Image © Healy Racing
Owner-breeder Heather Buckle’s decision to make a flying visit to Rathcannon paid off in style when Unfastened ran out an impressive winner of the mares’ maiden on Sunday.
Based near Ipswich in England, Heather flew into Shannon for the day to see the Denis Leahy-trained five-year-old score by 18 lengths under Eoin O’Brien.
It was a rewarding journey for the owner-breeder, whose association with Leahy stretches back through Unfastened’s family.
Heather had a mare in England who had visited a stallion at Dalham Hall and was due to foal when she was put in touch with Michael Moore of Ballincurrig House Stud.
“The mare went over to them so that she could foal there and then be covered again,” she explained. “Denis is Michael’s first cousin, and that’s how the connection came about.
“I’ve got lots of horses with Michael now and they all go to Denis for pre-training.”
Among them was Unfastened’s half-sister Unklipped, who remained with Leahy after proving difficult to train.
“She used to tie up all the time, but Denis kept her and got her to win a race at 200-1 at Kilbeggan.”
Heather was there to see that success too, flying into Dublin for another memorable day trip.
Unfastened is out of Unbuckled, whom Heather bought as a three-year-old store at the Derby Sale. Trained in Britain by Neil King, she won two bumpers and two races over hurdles before beginning her career as a broodmare.
“She was a great horse. She won a great race at Doncaster on her first start over hurdles, and she’s been a great broodmare.
“She’s over in Ireland now and lives with Michael and Nuala at Ballincurrig.”
Heather has three broodmares at present, including Unbuckled and Unklipped, and there are several more youngsters from Unbuckled’s family to look forward to.
Although breeding began as a hobby, Heather’s interest has grown over the years.
“I wasn’t a particularly horsey person, but I’ve always been involved with livestock. My husband did a bit of point-to-pointing years ago and my son has done a bit too.
“I’ve become much more horsey in my life. I think they’re wonderful animals, and the breeding side of it has really got a hold of me now.”
Her son Charlie partnered Unklipped at Sligo during his time riding as an amateur, while husband James also rode in point-to-points.
She enjoys following bloodlines and studying the offspring of different stallions when considering matings.
“I watch a lot of racing on the television and I love going to the foal sales. I’ve bought quite a few foals now, and I find it really interesting to look at the progeny of certain stallions and see what they’re doing.
“It’s a mixture of everything—fashion, what you’ve seen winning races and what they’re by. I’m always looking at the breeding of horses.
“I probably should go and see the stallions themselves more, but I always think they’re proven anyway. They wouldn’t be in that position if they weren’t good-looking animals.”
While based in England, Heather makes regular visits to see her horses and has become familiar with both yards.
“I’m not a once-a-month sort of person, but I’ve been over quite a bit. Without Nuala and Michael at Ballincurrig and Caitriona and Denis, I think the whole thing would fall to pieces. All four of them are amazing, talented horse people.”
Her association with King also goes back many years.
“He’s trained for me for years and years. I think last year was the first year we didn’t have a runner there, but I went to his open day this year anyway. He used to point-to-point when my husband was riding.”
Unfastened had shown promise when placed at Ballindenisk on her final start last season, and Heather was delighted with the way O’Brien partnered her to victory on her return.
“I really enjoyed watching him ride her. He looked so light on her—light hands, light body, everything. He rode her beautifully.”
Despite making the journey across the Irish Sea, Heather prefers to watch her horses in action on her own.
“I always travel alone. I’m not very sociable when I’m around horses! Denis laughed because he turned to say something to me during the race and I’d just walked away. I like to be by myself.”
Plans for the daughter of Walk In The Park remain open, with Heather keen to give her time to recover before deciding on her next step.
“I’ve never been good at selling horses, but I’d never say never. We haven’t come up with a plan for her yet. She probably needs an easy week now anyway, so we’ll talk.”
With plenty more young horses to look forward to, Heather is reluctant to single out one to follow.
“I’m excited about them all,” she said.
And if they can follow Unfastened’s example, she will no doubt be racking up a few more air miles.
And if they can follow Unfastened’s example, she will no doubt be racking up a few more air miles.
