What a fantastic day for us all and The Chameleons yesterday who own Ballymountain Boy with him winning for the second time this season. He won for us at Kempton Park on the first day of the 2017 – 2018 season and then went and had his summer holiday. Over the summer he had a small operation on his back by Bourton Vale Equine Clinic and then went to Claire Hardwick’s yard for rehabilitation before coming back here therefore there are plenty of people to thank for yesterday’s win including physio’s Maggie Turner and Hannah Ashton who have worked hard on him too. He wasn’t fully wound up yesterday and I knew he’d come on for the run so was worried to see how keen he was in the early stages for Andrew Tinkler. Andrew didn’t panic and he eventually settled and jumped for fun throughout and was tough in the closing stages to beat a match fit rival by a length and a half.
In winning he delighted his enthusiastic and loyal team of owners headed by Paul Davis, who does so much for us from his Swiss base but thankfully was there yesterday to enjoy the moment. He is also owned by yard sponsor Ross Hemming who had only returned from holiday with wife Candice and son Crue the day before but they all were still in holiday mood after Bally’s performance. Mark Holland, who going into yesterday had a 100% strike rate with his runners this season – in addition to Bally’s opening win he had experienced 3 wins from 3 runs from Spice Girl over the summer too. He brought son James him en route back to school at Rugby. Last but by no means least George Thornton makes up the partnership and George has been with us the longest having been in Any Currency for eight years and he brought girlfriend Tracey and her daughter Ava along and they enjoyed the day too. A wonderful group of people and a really great win. He’s fine this morning although there may be some sore heads around!
Brass Monkey ran an improved race and wasn’t beaten far into 6th and galloped all the way to the line. Andrew was pleased with him, he jumped for fun and there was always a little concern that the distance would stretch him so we were happy with his run and so was owner Michelle Folley who was on Crue babysitting duties after Bally won!
Andrew Tinkler and Conor Shoemark in this morning and we schooled Lerichi Belle, Ask Alice, Soltice Star. Cul De Poule, Thady Quil, Cup of Ambition, Young Phoenix over hurdles or fences on the grass. 2nd lot we schooled the horses on the loop including Whatalove, Oscar World, Twentyoneblackjack, Chequered View, Fairmount and the Notnowcato Gelding.
Busy here as always on a Monday with physio Maggie Turner, farrier Nick Partridge and vet Jeremy Swan in – busy and productive which is always good!