If a horse has reached its peak and has won a race that I had pre-determined to be have been its 'grand final,' then it is time for a spell. Once my horses reach absolute peak fitness, which is different for every horse, I can maintain it at that level for an extended period of time using various training tactics, such as regular visits to the beach. The prize money is so good, and races are so hard to win, that it is unfair to owners and the connections to not have horses close to their best as soon as they resume. I tend to step my horses up in distance into their preparations and although most of my horses are relatively fit when they resume, they always get fitter and fitter into a preparation. I like to get to the bottom of my horses. I am a trainer that races my horses–I don't cuddle them. I am very particular in what I want done with each individual horse when it is spelling. Our hard Aussie soil allows horses that are spelling to develop stronger bones–this is just so crucial for the younger horses that are still growing into themselves. Some properties have water walkers, although I would never put a 2-year-old on a water walker as it seems to take a lot of their natural speed away. Some properties suit different horses better than others, and as such I am always focusing on where is best for each individual horse to spell. I have a variety of properties that I use. Our spelling properties in Australia are second to none and are located on some of the best horse country to be found anywhere in the world. When I send a horse for a spell it is going to a farm somewhere not too far away and will be looked after as if it were Secretariat. They come back in from their spells generally many kilograms heavier and often several centimetres taller. In Australia it is very hot for most of the year and the Aussie sun does wonders for our horses when they are allowed to relax and rest. I am a great advocate of spelling and resting horses, and just as we humans benefit greatly from a change in scenery and a holiday, horses flourish when they are sent for a spell. No, it is not something you do at an English castle, but rather something we do in Australia with our horses to allow them to rest.

Ultimate spelling 2015 download