What a star Ben Buie has been for us and his enthusiastic syndicate of owners and yesterday at Hereford, just 3 weeks after his Warwick win, made syndicate member Stuart White’s birthday one to remember by winning in great style under a superbly positive ride from Sean Bowen. He’s given them so much fun in two years and, despite never being one quite to rely on as you can never quite be sure what mood he’s in (and he certainly doesn’t like umbrellas!) when he is on a going day he takes some pegging back. Yesterday we stepped him up to 2m 5f and he’s not won over that far before but, he put in a fabulous round of jumping and, giving weight all round, he looked the winner for the majority of the race eventually winning by 4 lengths.
The syndicate members have been having a bit of fun with a private Ben Buie Jockeys’ Championship between Sam Twiston-Davies and Sean Bowen and, before yesterday, they were three wins each. Sean’s smile was therefore even larger than usual coming back in when 4-3 was mentioned! Well done everyone and Happy Birthday Stu!
Herecomeshogan had to avoid a loose horse for most of the way and Harry Atkins did really well to keep avoiding it. It did though light Hogan up more than we would have preferred as he was running over 3 furlongs further than his previous winning distance of 2m 2 1/2furlongs and, despite jumping well, the petrol appeared to run out approaching the 2nd last. Harry looked after him when beaten and popped him home. He’s A1 this morning, as is Ben Buie, and both will be out again in 3 – 4 weeks time.
On the way to Hereford I called to see pre-trainer Martin Jones and watch some of his horses on the gallops. He does a great job and is always busy!
Cold here this morning but great to see Michael Chitty and also show some prospective owners around the yard. Good luck to Louise Chance who is at Doncaster, Northern Racing College, doing her Amateur Course today and tomorrow.