Denton Hall News

Painting and decorating firm hoping for pots of luck with Alfiestar

THE owner of a local painting and decorating business hopes to see his colours produce a nice finish after investing in a racehorse with Michael Dods.

Unraced two-year-old Alfiestar has gone into training at Denton Hall and will run in the name of Darlington-based Into Painting and Decorating, owned by Kalumn Holbrook and his wife, Rachel.

The chestnut gelding, with a glossy coat, is named after the couple’s little boy, Alfie, who met the horse for the first time at the yard earlier today.

Alfie is nearly two and is obsessed with horses. “He was really excited to meet Alfiestar for the first time and was taking it all in. We can’t wait to see the horse at the races,” said Kalumn.

The business, which tackles all aspects of decorating and renovation, was set up by Kalumn’s dad, Mike, originally in Richmond, more than 20 years ago.

Mike retired four years ago but still helps out, with the business now in the hands of Kalumn and Rachel, who are based in Darlington. They have six employees, as well as contractors, and the company goes from strength to strength.

Mike’s dad, Alfie, was the first bookie in Richmond, and an interest in racing has run in the family through the generations.

Kalumn was brought up in Brompton-on-Swale, within walking distance of Catterick Racecourse, and caught the racing bug going to the track as a kid with his dad.

Mike did a lot of work for ex-trainer Jack Berry and they had shares in a horse called Can You Keep A Secret, trained by Kevin Ryan. They went on to have Hollywood Harry and Cheeseandpickle with Keith Dalgleish. Cheeseandpickle showed a lot of promise, winning first time out in a valuable race at Newcastle, before getting injured.

Up to now, Kalumn has had shares in horses trained at Denton, along with his dad, and Rachel’s uncle, Bill Warby. They started with Blackheath, as part of Game On Racing, and now have four-time winner, Hale End, with the same syndicate. They also have shares in Midnight Lir and Lightning Galaxy with Denton Hall Racing.

Rachel’s family farm nearby and, at 98, her grandfather, Ralph Manners, has just become the oldest member of the Dods Racing Club!

Alfiestar, by Bungle IntheJungle out of Mulberry Seed, was bought by Michael at the sales in Ireland and is the first horse Kalumn has owned outright.

“We’ve enjoyed lots of fun over the past few years with Michael, so it just felt the right time to test the water and have one outright,” explained Kalumn.

“Alfiestar seems quite chilled out for a Bungle IntheJungle. It’s early days but, so far, the feedback is that he’s doing everything right.”

• Main picture: Left to right - Kalumn, Chloe Dods, Alfie, Mike, and Rachel