Tag: Frankie Dettori

Jim Ruig: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

The Steeple Times asks architectural antiques expert Jim Ruig: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?

Design, travel and friends.

“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

The best revenge is to have a fabulous life.

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?

The current government in Australia and especially our left-wing Socialist friend Julia.

Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?

I miss being a father and a provider.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

More time on this planet.

Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?

All bankers are stewing in their own muck.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

“Envy”.

In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?

Too many people support charities for the wrong reasons. One must support a charity close to one’s heart rather than for superficial reasons.

The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?

An unnecessary evil.

Jim Ruig

Jim Ruig with Frankie Dettori MBE

If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?

Matthew Steeples, Julia Gillard, Carlos Santana, John Cleese, Sigmund Freud, Pablo Picasso, and my son, Morgan so that he can witness it all. It’d be nice also to have Ralph Lauren and Axel Vervoordt as that would be just perfect.

If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?

I’d love a lamb shank on the Noosa Foreshore in Queensland. It’s a fabulous place and it would be divine.

What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?

Don’t be silly, alcohol doesn’t know what time it is.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

I’d rather have a glass of good red wine.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

The ones thrown by fabulous people who are creative, funny and innovative.

Who is the most positive person you know?

My son.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Polo.

If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?

I have tattoos that date back some 25 years. The one that would sum me up would be of a Viking.

If you were a car, what marque would you be?

I would love to be an Aston Martin DB6.

Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.

I am very romantic.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

A photograph of my beautiful daughter, Camilla.

James “Jim” Ruig is the founder of the architectural business, The Salvage Company. Operating out of London, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Hong Kong, Ruig sources reclaimed materials and antiques for commercial and residential clients.

For more information about The Salvage Company, go to: http://www.salvageeurope.co.uk

March 5, 2013
Neil “Razor” Ruddock: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

The Steeple Times asks former footballer and television personality Neil “Razor” Ruddock: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?

My dad.

“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

If anyone hits you, hit them back twice as hard.

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?

Speidi.

Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?

Frankie Dettori.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

World peace.

Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank.” What’s your view on the banking crisis?

It’s great because I’ve got fuck all.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

“I’m not opening my legs, I’ve got a headache”.

In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?

World peace and nurses.

The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?

Ban mobile phones.

Neil “Razor” Ruddock

If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?

Kate Winslet, Donald Pleasence and King Kong.

If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?

A meal with Pussy Galore off James Bond.

What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?

When one wakes up.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

A cup of tea.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

Ann Summers because. Exactly.

Who is the most positive person you know?

Ann Summers.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Ann Summers.

If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?

A grizzly bear.

If you were a car, what marque would you be?

A Fiat 500.

Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.

I used to cry at “Surprise, Surprise”.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

Elvis.

Neil “Razor” Ruddock is a former professional footballer, television personality and actor. He debuted at Millwall and had a long career playing for Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton, Liverpool, West Ham and Crystal Palace. He appeared in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2004 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2013.

Follow him on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/RealRazor

February 6, 2013
Five of the best: Lunch deals in The Royal Borough

Five of the best places to enjoy a great lunch deal in The Royal Borough

It being January, we’re all after a deal. Here are a few places that you can enjoy on a budget in the country’s most expensive borough.

Sette, 4 Sydney Street, SW3, 6PP

Situated in the heart of Chelsea, this stylish Italian restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike. Owned by Frankie Dettori MBE, where else can you get to sit amongst rock and racing stars for just £15 for a two course set lunch that includes a glass of wine?

The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant, Jumeirah Carlton Tower, 1 Cadogan Place, London, SW1X 9PY

Ably managed by Michele Caggianese, this Knightsbridge institution offers a 3 course set lunch for £29 including a glass of champagne during January and February. The bar is the perfect spot to start as the offering here includes some of the finest English gins and a great selection of aromatic bitters.

Brompton Bar & Grill, 243 Brompton Road, London, SW3 2EP

François O’Neill pulled off a masterstroke in opening this neighbourhood bar and grill. With a set lunch menu priced at £18.50 for two courses, here you’ll find not only great English classics but if you daring enough abinsthe served traditionally with a water fountain.

Maggie Jones’s, 6 Old Court Place, London, W8 4PL

If you are on a real budget but feel like living like a royal, head to the restaurant named after Princess Margaret off Kensington Church Street. For just £10, they offer a soup and a salad. The sister restaurant of Belgravia’s La Poule au Pot is a must visit for anyone shopping in Kensington.

Blakes Hotel, 33 Roland Gardens, London, SW7 3PF

The world’s ultimate boutique hotel offers a tremendous set lunch if you’re on a date or want to impress. If you want privacy and discretion, this is the place to go. With 2 courses for just £19 and 3 courses for £24.50, you can dine amongst the opulence and splendour of this hidden secret without blowing the bank.

Sette: http://www.sette-restaurant.com

The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant: http://www.theribroom.co.uk

Brompton Bar & Grill: http://www.bromptonbarandgrill.com

Maggie Jones’s: http://www.maggie-jones.co.uk

Blakes Hotel: http://www.blakeshotels.com

January 14, 2013
We're backing Frankie

The Steeple Times backs Frankie Dettori to win Celebrity Big Brother 2013

Though Frankie Dettori split from Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin in October and was banned from racing for six months in December 2012, he began his comeback last night by entering the Celebrity Big Brother house.

(more…)

January 3, 2013
Victoria Spicer: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

The Steeple Times asks the journalist and equestrian expert Victoria Spicer: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?

Sat nav, usually.

“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

I’m stealing my motto from someone else – “Don’t gamble with what you can’t afford to lose.” Wise words, and not just applicable to my fairly lamentable betting technique.

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2012?

Animal suit onesies.

Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?

I’m in the process of moving to the Surrey countryside so I dare say I’ll miss London, easy commutes, a plethora of restaurants, twice weekly trips to the cinema and the Canary Wharf skyline.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

I’d gladly swap my wealth for somebody else’s. I doubt they’d be delighted with the deal though.

Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank.” What’s your view on the banking crisis?

I blame Kerry Katona.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

“At the end of the day.” Ghastly.

In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?

I ran the London Marathon in 2008 in aid of World Horse Welfare so that’s a biggie.

The judge in “Law Abiding Citizen” states: “I can pretty do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?

As my friends will tell you, I never look at my phone, and I certainly don’t pounce on it the second I see that little red flashing light.

If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?

Scotland’s rugby team, Andy Murray, Daniel Craig, Elbow, Ross Noble, Ryan Gosling, and a handful of my closest female friends to redress the balance.

Victoria Spicer. Photo credit: © Horse Magazine

If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?

Fillet steak, on the run.

What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?

12.01.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

Can’t I have a cold glass of Pinot Grigio instead?

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

The post-show parties during Olympia Horse Show are usually pretty memorable.

Who is the most positive person you know?

Not sure I know many – or if they start off positive, I soon drag them back down to earth with a healthy dose of cynicism.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Made in Chelsea.

If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?

Snow Fairy. Class mare. Unfortunately for her, I can’t stand pain and have no desire to get a tattoo.

If you were a car, what marque would you be?

I’m quite like my own car – an MX5. Looks like it could be fun to drive but is actually rubbish at getting up hills and handles terribly. Plus it’s either boiling hot or freezing cold, never in between.

Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.

I’m related to Cilla Black… And I’m a compulsive liar.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

I’m about to move house so I currently have no mantelpiece – but I’m working on it.

Victoria Spicer is a freelance journalist. She is also press officer for the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead and web editor for Horse & Country TV.

View Victoria Spicer’s website at: http://www.victoriaspicer.co.uk

November 16, 2012
Frankel: The Best

The Tout says a fond farewell to Frankel

It must have taken some restraint from Sir Henry Cecil, the trainer of many of the greatest horses of the last 40 years, to wait until after Frankel’s last race on Saturday to state: “Frankel is the best I have trained, the best I have seen and the best horse ever.” Frankel was simply incredible in his final race and gave the huge crowd a real reason to be glad, proud and happy to be at Ascot for his swansong performance.

Frankel and his rider Tom Queally at Ascot on 20th October 2012

Frankel’s trainer Sir Henry Cecil

In hardcore racing terms, Frankel is officially rated by The Jockey Club handicapper as the highest rated of all time but for the memory it was the sheer style of his demolition of other high class horses that will stand out. His pace in the middle of a race was so brutal that before he even switched to top gear from his cruising speed he had dismissed every rival that ever showed up. At one point it was thought that his skills would be restricted to racing over a mile but as has he subsequently showed he was equally efficient and possibly more settled over a mile and a quarter.

The key to his success as he got older was the fact that he settled so much better in his races. The 2000 Guineas was madly impressive and Frankie Dettori was still struggling to believe the way he ran away from the field when he was interviewed a week later and stated that it would normally be impossible to send a horse away from the field at the halfway stage of a classic race. In the role of honour we also have to be grateful to Frankel’s pacemaker, Bullet Train, who did so much to help him in his races by ensuring that the early pace was fast enough.

We salute Frankel and are certain that during our life we will never see his like again. There is now the intrigue of his performance at stud as it seems impossible that he will replicate himself so his first runner in 2016 will be eagerly anticipated and sure to be out of an equally blue blooded mare. Thank goodness he has retired safely from the track and we can all say that we saw Frankel when any other pretenders appear and someone tells you that a certain horse is the best they have seen. Goodbye Frankel, but only for three years. We shall look forward to seeing your progeny appear on the same turf that you bestrode so magnificently.

The Tout.

October 23, 2012
Another Magnificent Seven

Richard Hughes achieves a “Magnificent Seven”

On the 28^th September 1996, Frankie Dettori, at odds of 20,095-1 rode seven winners on seven horses in the seven races of the day at Ascot. His achievement cost the betting industry some £40 million and became known as the “Magnificent Seven.” Dettori even named his Chelsea restaurant, Sette, after it. One punter, a plumber from Morecambe named Darren Yates won £550,000 on a stake of £67.58 and forever more this will be recalled as a moment in racing history.

Richard Hughes celebrates 7 wins from 8 at Windsor yesterday at odds of 10,168-1

Frankie Dettori celebrates his “Magnificent Seven” in September 1996

Yesterday, another jockey, Richard Hughes, at odds of 10,168-1, rode seven winners in eight races at Windsor.

Of his success, Hughes, who has ridden 161 winners this season, commented:

“I’m over the moon. It’s great to do it… Windsor is my lucky track, and this is a great day… What a thrill. This is a great day.”

Unlike with Dettori’s “Magnificent Seven,” the bookies were relatively happy too. Kate Miller, a spokesperson for William Hill stated:

“That was probably the cheapest seven-timer ever for the bookies… The last time a high-profile jockey rode a big seven-timer it cost us £7million, so we’re very grateful that Richard timed his on a quiet Monday. We’ll pay out around £100,000 but the figure could easily have been 10 times that if he’d chosen this Saturday instead.”

Frankie Dettori and Richard Hughes at Sette in Chelsea with A. P. McCoy, Ryan Moore and friends

All at The Steeple Times raise a glass to Mr Hammond on his brilliant achievement.

Sette, 4 Sydney Street, London, SW3 6PP. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7352 3435. Website: http://www.sette-restaurant.com

Follow Richard Hughes on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/hughesiejockey

October 16, 2012
How the mac ’n’ cheese met the truffle oil

Christian Huhnt recounts an evening of rock ‘n’ roll at the opening party for Hollywood Road’s latest venue, Honky Tonk

When you hear about the opening of a London-based “underground NYC inspired rock ‘n’ roll restaurant,” the last thing you expect is to find it in the very heart of an area that estate agents now call “Little Chelsea.”

Honky Tonk, 6 Hollywood Road, London, SW10 9HY

So, my companion Steffen and I headed off to determine what this mystery may be, and to learn what the owner, who is supposedly involved in The Supper Club, was willing to reveal that night. As soon as I arrived, I found myself sipping a chilled drink, while listening to some Screamin’ Jay Hawkins vibes. “The Gringo,” a mix of tequila, juice and wheat beer is described as “a delectable intertwining of Mexican and British” on Honky Tonk’s drinks menu and it is just such.

As I was pushed deeper into the venue, away from the bar at the entrance, I felt I had been left alone in the middle of Shoreditch, with a 60s-inspired retro-American “highway diner” flair interior of unrendered walls, raw lightbulbs, Formica tables, and pierced and tattooed modern-hippy looking 20-somethings; only the pretty waitresses reminded me, that I was in fact not in a greasy US-diner, but at an opening in Chelsea, West London.

Guests enjoying Honky Tonk’s opening bash

Honky Tonk’s bar staff creating cocktails

One of Honky Tonk’s waitresses serving cocktails

When it came to the food, served as canapés, it again became clear, that I was in SW10. The “not” fried chicken, as the waitress educated me, is only coated with a “special recipe” and then oven-baked. It has as much crispy pleasure as it would have had fried, but it is far healthier and plainly designed so as not to dispossess the figure conscious guests of this elite neighborhood.

Almost finished with this delight, I tasted the next dish on the menu: New England crab cakes in a chili-mayo sauce, followed by little potato skins loaded with chilli con carne and sour cream. As I wasn’t sure anymore if this food could be solely called “good old-fashioned American bites,” the next dish was most definitely the tip of the iceberg: the macaroni cheese, apparently the “Baked Beans of America,” the synonym of cheap grub, the epitome of total culinary absence. Here at Honky Tonk, though, they controversially served this with a porcini béchamel and truffle oil sauce, along with roasted wild mushrooms. Believe it or not, it worked and it was bloody good.

While getting in the mood with another fancy drink, one of my favorites by the way, I tried a rum and ginger beer concoction topped with a slice of lime and listened to Elvis Presley’s Mystery Train playing in the background. Whilst enjoying this, I realise that the Chelsea boys and girls have arrived and are mingling with the hip East London crowd. I have seen this lot at many other openings and can’t assume they were shipped in, but nonetheless the spot is suddenly buzzing and a great evening follows.

Examples of the humour of Honky Tonk’s management adorn the venue’s walls

Honky Tonk promises to deliver the New York vibe, bringing cool Blues, Jazz and Rockabilly tones with regular live music to the heart of posh Chelsea. Well done so far.

Rock on!

Honky Tonk, 6 Hollywood Road, London, SW10 9HY. Telephone: +44 (0) 207 351 1588. Website: http://www.honkytonkchelsea.com.

September 29, 2012
Peter Burrell

A businessman with a passion for racing. Burrell has worked with Frankie Dettori since the latter was 15 and was also the agent for Vinnie Jones. He drives a Toyota IQ, has climbed the Matterhorn and loves playing a round of golf in his spare time. In 2014, he invented the Gillhams Gravel Rake to solve the problem of keeping gravel drives in pristine condition.

August 22, 2012
Cycling with a Smile

Former Emmerdale bad boy Lyndon Ogbourne updates readers of The Steeple Times on his cycle expedition for Once Upon a Smile

Part One:

I begin this section of my travel journal, sat Bear Gryls style, next to a campfire I’ve successfully made, cooking a fish I’ve caught (with much difficulty) that I plan to serve with some bread from a boulangerie about 110km from where I’ve set up camp.

Lyndon Ogbourne cycling through the French countryside

Ogbourne’s Cadence Performance bicycle is given a well earned rest

I’m exhausted but exhilarated. The journey I set out on 5 days ago has taken me through some of the most beautiful but challenging sections of country I’ve ever experienced. I’m a novice cyclist but with the help of the Cadence Performance Centre I trained for the distances I would cover. Nothing, however, could prepare me for the scorching temperatures I have experienced. They would have been fantastic sat chilling on a beach, but are an added and detrimental element to a 635-mile cycle challenge.

The structure of my cycling expedition has been loose and spontaneous and as long as I cover a minimum of 100km day, I’ll make it to the airport in time for my scheduled flight. The rest is an adventurous ‘play-it-by-ear’ set up.

Part Two: Toulon

My legs are tight and bruised and battered from a fall near Castelnaudary when I was outfoxed by a tree stump on the path. Ahead of me, though, was the greatest challenge of all, the mountainous terrain between Marseilles and Toulon. There I encountered 136km of mountain range, with 8km ascents dappled with 3km climbs just to stick the knife in.

I arrived in Toulon a broken man. The beautiful views of Marseilles were awe inspiring, but the mountains I have just covered were nearly my undoing. I write this second section sprawled like a rag doll on my bed in a rustic but somewhat dingy B&B in Toulon.

I have never challenged myself like this before and my whole being tingles with a feeling beyond pain. My mind, however, is filled with memories that I will treasure forever and, if it ever recovers, my body will grow stronger.

Tomorrow, I venture on, edging ever closer to the final leg of this mammoth challenge. Today, I saw a sign to Nice and the energy and endorphin rush it produced inside me made me feel I should cycle there tonight. Luckily common sense prevailed and I realised rest was required.

My trusty steed, the bike that has accompanied me on this challenge, has become very dear to me. It is an incredible piece of carbon fibre mastery and the only way I am here in Toulon is because of this bike. Cadence have created a piece of kit that is so advanced and beautiful that at every destination I have been stopped by people from every region to ask about it or to comment on its splendour.

Lyndon Ogbourne training with the Cadence Performance team

It’s in part due to the training and equipment that I’ve come this far, but now it’s down to me and my weary body to complete this task. Please donate to the fantastic charity Once Upon a Smile, whom I’m raising money for, via the link below. Equally, may I suggest, if you are thinking of purchasing or training yourself up for a cycle of any distance, you could be in no better hands that those of Cadence Cycle Performance Centre.

For now I must sleep as I still have 100-miles to cover. I feel my legs may walk out on me if I don’t give them the rest the deserve. Bonne nuit and happy cycling.

Once Upon a Smile: http://www.onceuponasmile.org.uk

Cadence Performance: http://www.cadenceperformance.com

To donate, go to: http://www.justgiving.com/Lyndon-Ogbourne

August 20, 2012