Sunday, June 28, 2009

GREETINGS FROM CHINA

Hello everyone, I wont tell you how hot Peter is in China while we are rugged up to the nines here - WHATS WORSE!!!!!!!

BLACK HABIT - 3rd
An impressive 1st up run to come third. Peter was very happy with this performance and is looking for bigger and better results in this campaign.

HIFALUTIN - Coming Home
Peter is bringing Hifaultin home to Amelia Park for a spell. Not quite up to standard so we will keep the horse in WA and hopefully show rewards in its own class.

TOTAL MAROONED
Another disappointing run. Peter will speak to Lou on his return but he thinks it was the horses last chance to perform.

Peter will now wait until he returns and touch base with Lou for a report on all the happenings and coming events on the horse front and will report in next weeks NEWS.

CHINA
While trying to keep COOL Peter still managed to get around to shop for furniture and antiques for the Day Spa which should arrive by the end of August.

Peter caught up with Neil Jackson from Jacksons Restaurant who is over there getting ideas for the restaurant and also Grant our Landscaper was there shopping for the Gallery and keeping up to date with new Landscaping designs. I didn't ask how many mornings of sore heads there were!

AMELIA PARK
The staff have been busy picking up all the fallen branches in the paddocks from the strong blustery conditions. They ensure the horses are not caused any added trauma or injuries.

Its sad to see the beautiful trees destroyed by the winds, especially when you have watched them grow over the years. As Glenn always says, unfortunately - ITS NATURES WAY. He now has a few days of mending the fences and hauling away the fallen trees. On a good note,
I can't wait for Peter to see the creek, only a couple of weeks ago it was bone dry and now its breaking its banks and the dams are filling up rapidly. The wildlife are certainly enjoying this plentiful season.

Well folks, keep warm and cosy.

regards
Shelley






Monday, June 22, 2009

LOTS OF BEAUTIFUL RAIN

Hello to another week, we hope all is well with everyone everywhere.

QUIET ON THE TRACK
It will be another few quiet weeks before we start seeing some return to racing. Hi Falutin didn't get a start as the track was to wet, which doesn't suit this horse so Lou will wait for another finer day.

SINGAPORE - JABAL TARIK
Peter was thrilled with the race, 2nd in a Group 2 race and it now looks certain to be heading towards the Group 1 Derby Day on 12th July.

CONGRATULATIONS
Peter sends all his best to ADRIAN HARROD on his horse winning a mighty race in Newcastle. We believe the win paid an excellent $58 (approx) so what a great day for Adrian, and well deserved.

COOLMORE
Peter O'Brien reported that 5 of Peters Brood Mares arrived safely and complimented Peter on the magnificent condition the horses are in. Peter was chuffed with those comments and gives full credit to the staff for their attention and detail and Abbas who monitors their correct feeding.

A BIG THANKYOU
Goes to Rob Wiley and Geoff Marsh for a most enjoyable evening at the Cellar. Peter said it was one of those nights where there was LOTS of fine reds and laughs as Swampy related many funny stories throughout his cricket career. Peter was very very quiet the next day so we kept the tractors, mowers and machinery running to a minimum.

CHINA
Another business trip for Peter on Tuesday so I will get a report from Beijing with all the happenings over there. Tonight he will be treated to a fine Indian Curry with compliments from Abbas at the farm. Watch out for the chillies Peter.

LOTS OF RAIN
What a day on Saturday, we had a time of it with rain, hail, strong winds and thunder. All the birds and animals went into hiding. The best part to see was the creek running at last.


I look forward to sending Peters report next week from China.

regards

Shelley


Monday, June 15, 2009

15th June 2009

Hello again, I hope you are all keeping warm, as we are with these very fresh mornings, still not a great deal of rain but hear it is returning this week which will be welcome.

QUIET
All quiet on the home front, it will be quiet in horse racing for another month or so as the horses are either resting or pre-training and at Lou's preparing for their next campaigns. This time gives everyone some breathing space and lots of stable cleaning and maintenance.

LOU'S VISIT
We enjoyed Lou's visit to Amelia Park as it gives a chance for Lou to see first hand how the horses and pre-training are progressing. Lou was pleased in all stages of the horses movements and Peter gave credit to all staff for the state of the stables, paddocks and overall appearance of Amelia Park, seeing we have had the worst drought in 100 years, all is looking good.

Peter also gave thanks to Lou for his input in configuring the type of Stallions to send Peter's Mares to for the new season. It has been exciting for Peter and Brian matching some of the top Stallions. To name a few :-

HENRYTHENAVIGATOR
DEHERE
DUKE OF MARMADLADE
FASTNET ROCK
STARCRAFT
VISCOUNT


JUNE BIRTHDAY
We all send Brett Walsh Birthday Wishes for this Wednesday. Instead of working from dawn to dusk landscaping at the Cellar, I am sure Brett will be sneaking off a bit earlier for the arranged drinks to help him celebrate. I will be checking the start time on Thursday, then again I will be celebrating with him - so perhaps not!!

THIS TIME AT CELLAR
Peter is looking forward to Thursday where he will be sharing some of his finest reds with Rob Wiley & Geoff Marsh. They have recently been in quarantine as a precaution because of being in contact with someone with suspected swine flu so I know they will be looking forward to getting down south for a break. I think the Cellar lights will be burning late that night.


HONG KONG
Peter was ecstatic with Galant Lions run in the Premiers Cup in Hong Kong. Although not a winner it was a fantastic race which followed from the Group 3 win a couple of weeks ago. Well done Lock the Vault (as we all know him).

DAY SPA & GYM
This addition to Amelia Park is progressing well. Peter has now selected the steam Sauna, Spa, Gym equipment and furniture. We are all anticipating the final product at the end of August.

CHINA
Peter is off again. He will be visiting China next week on a business trip so will be reporting to me from Beijing. Another shopping list coming up!!

FLORA & FAUNA
Under the close supervision of Peter, the tri-annual clearing and burning of our creek beds revealed a very pleasant surprise. A Quinda was gently flushed from its hideaway amongst the scrub. This endangered species was unaware to us of being a resident in our ever progressing micro climate. We would hope that this was not an isolated siting of a most beautiful gentle marsupial.
BIRDS OF PREY - a pair of mature magnificent Wedge Tail Eagles soured above the training track early on Friday morning. The clear sky and morning sunlight truly reflected the brilliant outline of the enormous wingspan of Australia's largest raptor. Again, WE WELCOME ALL VISITORS to Amelia Park.

Our very best wishes go out to Mason on a speedy recovery from his illness. Get well soon Doctor - Regards Glenn.


Enjoy your week everyone.

Regards

Shelley

Monday, June 8, 2009

WELCOME

Hello and welcome to another week of news.

AMELIAS REASON
Poor Lou's head, with all the scratching that's been done recently, he has decided to give both himself and the horse a break. Amelias Reason will be sent home to Amelia Park and hopefully have a resurgence for the next campaign. We are sure there are more wins to come.

TOTAL MAROONED
Was beaten in a better class in this race but pulled up well so Lou will look to starting the horse in a few more races in the following weeks.

SINGAPORE
Peter reported that JABAL TARIK - out of Marooned Lady, won on Saturday in record time and hopefully will be a starter in the Singapore Derby. Looks like another trip to Singapore soon - I thought I would suggest that Peter takes me too so he doesn't have to worry with my shopping list!

ALEVANTA
Gaye Waterhouse reported that this horse will trial again after coming 2nd in its first trial and is looking good for future races. Keep an eye on this horse. Peter has also just acquired a filly with Gaye so he is looking forward to her future.

AMELIA PARK
The horses that are currently in work will be returned to Lou in preparation for their campaigns.
Lou will be visiting the farm and looking forward to his expertise and company for a day or two.

Brood Mares - An exciting time as the Stallion Season approaches. Brian Bradley has been using his expertise in picking out suitable Stallions.

DISAPPOINTMENT
Peter was looking forward to entertaining Rob Wiley & Geoff Marsh at the Cellar tonight with a good steak and numerous Reds. Unfortunately they were in contact with someone who has tested positive with Swine Flu so they have to keep indoors for 3 days. All the best to Rob & Geoff and the Reds will wait.

All else is good at Amelia Park, green everywhere you look, the horses are in their element, the only downfall with winter is the amount of dropped leaves - EVERYWHERE, lots of raking to keep us busy.

Until next week

regards

Shelley

Monday, June 1, 2009

WHATS THE REASON AMELIA?

Hi everyone and welcome to the news update.

AMELIAS REASON
Lou is asking the same question and scratching his head!
Very disappointing even though the race was fast, the other 5 were faster. Must forge ahead with more races and hope it wasn't a 1 win wonder in this campaign.

HIFALUTIN
Unfortunately had to be scratched after hitting its head on the float on the way to the races. Is bouncing back and preparing for the next race.

TOTAL MAROONED
Has been listed as an emergency for Wednesday 3rd June, but hopefully will get a start - good luck.

GALILLEOS WINS X 4
Peter was excited to see these horses wins around Australia and also doing well overseas. Peter has backed this Bloodline and invested in a number of horses so he is looking forward to exciting times ahead with the progeny's.

MEGA STEEL Win in WA
It was great to see this win as Peter has shares with Sam Hayes and Darren Thomas in the Mare - Cabernet Queen. It has come out of good stock and good luck in the future.

SINGAPORE
Peter has returned refreshed from a few days away and said he thoroughly enjoyed his day at the Races. Percy was an excellent host and they carried on well into the night. Peter was very impressed with the Track and Facilities there and commented that with the huge crowd they are very well catered for and the Owners looked after first class.

AMELIA PARK
All the work of fertilising and seeding has paid off, together with the rain and sunshine the paddocks are coming through exceptionally green. We now need more rain to make the creek run and we are then complete.

THE AVIARY
The birds performed for some visitors from America during the week. The Manufacturers of the horse rail fencing came and were shown over the property. Many photos were taken and they were very impressed with the surrounds that make Amelia Park.

Regards to all and enjoy your week.

Shelley