Enaitchess: horse to be named in dedication of healthcare workers

Prominent racehorse owner Kulbir Sohi has been inspired by the dedication of NHS workers during the coronavirus outbreak and has secured the name Enaitchess for a horse in the future.

After seeing a suggestion on Twitter, Sohi liked the idea and quickly checked the availability of Enaitchess through the BHA's naming service. Sohi, who has 32 horses for the new season, received approval for the name on Friday evening.

Sohi also confirmed that the prize-money earned from Enaitchess would be donated to the NHS.

Sohi's red, white and black silks have made regular appearances on the Flat and, particularly, the all-weather since he started in 2014. Sohi, who works with a variety of businesses, had his biggest success last year with Time To Study in the in the Old Borough Cup.

All of Sohi's two-year-olds for the new Flat season have been named so he will be looking to find a suitable star prospect worthy of the name at the breeze-up sales.

Sohi said: "The NHS workers are all selfless. They're out there doing their job but under so much risk to themselves and their families. They aren't being paid anymore, it's the same NHS which has been underfunded for many years. The workers are going out to heightened levels of risk, they can't get enough acknowledgement as far as I'm concerned.

"The name is pronounced NHS and the name will probably go to a horse from the belated breeze-up sale. I've already got seven two-year-olds and named all of them. The pressure is on as I'll have to go and find a good animal, maybe I'll have to ring around trainers to see if there are any ones showing quite a bit on the gallops."

Many figures in racing have shown their appreciation to Captain Tom Moore's incredible fundraising effort for the NHS. He has raised a staggering £22.8 million and Tony McCoy and Jonjo O'Neill jnr posted videos of support yesterday.

The Easterbys have also noticed overwhelming support for the NHS and Captain Tom in their Facebook competition to name a two-year-old. So many good suggestions have been made that they are to now name two and, although they haven't been revealed yet, they both will be names to celebrate key workers and fundraising in the crisis time.

William Easterby, son to trainer Tim, said: "We've had such a good response so we've thought we'd name two. It means more people will get to see the horses in the yard too, which is great. We're wanting positive names, one will be chosen by Dad and the other will be picked from a hat."

The names Captain Tom Moore and Captain Moore are currently listed as unavailable on the BHA's horse name availability although there is no record of a horse ever called that in Britain or Ireland. There have been point-to-pointers called Tom Moore and Captain Tom.

'This is probably my strongest bunch this year'

Sohi, meanwhile, is looking forward to the Flat season beginning with what he feels is his best group of horses yet. His red and white silks have most notably been carried to victory in the Old Borough Cup by Time To Study.

The owner, who had his first horses in 2014, said: "We've had good horses but this is probably my strongest bunch this year. It is all about Stakes winners now, the aim is to have a first Group winner [this year]."

Time To Study (right): won the Old Borough Cup for Kulbir Sohi in 2019Credit: Edward Whitaker

Of horses who could give their owner a first win at that level, Sohi nominates Felix as a leading contender. He was purchased for 24,000gns in October and has won three from four since joining Marco Botti.

"I particularly like Felix and I firmly believe he is Group-class," said Sohi. "We picked him up from Sir Michael Stoute and he's won three Class 2 races, he was great value. I just love the buying and selling, the racing's a good bonus too!

"I like the two-year-old Going Back To Cali too. I know the family well and I have done well with a few of the half-brothers. He's doing everything easy and I'm excited to see him on the track – he's got an entry in the Derby so the dream's alive."

Read more

Classic shake-up part of provisional plan for resumption of racing

Our readers have their say on which courses you have to visit around the world

Who is racing's top popstar? Racing Welfare launches fundraising competition

Keep up to date on the must-have news, tips, photos and more by following the Racing Post across all social channels