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GEOFF CAMPBELL RACING CLUB |
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In memory of Geoff we decided to purchase a racehorse. Geoff was an avid gambler, and would regularly have a flutter on the horses and just about anything else. Geoff and his brothers often talked about owning a racehorse with family and friends upon his return to the UK from America. By purchasing a racehorse it gives
his friends and family a chance to get together, have a drink and you never
know, win a few quid on his horse. Geoff would also have liked the fact his
friends and family were getting together in this way to remember and honour
him. There has been wide spread coverage in the British Press and Racing papers. William Hill have kindly offered to place £100 on the racehorse each time it runs and donate any winnings (or stake if it loses) to charity. The two nominated charities are:
The Trainer Geoffstar has settled in well at Loretta Lodge Stables. Terry Mills, Robert Mills (Terry’s son) and Richard Ryan are responsible for Geoffstar’s training. Dominic is Geoffstar’s stable lad and looks after him on a day to day basis. Epsom 16th August 2002 Geoffstar was entered in the first race at Epsom in the Stanley Wootton Maiden Auction Stakes (Class E). Over 50 family and friends turned up to watch Geoffstar's inaugural run and keep Geoff's memory alive. Before the race many of us ponced around in the paddock like they do on television. Before we knew it Geoffstar was cantering down to the start and there were only a few minutes left to place a bet. Paul Doe took the ride. After a slow start, Geoffstar was soon up with the pace and even had a couple behind him after a furlong or so (1/8 mile). Less than 4 furlongs out he got spooked by the road across the course and completely lost his action and ran very green. From then on it was literally all down hill. Geoffstar finished last, 22 lengths off the winner, Spinning Jenni. Ok so it wasn’t the greatest performance in equine history, but it was fantastic to see so many people at the races and knowing that those who couldn’t make it were cheering him on from around the World. It was truly an occasion Geoff would have loved to been part of. Farley said he felt Geoff was there amongst us. If Geoff had been there you could guarantee the quality of his exaggerated stories would have been second to none, after all we were owners racing at Epsom, home of the Derby, we had exclusive use of the Coronation Cup room & enjoyed champagne by sunset! Geoffstar is going to be raced over the longer distance of a mile. His next race is likely to be around mid-September, it's an appropriate date. Let’s hope he doesn’t run green again! Lingfield December 14th 2002 After suffering from ginger shins in the Autumn, Geoffstar finally made it to the race course again. He ran in the first race at Lingfield, it was a cold Saturday morning. Top marks to those who were brave (or sober) enough to make it! RESULTS: Littlewoods Bet Direct Maiden Stakes (Class D) (Div I) (2yo) over a mile. Pressed winner until 3f out, soon ridden and weakend. Opened 16/1, touched 33/1. He started at 25/1. Lingfield January 11th 2003 Now officially 3 years old, Geoffstar was duly entered in the Bet Direct AW Jockeys Championship Maiden Stakes (Class D) over a mile and a quarter. Robert Miles took the helm again and after another good start, took the lead 2 furlongs into the race and was only headed in the final straight finishing fourth, well clear of the remainder. The winner Royal Trigger is a good horse and the BHB have given Geoffstar a rating of 67. Finishing in fourth place meant we actually won some prize money £269 ! About 25 of us went to the races and many others were excitedly cheering him on at home on Channel 4. In between the action, beers, champagne and hip flasks; a great time was had by all ! Hopefully Geoffstar will win his first race soon. The prize money is greatly needed! Geoffstar is being aimed at one of three races on either Wednesday 29th Jan (Lingfield) or Saturday 1st Feb (Lingfield or Wolverhampton). Wolverhampton February 1st
2003 After impressing at Lingfield, Geofftstar was entered in The One mile, one furlong & 79 yards handicap stakes for three years old rated 0-70 at Wolverhampton on the 1st of February. Great things were expected of him! The race was on at 9.30pm in the evening, so there was plenty of time for the strong Northampton contingent to get the beers and champagne flowing! Dominic Fox, a last minute replacement for Robert Miles took the ride. Given a rating of 67 and carrying 9st 4 lbs under the conditions of the race, we were all confident and a few shillings on him seemed a wise investment. The Racing Post & Daily Express had tipped him to win! And then they were off! Everything looked okay for the first half mile. Geoffstar had taken up his usual position at the head of affairs and then suddenly without any warning, he lost interest about three furlongs out and quickly back peddled, finishing a distant seventh. A bitter blow as we expected him to finish in the top three. He basically ran very green again and did not concentrate on the job. The gelding device beckons! Southwell March 28th 2003 After a bit of a break Geoffstar was entered in the Bleasby Selling Stakes for 3 year olds only, over 1m 2f and ridden by R Winston. He went off the 13/8 favourite! After looking like this was going to be one of his good days, he weakened over a furlong out and he finished a tame 3rd of six. The jockey didn't follow instructions - Richard Ryan was hopping mad. He was explicitly told to jump out and grab a lead of 3-4 lengths (as usual), but he rode him with restraint the first 3 furlongs. Windsor April 7th 2003 Geoffstar's final race for the Geoff Campbell Racing Club was a 3yo+ seller at Windsor over 1mile 67 yards. Robert Miles took the ride. This was Geoffstar's last attempt to redeem himself! As perhaps expected, Geoffstar finished a dismal 15th of 18: "Started slowly, always behind Opened 10/1, touched 12/1" It was only after he went past the finishing post did he start to concentrate on racing! Ascot 8th April 2003 On the advice of Terry Mills, we decided we had no real option other than to sell Geoffstar. He was proving to be too much of a monkey and our funds had dried up :-( He went to the Ascot Auctions and was sold for 1,200 guineas. He will now run for a new owner, under new colours, with a new trainer. Geoffstar keeps his name. The Geoff Campbell Racing Club has been a great way of getting together, having a drink, a laugh and the odd cry. We've all got some fantastic memories of day's out with Geoffstar at the races. We're hoping we can still do something like meet up at Epsom once a year (August/September) and perhaps even sponsor an annual race. Please help us to keep the memory of Geoff a living one, we want to celebrate his life rather than mourn. If you would like to donate monies towards sponsoring a race please contact matt@the-campbells.co.uk |
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