Mick & David Easterby

Mister Camacho at York.

Winning stayer Mister Camacho leaves the yard

08.04 | Tue 3 Dec 24 | Racehorses

Mister Camacho, a real yard favourite here at Mick & David Easterby Racing, has been retired from the track and today left the yard for the final time. He joined Eligible on the lorry to Newcastle as he relocates to the north-east.

Mister Camacho will enjoy his retirement with co-owner Lee Westwood and he will be retrained as a riding horse. The Syndicate's other winner, The Grey Lass, retired from racing earlier this year and is being retrained for the polo field.

A winner at Catterick in 2023 the five-year-old son of Camacho raced 19 times, recording one victory and six places and earning £19,717 in prizemoney. However, after a period off the track he returned last month but showed nothing like his former self and his owners decided to call time on his career. He'll always be remembered as a mudlark and he was at his best when the ground was bottomless and races became an out and out slog.

Mister Camacho's career spanned four seasons, having made his debut when fourth at Redcar in 2021. He carried the colours of golfer Lee Westwood and raced for the Lee Westwood Syndicate which was set up in 2021 with three horses. The Grey Lass, who retired this year, won two races whilst the third horse, King Of Europe, sadly didn't make the track.

Consisting of ten enthusiastic and knowledgeable owners the Syndicate horses raced 54 times, recording three wins and 14 places.

The Grey Lass in 2021 at York.

Co-owner Paul Cram has been a member of the Syndicate from the start. Where possible Paul has watched the horses run in Britain whilst following the rest of the races from his home in Australia.

"It's been an absolute pleasure and interesting experience for me down here in Oz having horses race in the UK," said Paul.

"Trips to York, Chester and Doncaster races was brilliant but the highlight was definitely a stable visit and being treated to one of Mr Easterby's Sunday roasts and of course his famous Yorkie puddings with lashings of gravy!"

"I have met some lovely people through this syndicate and proudly tell all my mates here in Australia that I own horses in the UK."

"I won't miss getting up at ungodly hours of the morning to watch or listen to the races but I’ll miss the involvement."

If you'd like to see Paul's visit to the Easterby Sunday lunch then there's a video on Facebook here.

Mister Camacho after winning at Catterick.

Mister Camacho's retirement brings about an end to the three horse Syndicate which has been enjoyable for both owners and trainers alike.

Parthena exercises Mister Camacho on the gallops.