Another super Sunday at Southwell! Mozzaro kicked proceedings off in the best possible way to remain unbeaten on his second start over fences showing a superb attitude once again, jumping for fun and out battling his rivals and seemingly relishing the extra distance under a great ride from James Best. What an improvement fences has made! So thrilled for his owners especially Deb Butler who looks after him, rides him out and does all our clipping – so many people commented yesterday on how amazing our horses look and she is a big part of that and our team. The ground is key to him so we will be very selective as he’s a super horse and I’m sure we are going to have so much more fun with him.
Our double came courtesy of Brianna Rose who was winning for the first time on her second start over hurdles under a very positive ride from James Best. All winners are special but this one was particularly so as it was not only owner Matthew Baker’s first winner as a sole owner but he’d been part of Brianna Rose’s journey from the sales. A huge thank you to Bloodstock Agent Gerry Hogan who has done so well for us and continues to do so. Matthew tasked Gerry with buying him a filly he could have some fun with and ultimately breed from and together they selected Bri. Matthew has then had the fun of selecting his own colours, naming her and following her journey through “pre-school” with Martin Jones at Redmarley and then onto “big school” with us where Beth Whittle has done so much work with her and also deserves credit. When I’ve been frustrated when she has continually bumped into just one too good – running great races in two bumpers to finish 2nd and again over hurdles, Matthew takes it all in his stride and a easier owner you would not find! Everyone is absolutely over the moon for him and we are too. Hopefully there is a lot more to come too with such a lovely mare with a fabulous attitude and still quite green. I loved how she outbattled the favourite – a tough performance.
Dreamsundermyfeet ran another solid race to finish 3rd under Ben Godfrey. She Has Notions was making his handicap debut and ran well for a long way but as I feared the Handicapper has been harsh enough so he found it tough. All four are A1 this morning.
So thrilled to have trained 33 winners so far this season … and all before Christmas too! Just one off our best every season of 34, 10 years ago! Wow! Thanks to everyone who has helped towards this amazing tally.
No runners today but we head north to Catterick tomorrow.
…and finally please have a look at Freddie’s online auction which ends at 8.30pm tonight and all funds are going towards The Bob Champion Cancer Trust. It was due to end last night but a last minute amazing addition of 2 tickets to The London International Horse Show on Sunday night meant putting it back for one day. Don’t miss out – there are yard visits, 2 nights in London, 2 nights near Salcombe, signed print of Aldiniti and much more… www.jumblebee.co.uk/freddiesbobchampionfundraiser