Youmzain!!!

[my miss storm cat]

HE'S GONE - BUT WE WON'T FORGET HIM



YOUMZAIN headed for Normandy this evening and fittingly, Leslie White took on the responsibility as he left West Ilsley for the final time. He's set to stand at the Haras du Quesnay Stud and, without being overtly emotional about a racehorse, it's fair to say that all of us at West Ilsley, from Jaber and Mick to the lads that do the real hard graft, are incredibly proud of a huge talent and a notable individual.


He was a hard bastard to get along with but never nasty. He was sound to the point of freakness and his ability, regardless of how others viewed his race record, was astonishing. It's a sad day to know you won't be nipped whilst walking past the feed barn, as any member of the team will tell you.


His name plaque is on the wall of the classic row next to ZAFEEN and the the past greats like The Brigadier, Troy, Henbit, Bustino and Nashwan. Like them, he's a part of history now due to human inflicted sentimentality, but we hope a legacy is just beginning.


Jaber is sending some of his top mares to see Youmzain next year and it would be great to have some of his progeny come back to his proper 'home' and try to emulate his feats on the racecourse.


The list of credits in the YOUMZAIN story is endless. Leslie, Andy Larkin, Dave Bourton, Joe Tuite and Sam Hitch put up with him as a baby whilst Richard Quinn, Ted Durcan, Tony Culhane, Kieren Fallon, Richard Hills and, most of all Hughesy, deserve many thanks for their efforts aboard "The Peanut".


Jaber and Mick will continue to work away, roll the dice and have a crack, but this is a tough game when you take on the big boys in the bloodstock world. YOUMZAIN allowed all of us to dream about having a go at them - the staff, the village, the family and friends from far and wide. We didn't succeed, but it was a magic time of hope and optimism.


Sport is all about competition and ambition and YOUMZAIN gave us three years of incredible sport.


You can't ask for more than that.

http://mickchannon.tv/news.php#774

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Okay I just need to stop crying now. This is ridiculous. I can't even figure out if it's cause I'm happy or sad.

Both I guess.

Bye, Youmzain... champion and warrior.

Always loved, never forgotten.

Thank you for the fantastic memories.