Overthestabledoor

Read the frank account of the racing life of Andrew Sansome - he rode more than 150 winners over jumps and now works as a freelance work rider in Newmarket. See how West Tip and Ambiente Friendly fit into Andrew's thrills and spills

The Racing Life of Andrew Sansome A successful amateur jockey, Andrew Sansome lived his childhood dream by riding 149 winners between the Flags and twenty-two under Rules. ‘It was a golden age of point-to-pointing, even though we didn’t know it at the time. It was competitive – we earnt our winners. I rode good horses for good...

It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the loss of Passing Glance. Sadly, at the grand old age of 27 Passing Glance succumbed to age related health conditions.
He has stood at Batsford for the last 10 years when owners David and Kathleen Holmes asked us to stand their great stallion for them.
Passing Glance has produced multiple Graded and black type winners including Dashel Drasher, Strong Leader, Millers Bank and Mountains Windfall, to name a few.
Passing Glance was bred by the late Ian Balding and his wife Emma and trained by his son Andrew.
He has been a stalwart sire for us here at Batsford. As many of you know he was always full of life and covered his mares with enthusiasm!
This year Passing Glance has been crowned leading British National Hunt sire for the 2025/2026 season by prize money. He leaves behind a legacy and he has so many exciting youngsters to run for him.
He has left a very large void here at Batsford and he will be greatly missed.
We would like to say on behalf of David and Kathleen Holmes and everyone here at Batsford thank you for supporting Passing Glance over the many years that he has been here.

🚴‍♂️ 🌟 Congratulations Dom on a huge achievement and fundraising effort!

Finished! 931 miles, 7 days, one very sore arse! over 4k raised and donations still coming in!

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Meet Louise Cullen and read all about her riding out regularly for Nigel Twiston-Davies for over twenty years, plus her travels and life out of racing

The Racing Life of Louise Cullen In the summer of 2004, Louise Cullen started as a full-time groom for Nigel Twiston-Davies, when she looked after, amongst others, Jackie Boy, Jeremy Cuddle Duck and Beat The Boys. Despite leaving in the autumn of 2006 to further her studies, she never truly left. Louise’s association with the Twi...

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May's blog is out now - the horses are going on their holidays and the staff start the big spring clean, plus a couple of farewells 🐑 🦚

May 2026 Blog The yards have emptied and the luscious grassy fields are filling up with very happy herds of horses, growing chubby and relaxing under the early summer sunshine.A Sad Farewell At the end of April, the last remaining Don’t Push It sheep died. 2010 Aintree Grand National winner Don’t Push It was ...

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We are ready… ☀️🐴😆

Seriously though grooms. Take care in the heat today. Wear sunscreen, use a hat, drink all the water and stay in the shade where you can.

Thank you for working the bank holiday! 💙

Best saddles ever 🏇