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Nicky Henderson Stable Tour

Seven barrows is home to unbeaten superstar constitution hill, other huge names in shishkin and jonbon plus plenty of untapped talent..

• Features - Stable Tours

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Nicky Henderson had to settle for second place again behind Paul Nicholls in the 2022/23 National Hunt trainers’ title but for pursuers of excellence he possessed the star of the season in Constitution Hill who gave him his coveted Cheltenham Festival winner when routing the opposition in March.  

Constitution Hill will once again be around to delight his fan club over hurdles with the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle at beginning of December the likely starting point again and the Christmas Hurdle and Unibet International Hurdle (now on Trials Day in January) steppingstones to his repeat bit for the Champion Hurdle crown.

The Seven Barrows trainer was able to notch up eight Grade 1s with Shishkin and Jonbon chipping considerably to the stable over £2.5 million in prize money and looking at the wealth of untapped talent from the Irish point-to-point and bumper division there could well be a few futures champions lurking in the mist.

Nicky kindly talked to Tony Elves of attheraces.com about some of the contenders he hopes can make it another great season for him and his team.

Adrimel (FR)

• 9-y-o; bay gelding
• Breeding: Tirwanako (FR) - Irise De Gene (FR) (Blushing Flame (USA))
• Trained by: N J Henderson
• Last Race: Newcastle, 29 Mar 2023 15:00
• Result: 4/6, pressed leader, led 2nd, ridden and headed when mistake last, weakened into 4th towards finish
• View full form

Form profile

134 rated chaser. Restricted to two outings for Tom Lacey last season when finishing fourth, beaten 20 lengths, to No Risk Des Flos in a handicap chase at Wetherby in November and when finishing fourth, beaten three and a quarter lengths, to Miah Grace in a handicap hurdle at Newcastle in March.

Trainer says

He had some high-class form as youngster and won the Leamington at Warwick. We have attended to his wind and two and a half miles on soft ground could prove ideal. He is a nice horse to have in the stable and let’s hope we can find some openings for him.

Aston Martini (GB)

• 5-y-o; bay mare
• Breeding: Getaway (GER) - Gabriella Rose (UK) (Kayf Tara (UK))
• Last Race: Sandown, 15 Feb 2024 14:30
• Result: 4/7, held up in last pair, headway into 4th after 3 out, pushed along and weakened before next, tailed off

Easy winner of her bumper at Southwell in June.

She made a successful debut in her mares’ bumper at Southwell in June, and she has summered exceptionally well. She will go straight over hurdles and hopefully has a bright future.

Bective Abbey (IRE)

• 6-y-o; chestnut gelding
• Breeding: Mahler (UK) - Sizing Kimberlite (IRE) (Flemensfirth (USA))
• Next Race: Ffos Las, 07 May 2024 14:25
• Form: 1/91-

Winner of his only point-to-point in Ireland in January.

He was an impressive winner of his point-to-point in Ireland in January, and he came to us in the spring, and I was delighted with his work and his schooling. He might take in a bumper to start with, but he looks tailor made for jumping and is an exciting prospect.

Between Waters (IRE)

• 6-y-o; bay mare
• Breeding: Walk In The Park (IRE) - Clear Riposte (IRE) (King's Theatre (IRE))
• Last Race: Newbury, 23 Jan 2024 15:10
• Result: PulledUp/16, close up, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out, pulled up approaching last

Short-priced favourite for her bumper at Ascot in February but only sixth, beaten nine lengths, to Politacus.

She was an impressive winner of her point-to-point in Ireland, and she is a lovely looking mare. She didn’t run too badly in her bumper at Ascot, but I would probably have been wiser to have gone straight over two and a half miles over hurdles. That is what she will be doing this season and I am hopeful she can prove something to look forward too.

Bold Endeavour (GB)

• 8-y-o; bay gelding
• Breeding: Fame And Glory (UK) - Araucaria (IRE) (Accordion (UK))
• Last Race: Aintree, 13 Apr 2024 13:20
• Result: 11/21, chased leaders, led 3 out, headed before 2 out, weakened between last two, bad mistake last

145 rated chaser and 143 rated hurdler. A winner twice over fences last season beating Ashington 10 lengths in handicap chase at Leicester in December and followed up with a seven-length success from Baron De Midleton in a novices’ handicap chase at Doncaster in January off a mark of 139. Had his attentions switched to hurdles after finishing runner-up, beaten seven and a half lengths, to Oscar Elite in the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot in February and creditable fifth, beaten 11 lengths, to Langer Dan in the Grade 3 Coral Cup at Cheltenham in March off a mark of 140. Finished runner-up, beaten two and a quarter lengths, to Willaston in a handicap hurdle at Haydock in May when last seen in action.

He joined us last season and we switched him to fences and he won his first start at Leicester and followed up at Doncaster. He didn’t jump as well as he can when runner-up in the Reynoldstown at Ascot and we decided to send him back over hurdles where he ran an excellent fifth in the Coral Cup. I would like to go back over fences with him as he is normally a very good jumper, but we always have the option over going hurdling if necessary.

Break My Soul (IRE)

• Breeding: Doyen (IRE) - Ayleoola (IRE) (Presenting (UK))
• Last Race: Chepstow, 26 Apr 2024 19:10
• Result: Won/11, made all, forged away after 3 out, quickened well clear 2 out, coasted home, unchallenged

Winner of her point-to-point in Ireland in February.

She was the impressive winner of her point-to-point in Ireland, and she could possibly start in a bumper or go straight over hurdles. She is a lovely looking filly and clearly has plenty of ability.

By The Grace (GB)

• Breeding: Blue Bresil (FR) - Handmaid (UK) (King's Theatre (IRE))
• Next Race: Fakenham, 07 May 2024 14:45
• Form: 23847P-

Runner-up, beaten a length and a quarter, to Hot Fizzy Lizzy, at Southwell in May.

She was bought as a store at Doncaster with Middleham Park and she has always shown us plenty of ability. She was still on the weak side when she finished runner-up in her only start and can only improve. She had an excellent summer with Ann Duffield in the north and she has come back in great shape. I think she could be pretty exciting when we send her over hurdles.

Call Me Lord (FR)

• 11-y-o; bay gelding
• Breeding: Slickly (FR) - Sosa (GER) (Cape Cross (IRE))
• Last Race: Sandown, 27 Apr 2024 16:10
• Result: 6/8, close 3rd on inside, went 2nd before 3rd until before next, chased leaders, flattened 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out

144 rated hurdler. Gain his only success last season when beating stablemate Captain Morgs three quarters of a length in a handicap hurdle at Kempton in November but several commendable efforts after.

He has been an absolute legend for us over the years and consistency has been one of his greatest assets. In 32 starts over hurdles he was won seven and been placed in 22 starts. He may be getting a little older, but he has come back looking as well as ever and he will be contesting his usual events. He is a lovely horse to have around the place.

Call The Dance (GB)

• Breeding: Kayf Tara (UK) - Hora (UK) (Hernando (FR))
• Last Race: Huntingdon, 25 Apr 2024 18:45
• Result: 4/9, in touch, headway 4 out, ridden and every chance 2 out, kept on same pace, lost 3rd close home

Winner of one of her 2 bumpers. Off the mark at Southwell in April when beating Sunday Soldier three lengths.

She is a lovely home bred mare of James and Jean Potters out of Hora who we trained, and she was a good staying mare herself. Call The Dance finished fourth in what I think was a good race at Ludlow in January and then won very nicely at Southwell in April. She has come back looking a picture, has school very well before going out to grass, and I hope she will take high rank in the mares’ novice hurdle division.

Champ (IRE)

• 12-y-o; bay gelding
• Breeding: King's Theatre (IRE) - China Sky (IRE) (Definite Article (UK))
• Last Race: Aintree, 13 Apr 2024 15:05
• Result: PulledUp/10, held up in touch, lost place before 4 out, soon behind, pulled up before 3 out

157 rated hurdler. Made a winning reappearance last season in the Grade 2 Coral Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury where he scored by a neck from Paisley Park and then finished four and three quarter lengths behind that rival when third in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle run at Kempton on Boxing Day. Subsequently fifth, beaten 20 lengths, to Sire Du Berlais in the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle at AIntree in April.

He is the most wonderful character to have around even though he has tested us with his various ailments. He obviously won the RSA Chase at Cheltenham in 2020 but, due to his re-occuring back issues we felt he was happier over hurdles. He beat Paisley Park in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury on his return last season before losing no caste when third to that horse in the Long Walk at Kempton and he has won over £450,000 in prize money. He will once again follow the same path and let’s hope he can meet with further success.

Chantry House (IRE)

• 10-y-o; brown gelding
• Breeding: Yeats (IRE) - The Last Bank (IRE) (Phardante (FR))
• Last Race: Punchestown, 02 May 2024 18:35
• Result: 5/25, rear of mid-division, headway into 5th 2 out, went 3rd travelling well entering straight, ridden in 2nd before last, no impression on winner when mistake at last, no extra run-in

155 rated chaser. Gained his last success in the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January 2022 when beating Santini two and a half lengths. Unseated rider and fell in two starts last season at Aintree and Wetherby in December.

His season was brought to a premature halt when he suffered a horrible fall at Wetherby over Christmas. He has won six of his 11 starts over fences and he has had a great Summer out at Martinstown so let’s hope that has done the trick for his confidence. He is a very high-class horse at his best and I think we can get him back to the top.

City Chief (IRE)

• 7-y-o; bay gelding
• Breeding: Soldier of Fortune (IRE) - Galant Ferns (IRE) (Bob Back (USA))
• Last Race: Cheltenham, 14 Mar 2024 17:30
• Result: PulledUp/22, mid-division, well beaten 17th, pulled up before 4 out

135 rated chaser. A winner twice over fences last season scoring by five and a half lengths from Coconut Splash in a novices’ handicap chase at Hereford in January and following up with a five-length win from O’Toole in the Grade 2 Towton Chase at Wetherby in February. Subsequently third, beaten 11 ½ lengths, to Sail Away in a valuable novices’ handicap at Ayr in April.

He did well for us last season winning a couple at Hereford and the Towton at Wetherby but I have to admit I was disappointed with his third to Sail Away at Ayr. He is a good jumper who stays well, and I think he has a bright future.

Constitution Hill (GB)

• Breeding: Blue Bresil (FR) - Queen Of The Stage (IRE) (King's Theatre (IRE))
• Last Race: Kempton, 26 Dec 2023 13:55
• Result: Won/5, raced keenly tracking leaders on inside, went 2nd at 4th, angled out home turn, led on bit 2 out, soon clear, canter

175 rated hurdler. Unbeaten in seven races over hurdles and was crowned Champion Hurdler for the first time at Cheltenham in March when slamming State Man nine lengths. Had previously carried on his victory march with a 12-length success from stablemate Epatante in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth at Newcastle in November and followed up with a 17-length defeat of the same mare in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. Ended his second season over hurdles with a three-length victory from Sharjah over two and a half miles in the Aintree Hurdle in April.

It has been well documented that we are staying over hurdles this season with the aim to retain his Unibet Champion Hurdle crown. I am pretty sure we have made the right decision as both Michael, myself and Nico all know that with his speed and pace that he is unlikely that he would stay extreme distance at this stage of his career. The plan would probably be the Fighting Fifth again, the Christmas Hurdle and then the Unibet International Hurdle which has been switched to Trials Day at Cheltenham in January. It will then be the Champion Hurdle and, all being well, either Aintree or Punchestown. He is a wonderful horse, and it would be fantastic if he could go and do it all again.

Doddiethegreat (IRE)

• Breeding: Fame And Glory (UK) - Asturienne (UK) (Sleeping Car (FR))
• Last Race: Ayr, 19 Apr 2024 15:20
• Result: 7/14, off the pace towards rear, headway chasing leaders 4 out, pushed along in 3rd before next, weakened between last two

131 rated hurdler. Winner of both his bumpers at Ludlow in November 2020 and Huntingdon in March 2021 and retained his unbeaten record with a 22-length success from Pontresina in a novice hurdle at Kempton in November 2021.

He suffered a nasty injury in November 2021 when winning impressively at Kempton and has a serious wound to his tendon. He did three months good work in the spring, and we nearly got him back but we just ran out of time. He is back and we are very pleased with him and let’s hope he can continue where he left off.

Donwave (FR)

• 5-y-o; bay gelding
• Breeding: Gentlewave (IRE) - Don'aventure (FR) (Saint Des Saints (FR))
• Trained by: A Chaille-Chaille
• Last Race: Auteuil, 03 Jun 2023 16:15
• Result: Won/11,

Winner of a hurdle contest at Auteuil in June.

He won a hurdle race at Auteuil in June, so he is a novice hurdler for this season. He had a nice break since coming over from France and will have to start with a penalty. You won’t see him until the ground eases.

East India Express (IRE)

• Breeding: Milan (UK) - Roztoc (IRE) (Desert King (IRE))
• Last Race: Punchestown, 01 May 2024 15:40
• Result: UnseatedRider/14, mid-division, mistake and unseated rider at 5th

Scored by six and a half lengths from Support Act in a bumper at Kempton in February.

We wanted to run him in the sales race at Newbury and we started him off at Kempton in February to give him experience and Sam Twiston-Davies rode him as Nico was on another one of ours, Iolaos Du Mou. As it turned out East India Express lived up to his name and won very impressively. However, he had a bout of coughing after and missed the Newbury race. He looks a very exciting prospect for novice hurdles.

Easy Peasy (IRE)

• Breeding: Walk In The Park (IRE) - Cause Celebre (IRE) (Peintre Celebre (USA))
• Last Race: Stratford, 21 Apr 2024 14:15
• Result: Fell/6, close up towards rear, went prominent at 5th, pushed along and headway to dispute lead last where mistake and fell

Winner of both her bumpers - scored for David Harry Kelly in Ireland in July and followed up with a four and a half length victory on her stable debut at Plumpton in September.

She hasn’t been with us that long but made a pleasing start at Plumpton in September and she could be an exciting prospect when we send her over hurdles.

Excello (FR)

• 5-y-o; grey gelding
• Breeding: Cokoriko (FR) - Pafadas (FR) (Martaline (UK))
• Last Race: Cheltenham, 12 Mar 2024 14:50
• Result: PulledUp/21, raced wide in mid-division, weakened 16th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out

133 rated chaser and hurdler. Narrowly beaten when runner-up in two hurdles at Auteuil and also runner-up in two chases at Auteuil (one listed) with a victory in a chase coming at that venue in March.

He is a very exciting new recruit from France with some excellent form. He remains as a novice chaser until December 1st, but he remains a novice over hurdles and that is probably the route we will take with him. He will need plenty of cut in the ground, but I can’t wait to get started with him. He has summered really well.

Fantastic Lady (FR)

• 9-y-o; bay mare
• Breeding: Network (GER) - Latitude (FR) (Kadalko (FR))
• Last Race: Sandown, 27 Apr 2024 14:25
• Result: Won/7, waited with in rear, good headway out wide 4 out, closer on inside home turn, angled out before 2 out, went 2nd between last two, led approaching last, ridden and came readily clear run-in

145 rated chaser. Scored by four and three quarter lengths from Zambella in a Listed Mares’ Chase at Market Rasen in November and subsequently ran a cracker in the Topham Trophy at Aintree in April when runner-up, beaten a length and three quarters, to Bill Baxter. Put in another solid effort when third, beaten seven and three quarter lengths, to Hewick in the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase at Sandown in April.

She has lived up to her name throughout her career and given us plenty of excitement. Her season began with a comfortable victory from Zambella in a Mares’ Listed Chase at Market Rasen in November before she ran below par at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, but she put up a brave performance when runner-up in the Topham at Aintree in April and gained more black type when third in the Oaksey Chase at Sandown in April. She will go Mares’ Listed Chases again and Aintree could well be on the agenda again.

First Street (GB)

• Breeding: Golden Horn (UK) - Ladys First (UK) (Dutch Art (UK))
• Last Race: Ayr, 20 Apr 2024 14:25
• Result: 14/15, chased leaders, mistake and lost place 3rd, well beaten from 5th

147 rated hurdler. Made a winning reappearance in the Gerry Feilden Hurdle at Newbury in November of last season when beating Grivetana two and a half lengths and then finished third, beaten six and a quarter lengths, to stablemate Marie’s Rock in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day form slight below that in three outings afterwards.

He started off last season with an impressive success in the Gerry Feilden Hurdle under topweight and then probably over-raced when third to Marie’s Rock in the Relkeel over two and a half miles at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. I thought two miles was more his trip and he ran in the County Hurdle in which he finished second to State Man the previous year and wasn’t beaten far even though he was only 11th. He ran a similar race in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr and Nico wasn’t confident about his wind, so he has had an operation through the summer. Life won’t be easy over hurdles off his mark, and we might even think of jumping a fence. He has always jumped his hurdles well and whatever he does I think there is more to come from him.

Iberico Lord (FR)

• 6-y-o; bay gelding
• Breeding: Cokoriko (FR) - Valcelita (FR) (Voix Du Nord (FR))
• Last Race: Cheltenham, 12 Mar 2024 15:30
• Result: PulledUp/8, held up towards rear, niggled along after 4 out, pushed along after 3 out, dropped out quickly from 2 out, pulled up before last

126 rated hurdler. Opened his account for the stable when beating Beau Balko a head at Stratford in April and then finished strongly when runner-up, beaten a half a length, to stablemate Under Control in a valuable novices’ handicap hurdle at Sandown on the final day of the season off a mark of 120.

He came to us after winning his bumper in France and we were probably aiming a little high when starting him in a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham in November. He then fell at the last at Kempton on Boxing Day but came good at Stratford in April and followed up with another cracking effort on the final day of the season when runner-up to our Under Control. I would think there is a lot more to come over hurdles before we send him over fences.

Impose Toi (FR)

• Breeding: It's Gino (GER) - Saraska D'airy (FR) (Ungaro (GER))
• Last Race: Kempton, 13 Jan 2024 14:42
• Result: 3/19, tracked leaders, pushed along before 2 out, ridden and every chance approaching last, ran on one pace

121 rated hurdler. A winner twice last season in novices’ hurdles beating Asian Spice 16 lengths at Exeter in March and ending his first season with the stable when scoring by 15 lengths from Chestnut Pete when returned to two mile and five at Ludlow in May. Runner-up in his other two outings.

He is another really nice horse belongs to JP, and he came to us from France after winning two AQPS races. He won two of his races in eye-catching fashion and he has loads of potential. He has the size and scope to jump a fence, but we may keep him to hurdles for the time being. He shows us nothing at home and keeps it for the track but that’s not a bad thing.

Jeriko Du Reponet (FR)

• Breeding: Choeur Du Nord (FR) - Ukaline Du Reponet (FR) (Agent Bleu (FR))
• Last Race: Cheltenham, 12 Mar 2024 13:30
• Result: PulledUp/11, tracked leaders on inside, mistake 1st, slow jump 3rd, pushed along after 3 out, ridden and weakened quickly after next, pulled up before last

Easy winner of his point-to-point in Ireland in March.

He is a lovely individual who had one run in a point-to-point in the north of Ireland and was extremely impressive. He hasn’t been with us that long, but I like what he is showing, and he could be very exciting. We could go straight over hurdles with him.

Jet Powered (IRE)

• Breeding: Jet Away (UK) - Cloghoge Lady (IRE) (Presenting (UK))
• Last Race: Newbury, 02 Dec 2023 13:40
• Result: PulledUp/10, chased leaders, lost position quickly before 3 out and soon pulled up

Looked a classy individual when hacking up by 11 lengths from Ittack Blue on his hurdling bow over two miles at Newbury last November but very disappointing when heavily odds-on for similar event at the same course and distance in December.

He looked a very exciting prospect when winning his point-to-point in Ireland and very much looked that on his hurdling debut at Newbury in November but ran nothing like that on his return there in December. He is obviously much better than that and, hopefully, we have sort out his issues and he can have the opportunity to fulfil his potential.

Jingko Blue (FR)

• Breeding: Great Pretender (IRE) - Vibraye (FR) (Saint Des Saints (FR))
• Last Race: Cheltenham, 13 Mar 2024 13:30
• Result: PulledUp/7, chased leaders on inside, mistake 3rd, not fluent next, mistake and rider lost iron briefly 5th, lost place 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up before last

Winner of a two and a half mile point-to-point in Ireland.

He won a very competitive point-to-point in Ireland in February and was bought at Cheltenham Sales. He was pleasing us at home, but the ground dried up and we had to draw stumps for last season when he had intended to run him in a bumper. He works very well and has schooled very well, and he could go straight over hurdles.

Johnny Blue (IRE)

• 5-y-o; brown gelding
• Breeding: Soldier of Fortune (IRE) - Accordian Lady (IRE) (Accordion (IRE))
• Last Race: Exeter, 19 Apr 2024 16:55
• Result: 2/5, led, headed after 4th, tracked leader, mistake 3 out, soon driven, pressed leader run-in, lost on the nod

Winner of his bumper at Worcester in June by a neck from Thirtyfour Thirty.

He had made his debut in a bumper at Worcester in June and won quite nicely and the runner-up has boosted the form since. He has schooled very well, and we are looking forward to running him over hurdles this autumn.

Jonbon (FR)

• Breeding: Walk In The Park (IRE) - Star Face (FR) (Saint Des Saints (FR))
• Last Race: Sandown, 27 Apr 2024 15:00
• Result: Won/7, mostly jumped well, led, hit 3 out, ridden between last two, over 4 lengths ahead last, stayed on strongly run-in, unchallenged

166 rated chaser. Winner of five of his six chases last season and was odds against for the first time when runner-up, beaten five and a half lengths, to the odds-on El Fabiolo in the Grade 1 Arkle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham in March. Had previously completed a hat-trick with a five and a half length success from sole rival Calico in a Grade 2 Novices’ Chase at Warwick in February and was in great form in the spring when beating Marvel De Cerisy 43 lengths in the Grade 1 Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree in April and when following up with a three and three quarter length victory from Captain Guinness in the Grade 1 Celebration Chase at Sandown later that month.

He has only been beaten twice in his career once over hurdles by Constitution Hill and then by El Fabiolo in the Arkle and is the most lovely horse. Apart from the odd mistake in couple of races his jumping has been pretty flawless, and he has put up some excellent displays. After his defeat at Cheltenham, he bounced back with an impressive display in the Maghull at Aintree and round off his season when beating experienced chasers in the Celebration Chase at Sandown. I was considering stepping up to two and a half miles, but Sandown probably told us to stay at two miles for now. He has developed both physically and mentally and let’s hope he has a very bright future.

Joyeuse (FR)

• 5-y-o; bay filly
• Breeding: First De Retz (FR) - Tilda (FR) (Denham Red (FR))
• Trained by: M Mottier
• Last Race: Vincennes, 25 Jun 2023 16:15
• Result: 2/14,

Winner of her AQPS race in France over a mile and a half in October 2022.

She is a gorgeous filly and a three parts sister to Epatante which obviously gave her plenty of appeal to JP. She had one run as a three-year-old in France which she won nicely and came to us over Christmas and just never stopped growing. She jumps extremely well, and she will go straight over hurdles. She has had a good summer at Martinstown and she is a bigger version of Epatante but we can only hope she might be as good as her.

Kingston Pride (IRE)

• Breeding: Kingston Hill (UK) - Milans Pride (IRE) (Milan (UK))
• Last Race: Exeter, 19 Apr 2024 19:30
• Result: Won/8, tracked leading trio, went close 3rd halfway, 2nd going well over 2f out, led inside final 2f, ran on well

Winner of his only point-to-point in Ireland in April.

He was bought at the Cheltenham Festival Sale and won his only point-to-point in April. He is an imposing sort, and I would expect to go straight over hurdles although, like so many of ours, we have the option of going for a bumper first.

Kintail (GB)

• Breeding: Blue Bresil (FR) - Speed Bonnie Boat (UK) (Alflora (IRE))
• Last Race: Lingfield, 21 Jan 2024 16:10
• Result: 5/11, tracked winner until ridden 2 out, weakened next

Runner-up in his first bumper at Wincanton in April and went one better in a similar event at Warwick the following month.

He is another by Blue Bresil who I obviously adore for obvious reasons, and he was very green when finishing second on his debut at Wincanton but went one better in what I think was a warm bumper at Warwick next time. He has schooled very nicely, and we are forward to running him over hurdles.

Luccia (GB)

• 6-y-o; chestnut mare
• Breeding: The Gurkha (IRE) - Earth Amber (UK) (Hurricane Run (IRE))
• Last Race: Aintree, 11 Apr 2024 15:30
• Result: 4/8, mid-division, not clear run when looking to close after 3 out, switched right after 2 out, no impression before last, went 4th flat

136 rated hurdler. Impressive winner of a listed mares’ hurdle at Newbury on her reappearance in November and when beating Palace Boy in a listed event at Exeter in February. Favourite for the Grade 2 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March but could only finish third, beaten four lengths, to You Wear It Well. Another solid effort when third, beaten two and three quarter lengths, to Inthepocket in the Grade 1 Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in April.

She is a star and made brilliant start to her hurdling career when winning a listed contest at Exeter. We had to give her another run before Cheltenham, so we went to Exeter for another listed contest, this time against the boys, and again she was very impressive. We thought she was one of our best chances at Cheltenham, but we had to rush her to get to Exeter and that may just have taken the edge off her for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle. I think she is bit better than she showed that day and we took her to Aintree for the Top Novices’ Hurdle when she finished third, beaten two and three quarter lengths, to Inthepocket. I have no doubt she is destined for top honours this season and she may well stay further than two miles. She will be running in all those Mares graded hurdles and there’s no reason she shouldn’t finish up in the Mare’s Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Marie's Rock (IRE)

• Breeding: Milan (UK) - By The Hour (IRE) (Flemensfirth (USA))
• Result: 5/8, chased leader, not fluent 6th, headed before 3 out, jumped left 2 out, soon headed, no extra and lost 4th flat

152 rated hurdler. Returned from a break to beat Dashel Drasher six lengths in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day before finishing seventh, beaten 15 lengths, to Honeysuckle when 9-4 joint-favourite for the Grade1 Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. Finished runner-up, beaten three and a quarter lengths, to Sire Du Berlais on her final start in the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree in April.

There were few opportunities for her before Christmas, so we started her in the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day and she was most impressive when beating Dashel Drasher six lengths. After that it was straight to the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham where she disappointed behind the great Honeysuckle. She was much more her own self when we stepped her up to three miles and she ran a cracking race to finish second, beaten three and a quarter lengths, to Sire Du Berlais. She has been a wonderful servant to her owners Middleham Park Racing and three miles in probably now her optimum trip. She has already won over £285,000 and, hopefully, she is ready for another successful season.

Mister Coffey (FR)

• Breeding: Authorized (IRE) - Mamitador (UK) (Anabaa (FR))
• Last Race: Newbury, 10 Feb 2024 15:50
• Result: 3/5, led until hit 11th and headed, led again 13th, headed 4 out, lost 2nd before 2 out, weakened soon after

143 rated chaser. Placed in three of his four starts last season including when third, beaten 15 lengths, to Gaillard Du Mesnil in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham in March. Creditable effort final start when eighth, beaten 26 lengths, to Corach Rambler in the Grand National at Aintree in April off a mark of 145.

Perhaps a little embarrassingly he is still a novice after two seasons but that doesn’t tell the full story as you know he has been second and third in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and probably his best ever run was when finishing eighth to Corach Rambler in the Grand National at Aintree in April. He didn’t quite get home after leading at the 18th, but I don’t think it was necessarily lack of stamina and the National will be on the agenda again. He really shouldn’t have too much trouble winning a novice and he is obviously still qualified for the National Hunt Chase. He is a very honest and genuine horse, and he certainly deserves to win his races.

No Ordinary Joe (IRE)

• Breeding: Getaway (GER) - Shadow Dearg (IRE) (Beneficial (UK))
• Last Race: Cheltenham, 15 Mar 2024 17:30
• Result: 7/21, chased leaders, close up final bend, soon ridden, weakened before last

143 rated hurdler. Made a winning reappearance in a handicap hurdle at Kempton in December when beating Big Boy Bobby a head and best subsequent effort when runner-up, beaten a length and a half, to Iroko in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap at the Cheltenham Festival off a mark of 139.

On his day he is a high-class horse, and he won a valuable handicap at Kempton over Christmas. He probably exceeded that performance when runner-up to the well-handicapped Iroko in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap at Cheltenham in March and he is one that will always be in the firing line in those big handicap hurdles.

Persian Time (GB)

• Breeding: Califet (FR) - Persian Forest (UK) (Presenting (UK))
• Last Race: Sandown, 27 Apr 2024 16:45
• Result: PulledUp/9, well off the pace in rear, never a factor, tailed off and pulled up before 11th (water)

129 rated hurdler. Scored by two and a quarter lengths from Diyaken in a novices’ hurdle at Ascot in November and ran well after including when runner-up, beaten two and a quarter lengths, to Hugos New Horse over an extended two and a half miles at Ayr in April.

He did well for us last season and ended his campaign with good effort over two and a half miles at Ayr’s Scottish National meeting when runner-up to Hugos New Horse. He has the size and scope to jump fences and that is where he will finish up. We have yet to decide whether to go over hurdles first.

Russian Ruler (IRE)

• Breeding: Sholokhov (IRE) - Hot Choice (UK) (Zafeen (FR))
• Result: 14/21, off the pace and always towards rear

127 rated hurdler. Off the mark over hurdles at Newbury in March when beating Arqoob four lengths and followed up with a two and three quarter length success from Alien Storm at Kempton in April.

He is a horse we have always adored even though things haven’t always gone according to plan. He came good in the spring, and he looks every inch a two-mile chaser. If he shows us on the racetrack what he shows us at home, we could go a long way with him in novice chases.

Shanagh Bob (IRE)

• Breeding: Mahler (UK) - Exit Bob (IRE) (Exit To Nowhere (USA))
• Last Race: Aintree, 12 Apr 2024 16:40
• Result: 4/8, held up behind leaders, outpaced when mistake 3 out, soon weakened

Winner of his point-to-point in Ireland in December.

He came to us in January after impressing in his point-to-point in Ireland in December and we almost ran him in a bumper, but the ground dried out, so we put him away. He is another exciting prospect from the point-to-point field, and we can’t wait to get him going.

Shishkin (IRE)

• 10-y-o; bay gelding
• Breeding: Sholokhov (IRE) - Labarynth (IRE) (Exit To Nowhere (USA))
• Last Race: Aintree, 11 Apr 2024 14:55
• Result: 4/7, chased leaders, not fluent 5th, went 2nd before 8th until next, mistake 13th, not much room before 4 out, not fluent 3 out, not much room before 2 out, no impression on leaders before last

173 rated chaser. Winner of 13 of his 17 chases and achieved four Grade 1 victories winning the Arkle Challenge Trophy in 2021, the Clarence House Chase in 2022, the Betfair Ascot Chase and the Aintree Bowl in 2023. Stepped up to three miles and a furlong for the first time when beating Ahoy Senor a length and a half in the Aintree Bowl in April.

What more can you say about Shishkin - he was a champion over two miles in his younger days and it transpires that he is now a genuine stayer. His record speaks for itself, and he was back to his very best in the Betfair Ascot Chase at Ascot in February when beating Pic D’Orhy 16 lengths before not being the most fluent when runner-up to Envoi Allen in the Ryanair. We sent him over an extended three miles at Aintree in the Bowl and he had a great battle with Ahoy Senor before coming home a length and a half victor. We don’t know where he will reappear, but the King George VI Chase at Kempton has to be on the agenda and then we will go from there. He is a real superstar and let’s hope he can continue to be a major force in all those top events.

Sir Gino (FR)

• 4-y-o; bay gelding
• Breeding: It's Gino (GER) - Anzi Star (FR) (Anzillero (GER))
• Last Race: Aintree, 11 Apr 2024 14:20
• Result: Won/5, chased leader until before 4th, not fluent 6th, mistake 3 out, switched right and went 2nd when not fluent 2 out, led last, ridden flat, stayed on, won going away

Winner of a listed three-year-old hurdle at Auteuil in April

He won his only start in the Wild Monarch at Auteuil in April and that race has a habit of throwing out some pretty smart horses. He is a gorgeous individual with the size and scope to jump fences in time, but he is still qualified to run in juvenile hurdles, and we hope he can progress and be a high-class juvenile.

Southoftheborder (IRE)

• Breeding: Leading Light (IRE) - Dante's Queen (IRE) (King's Theatre (IRE))
• Form: 11/1U2-

Winner of his point-to-point in Ireland last November and made a winning start for connections when beating High Treason three lengths in a bumper at Ffos Las in March.

He won his point-to-point for Derek O’Connor, and we gave him one run in a bumper at Ffos Las in the spring and he ran out a comfortable winner. He looks another very exciting prospect for novice hurdles this season.

Steal A March (GB)

• Breeding: Mount Nelson (UK) - Side Step (UK) (Norse Dancer (IRE))
• Last Race: Huntingdon, 25 Jan 2024 15:45
• Result: PulledUp/13, held up, dropped to rear 7th, pulled up 2 out

134 rated hurdler. A winner twice and runner-up twice last season and last seen out when beating Stellar Magic three quarters of a length in a Pertemps Qualifier at Wincanton on Boxing Day off a mark of 134.

He had our sight set on the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham and he won his qualifier at Wincanton very well but, most unfortunately, we had to miss Cheltenham as he seemed to lose his action less than a fortnight before. His issues have been identified and hopefully the problem has been resolved. He is still a relatively young horse and, hopefully, he can continue to progress over hurdles.

The Carpenter (IRE)

• 8-y-o; grey gelding
• Breeding: Shantaram (UK) - Just Another Penny (IRE) (Terimon (UK))
• Last Race: Exeter, 31 Jan 2024 14:10
• Result: PulledUp/6, close up, weakened 4 out, pulled up 2 out

134 rated hurdler. Unbeaten in three starts for the stable - scored by three quarters of a length from Off To A Flyer in a novice hurdle at Exeter in Febuary after 701 days off and followed up with an 11-length success from Sound And Fury in a similar event at Newbury in March. Continued his winning streak in a handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter in M\ay when beating Ballybeg two and a quarter lengths off a mark of 129.

For the first two seasons at Seven Barrows I couldn’t get him to the racecourse due to splints and other minor complaints, but the wait was worthwhile when we finally got to Exeter in February and then he followed up with a wide-margin victory at Newbury. He did the same on his handicap debut at Uttoxeter and he is a lovely big horse who will make a chaser in time but there should be plenty of options over hurdles before then.

Under Control (FR)

• 5-y-o; chestnut mare
• Breeding: Doctor Dino (FR) - Delinda (FR) (Sea The Stars (IRE))
• Last Race: Doncaster, 27 Jan 2024 14:05
• Result: 2/6, held up in last pair on inside, headway before the last, stayed on into 2nd run-in, no chance with winner

136 rated hurdler. A winner three times for the stable last season culminating in a half-length success from stablemate Iberico Lord in a valuable novices’ handicap final at Sandown on the final day of the season off a mark of 128.

She isn’t very big but has done nothing but thrive since joining us and ended her season winning a £100,000 novices’ handicap hurdle at Sandown in April. She has come back from Martinstown looking great after her summer break and she will go do the Mares’ Hurdle route.

Walking On Air (IRE)

• Breeding: Walk In The Park (IRE) - Refinement (IRE) (Oscar (IRE))
• Last Race: Chepstow, 24 Feb 2024 15:08
• Result: PulledUp/12, mid-division on inside, pushed along and weakened 3 out, pulled up after 2 out

138 rated hurdler. Landed a Pertemps Qualifier at Exeter in February by three and a half lengths from Sabrina off a mark of 133 and finished fifth, beaten four and a quarter lengths, to Good Time Jonny in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham in March off his current mark.

He is a grand big chasing type and, to be honest, he didn’t have a lot of luck last season. He wasn’t beaten far in an decent handicap hurdle at Doncaster in December and then won a Pertemps Qualifier at Exeter in February where he won impressively. He has no sort of run at all coming down the hill at Cheltenham in the Pertemps Final and still finished fifth after having such an unlucky run. It is time to go chasing with him now and we are really looking forward to the season ahead.

Willmount (GB)

• Breeding: Blue Bresil (FR) - Youngstar (UK) (Old Vic (UK))
• Last Race: Newbury, 30 Dec 2023 15:00
• Result: PulledUp/9, mid-division, closed up at 4th, lost position and pushed along after 4 out, soon beaten and pulled up 3 out

Winner of his point-to-point in Ireland in February of last year and won both of his bumpers at Doncaster for Neil Mulholland. Scored by 13 lengths from Luckie Seven in Jan and by four and a half lengths from Broomhill Road in March.

He is a new addition to the stable this season and is by Blue Bresil, who I adore. He won his two bumpers for Neil Mulholland, and he will start his campaign straight over hurdles. He looks something to look forward too.

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Nicky Henderson Stable Tour 2022/23 Season

Nicky Henderson

Nicky Henderson is the leading man in the UK when it comes to jump racing training some of the best national hunt horses in the sport and this year he looks to have a serious team to go to war with.

Here is his stable tour for the 2022/23 season.

8yo Bay Gelding

Shishkin went toe-to-toe with Energumene last year which made for the clash of the season on two occasions. The score is 1-1, so both Shishkin and Energumene will be looking to stamp their authority once again, on the 2m chase division.

6yo Bay Gelding

Jonbon is a lovely horse, he was brushed aside by Constitution Hill (who looks a world class horse), but managed to regain the winning thread at Aintree in good style. He reportedly heads novice chasing this year, he’s a fine stamp of a horse and that’s likely to be right up his street given his pedigree. 

8yo Bay Mare

Funnily enough, Epatante didn’t have the best season - but she still managed to pick up three G1’s. She looks held by the Irish superstar Honeysuckle, but she has the measure of more or less the rest of the 2m/2m4 hurdling opposition. She looks set for another good year. 

Constitution Hill

5yo Bay Gelding

Constitution Hill came out of nowhere last year really, but there’s not a fan in sight that isn’t looking forward to seeing him run again. He absolutely decimated the Supreme field and he sticks to hurdles again this season. It’s likely his season will culminate with a crack at Honeysuckle in the Champion Hurdle, and I for one, cannot wait.

10yo Bay Gelding

Champ is a high class horse, who I’m not totally prepared to give up on just yet. He’s had soundness issues with his back - but he did still manage to pick up a G1 last season. If he’s sound, he will be a huge player once again in the division.

Marie’s Rock

7yo Bay Mare

Marie’s Rock had something of a breakthrough season last season, winning two G1’s on her last two starts. She was perhaps aided by some significant fallers coming down at Cheltenham, and Punchestown - but she can only beat what’s there to be beaten. She’ll likely be a huge player in the Mares division again.

Chantry House

8yo Brown Gelding

Chantry House had something of a troubles season last year. He won on seasonal reappearance by 37L, and then pulled up in his next start. He got the ball rolling again in workmanlike fashion at Cheltenham, prior to pulling up in the Gold Cup. If he can stay sound, he’s clearly plenty of ability. He looks something of a head scratcher this season.

Fusil Raffles

7yo Bay Gelding

Fusil Raffles is a solid, adaptable horse who is pretty much guaranteed to run a solid race regardless of the conditions. He ran well over fences and hurdles over a range of trips last season, Henderson could find a lot of opportunities for him this season, given his versatility. 

Dusart is a horse who’s always promised great things, unfortunately he’s yet to entirely set the world alight. He won a couple of novice chases early last season, before his unplaced effort in a G1 at Cheltenham. He did make amends in a competitive c2 handicap chase at Ayr though, he remains on interest this season. 

Impulsive One

4yo Bay Gelding

Impulsive One had a relatively successful season last year, winning three from eight and he kept himself in good company. He's evidently a nice horse, he still did look rather green last season but he's mixed it at graded level already, he's one to watch this season.

Caribean Boy

8yo Grey Gelding

Caribean Boy is a tough, solid handicapper who usually gives his running. He won a G2 novice chase from the very talented Fiddlerontheroof, along with a competitive class 2 handicap at Kempton towards the end of the season. He's such a likeable horse and Henderson does tend to place him well.

Mister Fisher

Mister Fisher won the G2 Silviniaco Conti Chase last season at Kempton, and on his last start, he was second to Saint Calvados at Sandown in the G2 Oaksey Chase. He does have his issues with consistency but he's a highly talented horse on his day. 

First Street

First Street is a Golden Horn gelding who progressed rather nicely last season. He won a couple of novice events, then won a handicap. He bettered that by placing in two graded events subsequently, despite still looking a big baby. With a summer on his back, he could be even better this season.

Theatre Glory

5yo Bay Mare

Theatre Glory looks a mare going places. She ran five times last season and managed to win four of those races. She took a listed race at Cheltenham in April and did it in good style. She could be even better this year, and Nicky Henderson does so well with horses of this profile.

Broomfield Burg

6yo Brown Gelding

Broomfield Burg obviously has issues with keenness, as demonstrated several times last year by pulling any chance he had away during his races. He did manage to win a race though, at Kempton when 1/3f in December. He's a high class horse but he is difficult. Could they find the key this year?

Balco Coastal

Balco Coastal had a good season relatively speaking. He won two from five, and finished placed in two graded novice events. He's still a horse on the up, and he ran a huge race on his final start when third of twenty-one in a Grade 3 handicap at Aintree. He could be a horse for the top level graded handicap hurdles this year now, with plenty of experience under his belt.

Mister Coffey

The penny looks as though it's finally ready to drop with this horse. He's seriously talented he's just not managed to put it all together as yet. He did finish second in two valuable races early this year, in a G1 and a C2 handicap chase respectively. He will need to improve again though should he be competing at graded level.

4yo Chestnut Filly

Luccia is two from two so far in her career. She has taken two bumpers in good style, including a listed level win at Sandown by as many as seventeen lengths. She’s well bred and looks potentially top class, she may be a huge player in the mares novice division this season.

5yo Chestnut Mare

A half-sister to the top class, multiple G1 winner Monkfish - was unplaced in her bumper, but duly made amends first time over hurdles. She jumped and travelled well there, though the form isn’t strong, the impression she left was a positive one. Given her pedigree, we may see her take high rank in novice hurdles this season.

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15:10 Limerick

Friday 29 December 2006

Moscow Society Maiden Hunters Chase

• 5YO plus  |   2m 6f  |   Heavy  |   16 Runners  |   Unknown   |    Weighed In
• Off time: -  |   Winning time: -

Non-Runners

Betting breakdown.

Garden Shed Spider (3/1), Knockarron (IRE) (9/2), Bobbawn (IRE) (5/1), Many Rivers (IRE) (11/2), High Oscar (10/1), He's On His Way (IRE) (14/1)

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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