Member of the Month: Wendy McGrandles

September’s Member of the Month is Wendy McGrandles of Barraston Racing, co-owner and breeder of sprinting star American Affair, who bounced back to form in July when winning at Glorious Goodwood, nearly breaking the track record in the process.

You bred American Affair – known as ‘Charlie’ – and co-own him. What do you remember about him as a youngster? 
We had three foals that year: a Blue Bresil store, an event type – both big youngsters – and Charlie, who was a lot smaller and bottom of the pecking order in the shed. He had a lovely nature and was very  easy to work with. Always very athletic and light on his feet, which was more obvious when we sent him away for breaking as a two-year-old. 

Did you ever imagine that American Affair would take you on such an amazing journey? 
Never! In fact, when he was being  broken, I used a young lad who rides my event horses. I told him to train him in like an event horse, so if he wasn’t fast enough as a racehorse, we could send him eventing.  I don’t think he would get any time penalties in cross-country! 

American Affair has now won more than £800,000 in prize-money. What has been the standout moment for you?
It must be Royal Ascot last year when he won the King Charles III Stakes. We went there unsure how good he was but hoping to find out. I remember we said it would be great if he ran into a place and were not really expecting to win and a Group 1 – we were in shock! 

What was that day like for you and everyone involved? 
My husband stayed in the parade ring and watched it on the big screen. I was with another friend who came with us [watching] in the stands. I can honestly say it felt surreal; we could hardly believe it but were delighted for Charlie and all the Goldie team as it was their first Group 1 success. It was a huge achievement for them and for Scotland as not many homebred Scottish horses have achieved this. 

Following a setback in the second half of last year, what did it mean to see American Affair come back and win the Group 2 King George Stakes at Goodwood?
We always felt he was coming back to his best. The injury was more an annoying one than extremely serious, but we wanted to give him as much time as needed to come back and stay sound. We knew he  was still very fast – he just loves jumping out and being allowed to run, so that’s what Paul [Mulrennan] did and the rest is history. 

Barraston Racing was named joint Small Syndicate of the Year at the ROA Horseracing Awards in December. What makes being part of the syndicate so special? 
We are a small syndicate as it is only me, my husband John and a friend David Gatherer along with Jim Goldie, so it was extra special to be recognised in this way. When you only breed one or two horses a year, just to get one to the racecourse is special, never mind winning at this level. 

What has your experience with American Affair taught you about the highs and lows of racing? 
Although we have been lucky enough to be amazingly successful, there are always more lows than highs with horses. Charlie’s injury last year stopped us going to the Breeders’ Cup, which would have made him the first ever Scottish horse to go. Win, lose or draw, it would have been a wonderful experience. We lost a Washington DC foal this year which was very sad although the mare is back in foal. However, success at Goodwood this year made up for a poor run at Royal Ascot, and as long as he stays well there is always another day for him. 

Quickfire round 

Royal Ascot or Goodwood? 
glorious Goodwood – Charlie was so close to breaking the course record. 

Nervous watcher or confident owner? 
Always nervous, more hopeful than confident. 

If you could win one more race with American Affair, which would it be? 
The Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint – with the Nunthorpe a close second!