“They’re all keen and all have their own quirk”

Replied Kaine with a smile, when asked if there were any similarities between them, then continued,

“But they all love their job.”

The four brothers, trained by the pair range in age, from a Pearl Secret two-year-old, up to the seven-year-old Ey Up Its the Boss, (although he is currently recuperating at Norton Grove Stud, following an early season setback).

Velvet Jaguar didn’t run, but her progeny have won 23 races between them.  The most prolific winner to date is Ey Up Its the Boss, with nine wins to his name.  He is the darkest in colour of the four brothers and by Pastoral Pursuits, with a preferred distance of 1m2f, slightly further than his sire, who was a top performer over 6f and 7f.

“Boss was very keen as a two-year-old, but he’s more settled these days. Ey Up He’s A Star has also settled more as he’s grown up.”

Kaine with Ey Up He’s a Star

The latter named is spoken of very fondly by Kaine, who is not only his trainer but also a part owner with Maggie Lingwood, from Norton Grove Stud, where all of Velvet Jaguar’s progeny have been foaled and looked after in their early years.

“I broke him in and thought he felt like a racehorse,” said Kaine.

Not that he has favourites, but no-one else at the yard is allowed to ride Ey Up He’s A Star if Kaine is about!

The four-year-old is a son of Sogann, an unraced horse by Frankel and purchased for €550,000 as a yearling, but only had one year at stud before he sadly passed away.  Ey Up He’s A Star is by far the biggest of the four brothers and has matured over the winter.

Due to his height and length, he was given time to grow into himself and made his racecourse debut at the end of his two-year-old season and gained more experience as a three-year-old, winning on the all-weather at Newcastle back in September.

“They all go on most ground, but my lad wouldn’t want it too soft,” commented Kaine.

He has started this season with a run on the all-weather and is primed for the turf.

Harriet and Jack Rabbit Slims

Jack Rabbit Slims, named after the restaurant in the film Pulp Fiction, by his owner, Simon Bland, was busy enough as a two-year-old, running six times, with a best placing of second at Carlisle on only his second run.

The son of Aclaim is another one who is described as keen on the gallops and has only run over the sprint distances of 5f and 6f to date.  Given his father won a Group 1 in France over a mile, he may get further as he gets older, but although he lacks patience, it’s something that his trainers have in abundance so he’ll be given the opportunity should he show the need.

“He can be a bit restless in his box until he’s been out, but he’s happy then,” said Kaine.

Jack with the Pearl Secret two-year-old

The newest recruit is an unamed Pearl Secret gelding who is due to make his debut this season.

“He’s pure speed,” said Tony, who has been closely associated with the Velvet Jaguar line.

Pearl Secret, a striking chestnut won the Beverley Bullet a race renowned for its speedsters, as well as the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock.

With his striking white features, which definitely come from his father, the compact two-year-old is doing everything right, but once again, the pair are in no rush with him.

“He was a late foal, so we brought him in a bit later than the other two-year-olds,” said Tony.

As a two-year-old, Pearl Secret won on ground from good to heavy so he should be versatile.

Velvet Jaguar belongs to Dr Gillespie and resides at Norton Grove Stud.  She arrived at the stud as a foal and was unsold at Tattersalls as a yearling, then suffered an injury which prevented a racing career.

So why was it decided to put her in foal?

Jess Rummel, from Norton Grove Stud gave an insight into her pedigree.

“Grandad (Richard Lingwood) was keen to keep her as she is related to Song, who was born at Norton Grove and Grandad was very fond of.

“Her progeny have always stood out as yearlings.  She can throw an ugly duckling as a foal, but by the time they are yearlings, they really look the part.”

Sogann and Pearl Secret both stood at Norton Grove, and Velvet Jaguar is currently in foal to Lope Y Fernandez and due next month.

“Grandad and Dr Gillespie tend to decide together which stallion she will go to, although with a late foaling date, she is unlikely to be covered this year.”  Added Jess.

Whether the horses know that they are related or not is up for debate, however they are regularly turned out together and are happy enough in each other’s company.  Let’s just hope the Boss can pass on some winning tips to his younger brothers.

We look forward to watching the sibling rivalry across Yorkshire’s courses and further afield.