Alderbrook Lad ran his final race at Cartmel on August 7th, putting in a typically gutsy effort, when giving his all as always, over a distance of two miles, a trip it appears, his old legs just hasn't the pace for anymore.He will always be remembered for his leaps over the fences, especially at Cartmel, which were 'spectacular,' as he gained lengths in the air, over his rivals. Alderbrook Lad retires in one piece at the grand old age of 14, and is assured a loving home for the rest of his days, with his owners.
ALDERBROOK LAD. 14 May 2006-Chestnut Gelding Alderbrook-Alone Tabankulu Owner-Ian Barran, Rita Butler and Gemma Hogg.
In our yard the Lad you almost certainly think would be the stable star would be Cornerstone Lad, but there is another Lad who has reasonable claims to dispute who in fact is the top Lad, because this elder statesman, who reached the lofty rating of 144 in his younger days, who almost got killed on the streets of Middleham, when running loose, who has had 70 races,might just have a case for top billing.
It was thanks to our ex, go to jump jockey, turned very successful trainer Neil Mulholland, who alerted Micky to the fact that Alderbrook Lad was up for sale. He was duly purchased at Doncaster Sales in November 2013 for £7000, he looked a bargain purchase then, and he certainly looks one now.
After an inauspicious start when falling at the first on his stable debut at Catterick, he soon hit back by winning his next two starts at that track, both in heavy ground, although it would turn out over the years that he his best performances would actually be achieved on good ground. From an opening mark of 103 over fences, and in the space of just six months, with three further wins, this time all over hurdles, he found himself rated 140. Because of his ground preference, summer jumping seemed the logical move, and because he loved to force the pace, Cartmel Racecourse which suits a bold front runner, has become his second home.
Taking advantage of a 17lb lower mark over fences Alderbrook Lad won two in a row at Cartmel in May, and June, of 2015, making all on both occasions, and accumulating £20.000 in prize money, he finished that campaign with a rating of 144. He has returned to Cartmel a further 18 times since, winning twice, and being placed a further nine times.
Alderbrook Lad ran in a total of 65 races under rules, which included 57 over fences, of which he won eight, and eight times over hurdles, of which he won three, he also ran in five point to points, winning one of those as well.In total he amassed just over £110,000 in prize money.