Happy Retirement Rockley Point

This week marked the end of an era for us with the retirement of yard stalwart Rockley Point, who joined us at the end of 2017.

He was entered at the 2017 Ascot December sales and I had him in my book to look at as I was hoping add a Flat horse to our all NH yard at the time. I was in my second year of training and looking for new avenues and opportunities at the time. The sales were abandoned after heavy snow so I made contact with his then trainer Paul D’Arcy and a deal was done. He was affectionately named Danny on arrival, I was watching Peaky Blinders at the time and took the name from character Danny Whizz-Bang.

Danny ran in the distinctive colours of Beryl Stevens for The Vintage Flyers and they have had the most amazing journey supporting him.

Over 7 and a half years with us, and just under a decade of racing has seen Danny finish 152 races. He racked up 9 wins, 25 seconds, 22 thirds and 15th fourths, a remarkably consistent low grade horse who just loved his racing. His win with Paul D’Arcy came in the hands of Clifford Lee, he then went on to score 5 times for Phil Dennis and 3 times with Jason Hart in the saddle. He won on both AW and turf over trips ranging from 5 to 7 furlongs and even popped in a 3rd over a mile one day at Newcastle.

Rockley Point and Jason winning at Southwell in 2023

The Racing Post will have in the record books that Rockley Point won 90k in his career but he in fact surpassed the elusive 100k mark as he finished 19th in the inaugural ARC Horse Of The Year earning an extra 12k to top up his career earnings.

Danny has had a huge effect on my life, he changed the trajectory of my career. As a youngster I spent a lot of time at the local yard of dual purpose trainer Alistair Whillans and spent a small amount of time on the flat racing circuit. However, I mainly cut my teeth pointing and around National Hunt horses and we were a proper jumping yard when Danny joined the ranks. He grew my love for the flat, the excitement of sprinters and the fine margins that are involved in preparing these remarkable animals for race day. I owe him so much.

He has been an absolute pleasure to train, a straight forwards and enjoyable ride. He has never had a sick or sorry day since he arrived at the yard which is quite remarkable. He loves turnout, and even at 12 is a handful to get out to the paddocks as some days the thought of grass and a roll is just too exciting.

I have not quite decided what lies ahead for him in retirement but you can be assured it will involve plenty of love and lots of polos.

Cheers Danny, an all round good boy.

Concert Boy Wins Again