner. Ollie will stay at Lewes until after the Material World Racing Club AGM on the 2nd July and then return to Overbury Stud in Gloucestershire until next year.
Material World - in Ireland with Millie - was covered for the third time by Oscar - next scan due 7th June - Grange Stud are more hopeful of a good outcome this time. Millie reported to be developing well.  We expect Daisy and Millie back in England in July.

8th April 2011
Members and guests of the Material World Racing Club enjoyed a very good three course meal and afternoon’s racing at Fontwell. The management and staff of Fontwell fully deserve the accolade of being awarded Racecourse of the Year 2011 and we shall certainly return there for another visit.
Members that backed the better Kayf Tara and Oscar sired horses came out with a good profit - thank you bookies! Not a good day for them as 6 out 7 favourites won - oh what a shame!

3rd April 2011
Millie two months old today! See Millie gallery for pictures of her taken on the 3rd April in Ireland.
As you can see, both Material World and Millie are looking well and relaxed.  Still waiting for Material World to come into season so she can be covered by Oscar at the Coolmore yard, Fermoy, County Cork.

12th March 2011
Daisy and Millie were taken on a safe overnight trip to the Coolmore National Hunt stud near Fermoy in southern Ireland.
As we watch Peddlers Cross, Oscar Whisky and Big Zeb reach the winners enclosure at the Festival, Daisy is due to be covered in the same week by their famous and well proven sire, Oscar as this years choice of stallion.

4th March 2011
A club visit to see the Material World family found them all in good heart. Daisy looking relaxed and being a good mum. Millie developing nicely and Ollie just totally chilled out - asleep when we arrived - had a yawn, stretch and treated us to a good roll. Then stood up and had a chat with all of us - very friendly as always. Latest photos are in the Ollie gallery and Millie gallery.

14th February 2011
What a fabulous way to spend Valentine's Day - with three lovely ladies!
Robin was indeed fortunate to spend the day with his wife, Carol,  visiting  Daisy, Millie and Ollie. The weather was fine too which meant better light for action shots. 
Please click on the Ollie Gallery on the left for the latest shots of him - now a very strong two year old and still growing - he is going to be one powerful horse - just look at his legs, shoulder and rump! 
His racing name is currently being suggested by the 16 members of the Material World Racing Club which owns him - using an alternative voting system over the next few months to determine the end result!
The young Millie - just 11 days old - is certainly a very bright eyed and bushy tailed filly - anyone who thought that using Shirocco as a stallion would produce a speed horse and might not produce a jumper had better eat their words - just see for yourselves how she can leap in her own Millie Gallery. 
Shirocco was selected, inter alia, for his powerful and athletic action and the combination with the high cruising speed and courage of Material World is a very exciting match.

Thursday 3^rd February 2011
Ollie’s sister was born 45 minutes after midnight. All went very well -the whole process took just 5 minutes from waters breaking to delivery.
Foal was chatty and active and kept mum busy with frequent suckling - which is so important in the first few hours to strengthen the foal’s immune system.

21^st January 2011
A visit to see Ollie at Overbury Stud found him in good shape and growing stronger.
As you know, the weather has been cold but the horses in their winter coats do not seem to mind - they prefer to be outside. Latest pictures are in the foal gallery.
Daisy has been moved to a specialist foaling unit near Chipping Norton. As she was covered on the 22^nd February 2010 by Shirocco and the gestation period for horses is approximately  eleven months and 7 days, the next foal is due anytime onwards from the week-end of the 29^th January. 
On the 28^th January, the racing club is having a social meet at Fontwell Racecourse in the hospitality suite - buffet lunch followed by afternoon racing.

12^th November 2010
A fun trip to Cheltenham Countryside Race Day preceded by an overnight stay at Dumbleton Hall. Members enjoyed a parade of stallions, mixing with the pack of beagles, shopping, and a great afternoon's racing. The Davids in the club did well with 'Dave's Dream' romping home a clear winner.

18^th October 2010
The Moorcroft Charity Race Day at Plumpton was supported by several club members who enjoyed champagne on arrival, 3 course lunch with wine, charity auction and afternoon racing. Club member Susie Frost very generously donated a framed print of Daisy and Ollie which was successfully bought in the auction by delighted club member Tammy Arrigoni. 

19^th September 2010
Owners open day at Suzy Smith Racing at Lewes which consisted of champagne and nibbles hospitality, a parade of horses, followed by lunch and afternoon racing at Plumpton. Some members even reported having made a profit on the racing - a rare occurrence! Two of our members acted as barmen for all the guests and were suitably rewarded with unlimited free drinks of their choice.

3^rd September 2010
Members were treated to a tour of the Moorcroft Racing Welfare Centre at Slindon by their chairman and treasurer Tim Fox. One of the issues the horse industry and owners have to face is how best to deal with their horse when its racing career is finished. Moorcroft retrain suitable prospects as riding horses, then loan them out to caring owners. The Material World Racing Club (MWRC) members agreed to make a donation to the centre of £200 and this received a nice thank you letter from the yard manager, Mary Henley-Smith. The MWRC is also supporting Moorcroft on their charity race day at Plumpton on the 18th October.

July 21^st 2010
Club visit to Overbury Stud to check on Daisy and Ollie’s progress. All well - Daisy relaxed and showing well in foal and Ollie was his usual friendly self lapping up attention! The Fox and Hounds at Bredon came up trumps with their usual high standard of service and lunch and members left knowing they had had a most enjoyable day in each other’s company and had seen their stock in good condition.

June 24^th 2010
The club AGM - after a welcome coffee and cakes on arrival at Prinsted House, members were presented with a brief recap on the first year of foal development and club activities, then accounts for approval. Ollie’s future trainer, Suzy Smith, next explained training and development plans for Ollie for the years ahead. Members then moved on to The Kennels at Goodwood for a delightful lunch and were treated afterwards to a very sunny - but not necessarily profitable for some - fun afternoon’s horse racing on top of the downs at Goodwood.

April 8^th 2010
A club trip to Newmarket - the early morning started with a guided historic tour of the old town.  Then they enjoyed lunch at the Rutland Arms Hotel, followed by a private tour of Sheik Mohammed’s amazing Dalham Hall stud and selected stallion parade. Those on view included Derby winner Authorized and the mighty Breeder’s Cup Turf winner Shirocco.  Members also saw the tombstones of famous horses of the past and the covering yard where Material World(GB) was covered by Shirocco earlier this year. Some members stayed overnight locally the night before and enjoyed a convivial supper in the Rutland Arms Hotel  and then post supper drinks in a friendly local pub.

26^th March 2010
Great news - Material World 28 day scan shows a foal in embryo with an active heartbeat.  
Fingers crossed now for the next critical check at the 42 day stage.
Club visit coming up on the 8th April to see the sire, Shirocco, at Dalham Hall Stud, Newmarket plus a tour of the racing scene at Newmarket.
To see the confirmation of the stallion and watch some of his races click here.

5^th March 2010
A visit to see Ollie and Daisy (Material World) found them in fine fettle. You can see how well Ollie is developing from the latest pictures in the foal gallery.
Club members were treated to a thrilling display of speed and agility from Ollie. He would let the other two run ahead, then when he decided they had the benefit of a big enough lead, he would dash after them and catch them up. There is no doubt in our minds that this is one very fine racehorse in the making. Judge for yourselves from the pictures.
Daisy looked very relaxed in her paddock with other mares. She was covered by Shirocco on the 26^th February at Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket. We should know in a week or so if that was successful. If not, back she goes to Shirocco for a second covering.
There will be a club visit to Newmarket Racing Museum, a racing yard, gallops, and Dalham Hall Stud on the 8^th April. A big celebration is also on the cards for 22^nd May 2010 - Ollie’s birthday!

14^th January 2010
Happy New Year to all readers! Both mare and yearling doing well - brought in at nights in the very cold spells. A few of us visited them just after Christmas and they were happy to see visitors - especially those with sweet apples and polo mints!  Material World is now ‘under lights’ in the evening and early morning to try and convince her Spring has arrived! This should bring her into season earlier than usual with the first covering targeted for the latter half in February 2010.

We have undertaken a large research project on choosing an exciting stallion match for Material World in 2010. This has included a tour of some of the best Irish studs. The final shortlist of four was Kayf Tara, Kings Theatre, Shirocco and Yeats. All of them are high class stallions but a selection had to be made which ended up being the most expensive!

The very exciting match is with Shirocco who won big races in many countries including the German Derby, the Italian Derby, Breeders Cup Turf in USA, Prix  Foy in France beating Hurricane Run and Pride, and the Coronation Cup at Epsom defeating the famous Ouija Board. Shirocco’s offspring have been well sought after by buyers or their agents. The bloodline is very strong indeed with winners in depth on both Dam and Sire sides. He was rated the world’s best older horse on his retirement to stud and his Dam, So Sedulous, was voted Broodmare of the Year with all six of her foals that went racing being winners.
No guarantees of course - one can only dream about the result of the combination of this  power and speed mixed with Material World’s attributes. Almost makes me already start to feel sorry for the other runners! Fingers and everything else crossed that the covering goes well.

3^rd December 2009
Check visits were made to see mare and foal on the 30th October and today. All seen to be well with Ollie developing nicely with excellent bone and a lovely athletic action. Additional pictures added to foal gallery so you can all judge for yourselves!
Next visit is the racing club Christmas event to see mare, foal and Kayf Tara followed by Christmas Lunch on the 22nd December 2009. This will be the last visit to see Ollie as a  ‘foal’ as on 1st January 2010 he officially becomes a yearling.

7^th October 2009
Ollie was weaned away from Material World last week so how are they both getting on? An inspection  today revealed mare and foal are doing very well. Ollie is in a group with three other foals of similar age and this is his family group now. You can see the latest pictures of him in the foal gallery. As you can see he has all the right characteristics - good bone and confirmation, fine head and neck, and a lovely temperament.
Material World is also in a group of four mares that have foaled this year. They all seem very relaxed and enjoyed a visit - especially as they were treated to several sweet apples and polo mints!
The next visits for racing club members are a Moorcroft Charity Race Day at Plumpton Racecourse on the 19th October and a visit to see Daisy and Ollie on the 30th October - both including a good social lunch of course!

22^nd September 2009
Racing members were invited to and some were free to go to the Suzy Smith Racing Owners day at Lewes on 20/09/2009. They were treated to a warm welcome, champagne and canapés, a parade of horses currently in training, and then on to Plumpton races for the afternoon. At the races an excellent lunch was served to all the guests in a trackside marquee and members then enjoyed a good afternoon’s racing.
Ollie has had a sore foot (not unusual for horses as they sometimes tread on a sharp flint) so he was stabled with Material World for a few days until it cleared up. He is now turned out again to enjoy this spell of fine weather.
Four months old today!

12^th July 2009
Both Material World and colt foal ‘Ollie’ reported and seen to be well at Overbury stud.
See the foal gallery for the latest pictures.
Material World was covered by Kayf Tara on the 4^th July and we should know by the 22^nd July  if it was successful.
Ollie delighted club members who visited the stud on the 2^nd July. Stud manager Simon Sweeting also treated us to an upbeat description of Ollie with his straight and correct front legs and classic Sadlers Wells’ hind legs.
We were then entertained with a parade of stallions - Kayf Tara, Zafeen, Bertolini and Proclamation. After that members went on to a fun pub lunch at the Fox and Hounds at Bredon.
The next club visit is planned for the 21^st July.

12^th June 2009
Foal pictures are now available to see as a separate foal gallery under the main gallery, click here to view the gallery.
As you can see from some of the action pictures, apart from the stunning good looks of the foal, there is already evidence that both speed and agility have been inherited from  the winning sire and dam.

8^th June 2009
Material World and the foal return to Overbury Stud in readiness for another covering by KAYF TARA  in a week or so. KAYF TARA looked to be in fine form and is stabled just a few doors away from Daisy and the foal.

1^st June 2009
Members of the Material World Racing Club were treated to an astonishing display of agility and speed by the foal. This was followed by some trotting training for junior from Material World! Some great action shots were captured on camera and distributed to racing club and fan club members by e-mail.  

22^nd May 2009
Shortly after midnight Material World gave birth to a handsome bay colt. As usual for foals, it was not long before it was up on its feet and seeking food from its mare.  Mare and foal were mostly left alone in the box for the important bonding process although a few fortunate visitors were able to catch a glimpse of proceedings.
Over the next few days they were turned out in a small paddock to stretch their legs and enjoy the sunshine.

14^th May 2009
As you can see from the photo, Material World is looking very well with her precious cargo inside.
The stud groom reckons the foal might be born within the week.
With very good timing, KAYF ARAMIS cruised home to win at York today providing yet more evidence that KAYF TARA offspring out of good mares produce champions. Applications at the current level for the Material World Racing Club will close in the next few days.
Club members are all geared up with mobile phones on their pillows at night! Many are ready to come and visit the new born foal as soon as they hear the news - in the early hours of the morning probably.
Anyone possibly interested in purchasing the last few shares should now phone the club manager, Robin Smith direct on 01243 513933 for the latest terms.

24^th April 2009
Members of the Material World Racing Club enjoyed a visit to see ‘Daisy’ before the foal arrives next month. She looked very well and much enjoyed all the attention and a few Royal Gala apples kindly supplied by her admirers. Members also had the pleasure of seeing a couple of other foals on site. This was followed by an excellent lunch and much fun as two members had birthdays that day, then a tour of the SUZY SMITH STABLES  with an update and insight into a few exciting new arrivals in the yard.
Some shares in the racing club are still available although the price has gone up slightly - please telephone Robin Smith direct on 01243 513933 or e-mail direct robin@materialworld.org.uk . It is anticipated there will be a further increase in share price after the birth of the foal.

17^th March 2009
The Chichester Observer are very interested in the Material World story and have produced an excellent article with four photos in the hard copy paper dated 12^th March 2009. A shorter version is available via this link.

At the time of writing, there are just 9 shares remaining for the lucky few who wish to join the team and own a share of the special KAYF TARA foal out of the celebrated Material World due in May at the reduced price of £2,875 before 31.03.09.  To request an Application Form/Terms and Conditions of Membership,  contact Club Manager, Robin Smith on 01243 513933.  Mobile: 07711 651639. Email:racingclub@materialworld.org.uk

12^th March 2009
KAYF ARAMIS has won the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival today.  This further confirms the value of KAYF TARA offspring.

10^th March 2009
Material World is well - only just over two months to go until the special foal is born!
Club membership interest and applications are increasing but at the time of writing this, there are still some membership vacancies left on a first come, first served basis. The current reduced share price of only £2,875 per 5% share is held for applications received by 31.03.09. Thereafter it rises to £3,450 per 5% share.
For anyone interested from now on in possibly joining the club and receiving application forms or enjoy a potential new members club visit - as e-mails form unknown sources may not always pass software security systems -  please telephone the racing club manager, Robin Smith, direct on 01243 513933 to check on the up to date position and be offered a date to come and meet the team.
Cheltenham Festival this week - punters will be looking hard at trying to pick the winners - breeders will be looking at which stallions perform best out of which mares.
As all ladies know, the quality of the mare is just as important, if not slightly more important, than the stallion in producing a champion!

5^th February 2009
Material World's sire, the smart young jumps sire KAYF TARA, had his first Graded Chase winner on Saturday 31^st January when Kornati Kid beat the long time leader Will Be Done (and was!) in a thrilling finish to the Grade 2 Totepool Chase at Weatherby. This is yet another layer of evidence that the combination of KAYF TARA with good mares produces winning offspring - previously over hurdles and now progressing to winning over fences as they grow stronger.

Material World is reported well with several visits for potential racing club members to view the mare and visit the Suzy Smith Racing Yard planned for this month.

Anyone still possibly interested before the price per share in the foal goes up please either e-mail Robin Smith on robin@materialworld.org.uk or telephone direct on 01243 513933.

2^nd January 2009
Changes made to the terms for the Material World Racing Club – reduction in monthly contributions from £100 per month to £70 per month per 5% share but with stallion fees for Kayf Tara rising 80% for 2009, and his progeny proving successful on the racetrack and fetching up to £200,000 at the sales, the capital cost per share will remain at only £2,875 per 5% share for applications received by 31.03.09. Thereafter the costs per share will rise to £3,450 per 5% share and close before the foal is born. Limited number of shares available - see Material World Racing Club page for further detail.

27^th November 2008
Material World  is fine – being kept in at night now and turned out with her friends in the day.
She had a sore foot for a few days – vet attended - abscess treated – all fully recovered – apparently quite normal for horses to have these – no one knows what causes it – might have been due to cold wet weather!  
At the Stallion Parade at Cheltenham earlier this month – Kayf Tara looked fantastic – he is now so popular his stud fee has gone up 80% for 2009 while others are reducing their prices to attract custom. His offspring are doing well too and his progeny are attracting big bucks at the sales – they will be winning races long after this current period of recession has passed.  A copy of the 2009 Overbury Stud Book with comprehensive detail on Kayf Tara should be available within the next two weeks and can be sent to anyone free of charge who has invested or is still considering buying shares in the Material World Racing Club.  Please request it by e-mail to robin@materialworld.org.uk  and advise to which address it should be sent.   
VAT – as the rate will be now 15% in 2009 when the live foal is purchased we can reduce the price accordingly – existing members will receive a refund or credit against further share purchase if they prefer. The minimum 5% share holding of £2,500 plus VAT is now priced at just £2,875 instead of £2,937.50 as previously. Treat yourself to the best fun investment you are ever likely to make! Nothing else seems very exciting right now!
Suzy is doing well at the yard – had many well placed plus another winner– Amigayle at Kempton yesterday – scope for improvement too!

2^nd October 2008
More good news - the official Veterinary Certificate of Pregnancy has arrived so the stallion fee has been paid. (Due 1st October unless mare not in foal).
A few of the new members and potential members of the recently launched Material World Racing Club are to visit Material World on the 10th October at her new home in East Sussex– welcome coffee on arrival, view the mare in her paddocks, then off to the pub for lunch.
The dream horse is in the making!

5^th September 2008
More good news – Material World well in foal now and has been returned to a new home in East Sussex where she will stay at least until the foal is born. The location is just a few miles away from the Old Lewes Racecourse in lovely surroundings. She has settled in well with new friends and the members of the Material World Racing Club who book to buy shares in the live foal will be able to visit her there on pre-arranged club visits.
She looks very well – far removed from slim racing trim! A couple of replacement photos of her in her new surroundings have been added to the picture gallery. ‘

23^rd July 2008
Material World was covered again by Kayf Tara on the 16th June. Positive scans since including today the 23rd July and a good heartbeat can be seen.
The critical stage is the next two weeks when it is hoped that the embryo will attach itself to the wall of the uterus.
Daisy looks superb and very much like a good broodmare. She shares a nice paddock with other mares in a lovely environment.
The team at Overbury Stud and the vet are looking after her very well.

12^th June 2008
Sadly the second pregnancy did not hold to the 42 day stage – the vets reckon we have just been very unlucky – will try again as soon as Daisy can be brought back into season. If the third does not hold, then the plan is to bring her back to Sussex where the vets will do a uterine biopsy to see if there is anything  unusual.
Daisy will then be trained to go novice chasing for the 08/09 jump season and brought back again for covering early Spring 2009.
Apparently it can be sometimes tricky with top class mares like Material World to make the pregnancy stick as they have a high level of testosterone in their system – which is why she ran so well of course against the geldings.

28^th May 2008
Material World positive scan at 28 days after covering – lucky vet to hear the first heartbeats of a future champion! Next scan due 42 days after covering on the 11^th June.

17^th May 2008
Good news  - Material World scanned today and reported to be in foal. Next scan with a check for a heartbeat due in two weeks.

6^th May 2008
Confirmation received that Material World came back into season and was covered again by Kayf Tara on the evening of 30.04.08.
Apparently, ‘Daisy’ knew what was coming this time when she heard the stallion screaming and prepared herself like she’d done it many times before!
A scan is due on the 16^th May to check on progress and if all OK then, a scan and listen for a heartbeat at the end of May.
Fingers crossed everyone! I am advised the greatest risk of losing the pregnancy is in the first 42 days after covering.

30^th April 2008
It was disappointing to learn that Material World lost the pregnancy (apparently not unusual for this to happen to horses or humans in the early weeks) but the good news is she is ready to be covered again by Kayf Tara. This  is scheduled to take place on 1^tst May -  this cold, wet and windy weather doesn’t help! Fingers crossed a better outcome.

21^st April 2008
Great news – Material World scanned to day and confirmed in foal to Kayf Tara. Next scan is early May 2008 for a heartbeat and then again two weeks after that to check embryo has attached to the wall of the uterus.

Friday 4^thApril 2008
Material World covered by Kayf Tara today. All went well and Material World will be checked for ovulation next week.

Friday 28^th March 2008
Daisy relaxed – eating well – turned out in paddock during the day – went ‘out of season’ – probably due to cold wet weather! She has been given an encouraging treatment called a ‘PRID’ and will be examined again next Monday. If coming into season will be covered within a few days after that.

Sunday 23^rd March 2008
Material World reported to be relaxed and happy at Overbury Stud. She is eating all her food and is being turned out every day into a nice paddock. The local vets say she is coming into season and could be covered by Kayf Tara within the next week.

Tuesday 18^th March 2008
Material World is given the all clear by the Arundel Equine Veterinary Centre to proceed to stud with all the necessary certificates. Transport is to be arranged for this Thursday 20th March for Daisy to leave her long time home at Lewes and go to Overbury Stud in Tewkesbury where she will be prepared for her future mating with Kayf Tara. A sad day in prospect for her leaving Lewes but with reasonable hope and anticipation that she will produce great foals and future champions.

Friday 14^th March 2008
Material World reported as being sound but a little sore in the muscles. She is earning a well earned rest and turned out in the paddock. The vets are doing their usual checks before she goes off to Overbury Stud to be covered by Kayf Tara.

Thursday 13^th March 2008
Material World has sadly now finished her racing career with her run in the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Jockey Colin Bolger reported she started hanging right and therefore could not ride her out fully. He rode her sensibly in the circumstances and brought her home safe (thankfully!) mid division in front of Hardy Eustace and  Lough Derg.

Material World has hung right before and we thought it was possibly due to her stress fracture of the pelvis found after the Pertemps Final last year. We were advised this was fully healed and she has had loads of physio treatment. However, whether there is either still an undiscovered niggle of a muscle in her back or the hanging right under racing pressure is a trait she is developing as a result of only having one eye we may never know. Trainer and jockey reckon that had she run to her best form she would have finished in the top 6. All credit to Inglis Drever and Kasbah Bliss though for a cracking finish in front of a top class field.

8^th March 2008
Kayf Tara, the three times champion stayer and twice winner of the Ascot Gold Cup, is selected to be the first stallion to cover Material World  after she finishes her racing career this spring. Shares in the foal will only be available to members of the Material World Fan Club who have indicated their interest in being part of the Material World  breeding and racing club on this site. To find out more about Kayf Tara and see some of his past races on video go to: http://ovstud.co.uk/stallions_kayftara.php

Tuesday 4^th March 2008
Material World in great form. All set for the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on the 13th March. Just three more pieces of work to go – she will have her last schooling session towards the end of this week under jockey Colin Bolger.

Sunday 20^th January 2008
Material World  is reported sound but sore in the muscles after her brave run in soft and heavy ground in a mares listed race at Ascot on Saturday 19th January. After a stress fracture in March 2007 and a cough over the Christmas period she did tremendously well after a 310 day lay off to finish a close fourth. All the other runners had recent runs under their belts. Her usual jockey Colin Bolger is unfortunately still recovering from injury and so Ruby Walsh was given the ride.
The heavy ground at Swinley Bottom was not to her liking and for a time she fell away last behind the pack and looked for a moment as though she might be pulled up.    It was not easy for Material World with her one eye as horses switched positions around her to seek better ground and she was from time to time pushed out of her racing line. Disorientated briefly but focused on the job in hand Material World and Ruby came up the home straight from way off the pace to give Refinement and Gaspara a battle for the places but race fitness just telling on the line. Heavy ground specialist Labelthou took line honours on this occasion.

Trainer Suzy Smith commented ‘she'll come on for the run’. Ruby Walsh said ‘She jumps really well and she’s got a big race in her’.

Material World will be checked over this week and her future race selected after that.

The target remains the World Hurdle at the Festival and with better ground expected then, connections and supporters are hopeful of another  brave and battling performance.