Whilst it was a quiet a week on the track for Dominion Racing Stables, there was plenty going on behind the scenes.

As you know if you are reading this blog, my new look website went live on Thursday and with visit numbers into four figures by Sunday morning, the initial response has been very positive.

Many thanks for everyone who has provided feedback, especially those who have made constructive criticism. These projects are inevitably going to constantly evolve, and we will look to amend, update and change elements on the site that are not up to scratch.

Another new feature for the yard was the launch of the Ian Williams Racing Club.

Having listened to feedback from many who have visited to the yard or who I have been in contact with at the races, I am aware that racehorse ownership is a big step. Therefore, I have inaugurated this Racing Club with the ethos that for a relatively low entry cost, people can get involved with the yard.

Full details are available on the site at www.ianwilliamsracing.com/racing-club/benefits

It looks likely that the Club will have its first runner this week with Konzert entered at Salisbury and Newbury – he has been working well and he should be competitive off his current mark.

Handicap marks play such a vital role in a yard like mine. The UK racing industry is basically founded on handicaps – a system that suits bookmakers and therefore the way racing is currently funded. For the few stables blessed with high grade horses, worrying about handicap marks isn’t a daily issue, but for the majority of yards, it is a necessity.

My best performing quartet of runners on the flat this year have won ten races and over £100,000 in prizemoney from the 30 races they have contested, but they are now at the top end of their lifetime handicap ratings.

Conry has jumped from 63 to 83 in my time racing him, Cashpoint has risen from 74 to 90, Teak started off 54 and is now rated 80 and See The Storm came back to me this summer winning off 65, but is now assessed on 80 – an aggregate of 77lbs of extra weight for just four horses.

Such a scenario means I have to be more creative and innovative with such runners – Cashpoint went to Deauville to land a conditions race, Teak will go back over hurdles, See The Storm landed a charity race at Goodwood and Conry will contest claimers.

Whatever the horse, I will try and find a suitable opportunity and make the most of the available options.

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