The Story of Two Brothers and Two Brothers

Posted: 17.38

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25 Sep 23

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Racing

Brothers Oli and Gavin Thompson realised a lifetime ambition on Saturday as they saw their horse Two Brothers win on the Knavesmire under jockey Billy Garritty.

Oli and Gavin had always wanted to own a winner at their local track and Two Brothers duly obliged by taking the 'Neil Atkinson's 60th Birthday Celebration Handicap' at York.

Two Brothers and Billy Garritty at York

It's been a great season for the Thompson brothers who have seen Two Brothers record three wins from 10 starts. Oli and Gavin both adore their horse, often bringing gifts of carrots to ensure that he's well rewarded for his efforts!

We think that Oli and Gavin are the youngest owners to have had a Mick Easterby-trained winner at York, but it's not all been plain sailing.

As a two- and three-year old the son of Sir Percy had been a difficult horse with whom to win. It took 18 races before he finally got his head in front, having been a maiden throughout his first two seasons.

Two Brothers has an unsupervised look around York racecourse last year.

Two Brothers also had a reputation as a bit of a rascal.

He'd sometimes drop his jockey on the gallops during morning training and in May 2022 unseated rider Jonny Peate when leaving the parade ring at York before running loose. His chance blown he trailed in 17th of the 18 runners.

Two Brothers is now a reformed character. He's been in fine fettle in 2023 having notched up wins at Beverley and Carlisle prior to his York victory. The key to his upturn in form was the fitting of headgear, after which he's never looked back. Quite literally!

Since the visor went on he has finished in the first four in 12 of his 14 races, including runner up five times and three victories.

Two Brothers has now earned £67,500 from 26 career starts. He's come a long way since arriving at New House Farm as a foal in 2018 and now his misdemeanours are forgiven he's become a firm favourite with the staff.

The big question now is whether to run over hurdles or stick to the flat and the two brothers may have different ideas about which path to follow!

Two Brothers as a yearling in January 2019

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