Not So Sleepy, the remarkable 12-year-old racehorse, has concluded his illustrious racing career in spectacular style, clinching victory in his 69th and final start at Newbury. Trained by the seasoned Hughie Morrison, this charismatic gelding’s journey from debut to retirement is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and the care and training he’s received at Hughie’s yard.
Bred by Lord and Lady Blyth at Lemington Grange in the Cotswolds, Not So Sleepy made a winning debut on the flat in October 2014. His dual-purpose talent was evident as he transitioned to hurdles, where he quickly made his mark, winning the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle not once, but twice.
As a horse who often knew his own mind, Not So Sleepy displayed a mix of determination and independence. “He was a bit of a nightmare as a younger horse, always running away. Now, he’s calmed down and has his routine, going out first each morning,” Morrison explained. His ability to thrive under pressure and perform at a high level, particularly in challenging ground conditions, made him a favourite among jockeys and staff alike.
In his final race, Not So Sleepy faced heavy ground—conditions he relished. Jockey, Tom Marquand, guided him to a thrilling comeback after being headed, showcasing his fighting spirit and competitive nature. “I put my glasses down when one went past him, but when I looked again, he’d started to come back and probably won quite easily in the end. He’s amazing,” Morrison reflected, capturing the joy of witnessing a horse give his all.
Much admiration should also be given to his stable riders, particularly Raj and Tom, who have ridden Not So Sleepy throughout his time at Summerdown. Their dedication and skill played an integral role in his success, ensuring he was always prepared for the challenges ahead.
With over £600,000 in career earnings, Not So Sleepy leaves behind a legacy of significant achievements, including dual victories in the Fighting Fifth and wins in the Betfair Exchange Trophy. For trainers and stable staff, his journey exemplifies the importance of understanding each horse’s unique needs, personality, and potential.
“Not So Sleepy has had a long career thanks to the support of his owners, who allowed us to experiment with his training,” Morrison emphasised. This collaborative approach is crucial in the racing industry, where trainers and their teams work tirelessly to optimise each horse's performance through tailored management and nutrition.
SPILLERS’ Thoroughbred Specialist, Kay Scriven notes the vital role of Barbara, Hughie’s head feed lady, who has worked closely with Kay over the past few years to fine-tune the diets of the horses at Summerdown. “Barbara’s expertise and commitment have been instrumental in ensuring that Not So Sleepy and the other horses receive the nutrition they need to perform at their best,” Kay explained. This teamwork exemplifies the dedication required behind the scenes to support the athletes on the track.
As he transitions into retirement at Lemington Grange, Lady Blyth expressed her deep affection for Not So Sleepy, saying, “He’s been a great star in our family.” Plans are already in place to keep him engaged, as Lady Blyth acknowledges, “He’s not a horse to just stand in a paddock. He’ll have a few months off to calm down, and then we’ll see what we can find for him to do.”
The connection between horse and handler is at the heart of Not So Sleepy’s story. His success on the track is a reflection of the dedication and expertise of those who cared for him, from Hughie, the jockeys & the stable staff who played vital roles in his journey.
SPILLERS is proud to support horses like Not So Sleepy through our range of racing feeds, specifically formulated to provide the essential balance of energy, quality protein, vitamins, and minerals required for athletic performance. With a dedicated team of Thoroughbred Specialists collaborating with trainers, SPILLERS ensures that every horse receives tailored nutrition to help them excel.
If you’re inspired by Not So Sleepy’s remarkable career and want to learn more about how SPILLERS can support your racehorses, contact our team or download our Racing & Stud Guide today. Together, we can help POWER YOUR WINNERS while celebrating their unique stories—just like Not So Sleepy.
Popular Blogs
Competing with gastric ulcers: What you need to know
With gastric ulcers thought to affect approximately 60% of competition horses (and up to 50% of leisure horses), it’s no surprise that we receive lots of questions about gastric ulcers via our Care-Line.
Read now
The importance of lysine for overweight horses
Cutting calories is essential for weight loss but this shouldn’t come at the expense of providing a balanced diet. Lysine is an essential amino acid and is one of several nutrients that may be deficient in a calorie restricted diet.
Read now
Breaking down the diet: What ex-racehorses need to thrive
Whilst the stereotypical ex-racehorse might be prone to excitability, have poor feet and struggle to maintain weight that’s certainly not the case for all thoroughbreds. Indeed, once settled into their new workloads and routines, many can be incredibly good-doers!
Read now
Everything you need to know about laminitis
With laminitis season upon us what better time to brush up on your knowledge of the potential causes, risk factors and management advice?
Read now
What to do when laminitis strikes
Being able to spot the signs of laminitis early maximises your horse’s chance of recovery. It pays to be vigilant, especially as subtle signs such as slight reluctance to turn or shortening of stride can be easily missed.
Read now