Julie Camacho Stable - Nick Bradley Racing Visit
Saturday 16th March 2024
The major success for the Julie Camacho stable in 2023 didn't go unnoticed which has led to a fleet of new partnerships with leading owners, including the Nick Bradley Racing syndicate.
Group One victories for Shaquille and big handicap wins such as Significantly in the Ayr Gold Cup helped Camacho to surpass the £1,000,000 in prize money tally, becoming the highest earning female trainer in a season ever. The Malton-based stable head into 2024 with plenty of excitement and talent in the yard and the partnership with Nick Bradley Racing will be represented by the lightly raced Obelix, who could have more to offer this year.
Owners and members of Nick Bradley Racing descended on Star Cottage on a bright Saturday morning, but all eyes were focussed on the flat turf season which would be just a week away.
With thanks to the team at Julie Camacho Racing for hosting this open day and to Nick Bradley Racing for organising the event. All the best in 2024.
Meet The Horse:
OBELIX - Sire: Sea The Stars - Dam: La Mortola - Born: 2020
Race Record (As of 16th March 2024) - Wins: 1 - Placings: 3 - Races: 9
Obelix joins the Nick Bradley Racing team for 2024 as a beautifully bred gelding and one who showed flashes of promise last year. The skills of Julie Camacho and Steve Brown could easily help to improve him further as the season begins in earnest.
The four year old is a son of the mighty Sea The Stars, winner of the 2000 Guineas, Derby and Arc during a memorable career. He is also out of a Dubawi mare, La Mortola, who was bred by famous musician Andrew Lloyd-Webber. Obelix hails from a talented European family which features Jakkalberry, a twelve time winner who travelled the world and won in Italy, America and Dubai for the Botti family.
Obelix was previously trained in Newmarket by the country's leading stable, John and Thady Gosden. Running in the colours of KHK Racing, he was held in good regard by connections and made his debut at "HQ" in July 2022. He bumped into the smart Classic but showed ability. Next up would be a trip to the east for a second novice race, this time at Yarmouth. Obelix would return home a beaten favourite, but again faced a useful horse in Lord Of Biscay. He would get a first win on his third start, making no mistake at Newcastle by winning very impressively. He would go through the race very easily and effortlessly pull clear to win by over seven lengths and put his name down as an exciting prospect.
2023 began with high expectations following that win and he returned to Gosforth Park for All-Weather Finals day on Good Friday. Racing too keenly early on, Obelix weakened into eighth to slightly dent his reputation. Following a short break and gelding operation, Obelix returned in the melting pot of Royal Ascot, the pinnacle of British flat racing. Competing in a hot handicap, he finished no better than midfield, but better was to come. Returning to Newmarket for the July Festival, Obelix took part in a valuable handicap and travelled strongly, picking off rivals one by one. Leading at the furlong pole, he would be overhauled close home and denied by just a length into second. Another solid effort would come at York's Ebor Festival, this time with a fifth place against older rivals. Obelix's season rounded out with two respectable efforts at Doncaster and York once again, but soft ground made life difficult for him.
After being purchased by Nick Bradley at the Horses In Training Sales in October, he is getting back to full fitness at his new home in Malton. A switch from the bustling town of Newmarket and large facilities of John Gosden's stables to the more quieter and relaxed surroundings of Julie Camacho's North Yorkshire base could see some further improvement unlocked. In a short career, Obelix has shown a liking for ten furlongs on quick summer ground. There should be plenty of options open for the four year old and he could be a fun horse to play with for the Nick Bradley Racing operation.
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