blog eighty 5
Good Evening All
“Pressure is a privilege—it means things are expected of you.”
It’s been a little while since I last wrote a blog—but with a brand-new website, lots of winners, and some big updates to share, now feels like the perfect time to pick up the pen (or keyboard) again.
Fresh Look, Same Drive
Our new website is live, fully modernised, easier to navigate, and updated with everything you need to follow our journey. My daughter Emily and my father Luiz, mostly known as ‘Pedigree to win’ bloodstock analyst, have joined forces to run the DCR office better, more efficient and effective than ever. Most importantly, don’t miss theHorses for Sale page—it’s your gateway to joining the team. We've also added a live link to our X (formerly Twitter) feed, which is updated daily with race day insights, yard updates, and, of course, winners!
A Historic Move with a Bright Future
We’ve officially moved into Phantom House Stablesfrom the Bottom Yard, and what a game-changing move it's been. This iconic yard, once home to so many of the legendary Jarvis family winners, has the perfect layout: spacious, well-ventilated stables that stay warm in winter and cool in summer, with sunlight all day and plenty of paddocks and open space.
It’s a horse’s paradise—and we’re privileged to be training your horses from such a special place. It helps too that our landlord is Group 1-winning trainer William Jarvis, who’s always generous with his experience and wisdom.
Last Year Was Stellar... But This Year? Wow.
2024 saw us finish with 37 winners and 38 seconds, including:
Zminiature winning the Brocklesby
Expressionless scoring in both the Racing League and Sunday Series
Prague landing the Group 2 Joel Stakes
Sensorium placing 3rd in the Goffs Harry’s Half Million
We thought 2025 would be about consolidation. How wrong we were...
We’ve come flying out of the gates:
First winner in Dubai with Silver Sword at Meydan
Mahon’s Glory, a previously tricky chaser, now a dual winner and an eye-catcher at Sandown
21 domestic winners already, and we’re not even halfway through the year!
Add to that our perfect start with the 2-year-olds: 2 wins from 4 runs and both winners—Kamakameleon and Gaga Mate—are Royal Ascot-bound (though Gaga Mate has since been sold on).
Success Stories from Every Angle
We’ve had incredible success revitalising horses from other yards:
Prague – 2 wins, Group 2 winner
Asgard’s Captain – 6 wins
Mart – 7 wins
Gogo Yubari, Patrol, Waistcoat, Cervetto, Toby Tops… the list goes on.
And our race planning team, led by “Sir Bob” (Newmarket’s very own), deserves huge credit for their shrewd, strategic campaigning. The proof is in the prize money—and the performances.
Punching Above Our Weight at the Sales
Despite a modest budget, our yearling purchases keep making headlines:
Silver Sword – £11k purchase, 4 wins, including a £100k Heritage Handicap and Dubai Carnival winner
Expressionless – £5k, 4 wins, Racing League and Sunday Series star
Sensorium – £48k breeze-up buy, Goffs placegetter with more to come
Gaga Mate – £16k, won by daylight, sold on for £300k
Kamakameleon – £30k, now Royal Ascot-bound
Just Ten High – £50k, 5 wins, 5 places from 14 runs
Pedigree analysis from Luiz Cunha, form insights from Jordan Hopkins, and the final eye from myself on physicals—we really believe we’re among the most effective teams around when it comes to sourcing value at the sales.
On the Ground: Owners, Runners & Big Days Out
Last weekend was one to remember—48 ownersturned up at Epsom with Quest Thoroughbreds, where Asgard’s Captain ran a belter in the Northern Dancer Handicap and Licence To Conquer won at Lingfield, wrapping up a brilliant day.
This is what we do it for: big days, big tracks, big moments—with affordable horses that punch above their weight.
Looking Ahead: Royal Ascot & Beyond
Royal Ascot is around the corner, and we’ve got three potential runners, with team picnics planned for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Can’t wait to see our squad represent us on the sport’s grandest stage.
We’ve also welcomed an exciting recruit from South Africa, King Of The Valley, who is set to run later this month. One to keep an eye on...
Changing Saddles: Jockeys & New Routines
A shoutout to Rhys Clutterbuck, who did a brilliant job for us as stable jockey last year. Due to location logistics, we’ve amicably gone our separate ways, but we look forward to using him again soon.
Right now, we’re selecting jockeys based on what’s best for the horse—bringing in top riders regularly and rewarding those who show up and work with us. It’s a flexible, hands-on model that’s working a treat.
A Farewell to Buddy (Sort of...)
Our famous greyhound Catch My Tail (aka Buddy) has retired and is now living at home—very much part of the family. He’s demanding, he’s spoiled, and he’s loved beyond words. He even gets along with Barney the assistant trainer’s cat. Just about.
It’s safe to say: happy families all round.
Closing Thought
“You must learn to handle nights—they come right after days.
You must learn to handle difficulty—it comes right after opportunity.
You must learn to handle recessions—they always follow progressions.
It isn’t going to change. The lesson you must learn is how to handle it.”
We’re proud of the horses we train, the people we work with, and the dream we’re chasing. Thanks for following us on this journey—we’ll see you at the races.
Until the next blog...
Dylan Cunha
Team Phantom House Stables