Katalyst learns lessons at Nottingham and Sweet Katarina passes her first-day test with flying colours
12 Aug 2026
It wasn’t to be for Katalyst at Nottingham on Tuesday evening, as our filly couldn't quite reproduce the encouraging performances we’ve seen from her recently.
She broke well and travelled strongly in the early stages, taking up the running under Ryan Kavanagh. However, she was perhaps a little too enthusiastic and did plenty in the opening part of the race, leaving her with little left in reserve when the pressure began to build in the closing stages.
WATCH: Jockey Ryan Kavanagh discusses Katalyst's performance at Nottingham.
It was a competitive field and while the result was disappointing, there will be plenty to take away from the experience. Katalyst has already shown us what she is capable of and sometimes these runs are simply part of a young horse education.
WATCH: Chris Grassick explores the learnings from Katalyst's latest run at Nottingham.
Lessons will be learned and our girl will live to fight for a place on another day. Options and her next move are being reviewed and potentially she may be stepping up in trip slightly next time. Shell be back, so stay tuned!
Sweet Katarina passes her first-day test with flying colours!
It was Sweet Katarina's first day at school at Kempton and our lovely filly could hardly have been more grown up about the whole experience. She started nicely and most importantly, was impeccably behaved throughout, taking everything that comes with a first trip to the racecourse completely in her stride. She was also taking her first steps on the track in some very smart and strong company, making the experience an even more valuable one for our girl.
WATCH: Kaiya Fraser discusses Sweet Katerina's debut performance!
Her jockey gave her a lovely, kind and settled ride, allowing her to find her feet, travel comfortably and learn what racing is all about without asking too much of her. It was exactly the quiet and confidence-building introduction that is perfect and hoped for on any debut.
WATCH: Chris Grassick shares how pleased he is with Sweet Katarina's first day at school!
There will be plenty for Sweet Katarina to take away from this experience and for a young horse, having her very first day at school against some smart opposition, she has given much to be pleased about.
First lesson completed, plenty learned and lots more to look forward to from our girl.
She broke well and travelled strongly in the early stages, taking up the running under Ryan Kavanagh. However, she was perhaps a little too enthusiastic and did plenty in the opening part of the race, leaving her with little left in reserve when the pressure began to build in the closing stages.
WATCH: Jockey Ryan Kavanagh discusses Katalyst's performance at Nottingham.
It was a competitive field and while the result was disappointing, there will be plenty to take away from the experience. Katalyst has already shown us what she is capable of and sometimes these runs are simply part of a young horse education.
WATCH: Chris Grassick explores the learnings from Katalyst's latest run at Nottingham.
Lessons will be learned and our girl will live to fight for a place on another day. Options and her next move are being reviewed and potentially she may be stepping up in trip slightly next time. Shell be back, so stay tuned!
Sweet Katarina passes her first-day test with flying colours!
It was Sweet Katarina's first day at school at Kempton and our lovely filly could hardly have been more grown up about the whole experience. She started nicely and most importantly, was impeccably behaved throughout, taking everything that comes with a first trip to the racecourse completely in her stride. She was also taking her first steps on the track in some very smart and strong company, making the experience an even more valuable one for our girl.
WATCH: Kaiya Fraser discusses Sweet Katerina's debut performance!
Her jockey gave her a lovely, kind and settled ride, allowing her to find her feet, travel comfortably and learn what racing is all about without asking too much of her. It was exactly the quiet and confidence-building introduction that is perfect and hoped for on any debut.
WATCH: Chris Grassick shares how pleased he is with Sweet Katarina's first day at school!
There will be plenty for Sweet Katarina to take away from this experience and for a young horse, having her very first day at school against some smart opposition, she has given much to be pleased about.
First lesson completed, plenty learned and lots more to look forward to from our girl.
Related news
Share
