What a wonderful day yesterday was at Cheltenham with Brillare Momento becoming our 17th trained Cheltenham winner and a special first Cheltenham winner for owners Ollie and Irene Ryan. A professional and gutsy performance by Brillare under a super ride from Aidan Coleman and, although she made her only mistake at the last which looked to have cost her the race, she battled back to get her head in front on the line, instantly pricking her ears and delighting us all in the process. Ollie and Irene have been really fantastic supporters of the yard and to hear the reception we all received as we entered the winners’ enclosure was something that Irene, in particular, said she never wants to forget. Neither do we! Magic.
Thanks to Simon Claisse, Cheltenham’s Clerk of the Course, as Brillare was getting increasingly upset by the big screen next to the Paddock and was threatening to boil over completely. I spoke to him and he kindly switched it off which was very accommodating and we really appreciated it.
We received some sad news as we arrived at Cheltenham yesterday that dear Patrick Spittle, who owned The Kvilleken here, had passed away after four months in hospital. Devastating news and we’ll miss him so much but he’s now at peace. Thoughts with his sons and family and maybe we had a bit of divine intervention with Brillare getting back up on the line. We all raised a glass of Champagne to Patrick in Cheltenham’s Winners’ Room.
Another solid run by Solstice Star who would have preferred more give in the ground but jumped and travelled really well. He returned safe and sound and will now have a well deserved holiday.
We were unlucky at the Sales last night at Cheltenham and failed to add to the string. We went on to The Hollow Bottom for supper and Landlord, and owner here, Hugh Kelly looked after us very well as usual. Whilst on the subject of The Hollow – Belinda’s Charity night is there on Thursday 18th May and Zoe Stock, wife of Typecraft supremo Chris (who is a member of our Racing Club), hand delivered the finished invitations and they are now available at £20 per head. This includes a delicious supper too – there will be music by the fantastic Andrew James and a Charity Auction too. Please support this event for such a great cause. Neil Lloyd, also a member of our Racing Club and a school friend of Belinda’s, called in this morning with a signed Cricket Bat from ex-Warwickshire & England Captain, Ian Bell to add to her increasing amazing Auction Prizes.
Work morning and Warren Marston and Mark Caswell in to ride out. As you can imagine there was a great buzz about the yard today after yesterday’s wonderful winner and a few sore heads too! Well done Team, we can’t do it without you and a big well done to Issy Mangan who looks after and rides Brillare out every day.