What a great day yesterday for owners John & Claire Abernethy with their still relatively new purchase, Capital Force, winning the big race of the day in good style at Ludlow. With Richard Johnson not fit to ride after a heavy fall at Warwick on Saturday night, Gavin Sheehan took over and gave him a lovely ride producing him as late as he dared as he approached the last fence. He jumped for fun and we were delighted that he opened his account over fences on his fencing debut for us.
John was part owner of Mr Mafia last year who won four times for us over the summer – another older and inexpensive horse to benefit from a change of scenery. Capital Force was sourced by Gerry Hogan from Henry De Bromhead’s yard in Ireland – he’d shown good form for him and Gerry thought our smaller yard would suit him.
He ran a big race over hurdles at Cheltenham on his debut for us where he jumped the last looking sure to be placed and maybe even win only to be run out of it up the hill to finish 5th – still a good run though not beaten far.
Fantastic to get another winner on the board for the season with two now in the first 8 days so a big well done to my hard working team.
The family went in all directions yesterday with Freddie & his pony Bubbles finishing 3rd in a pony race at Haydock – a heavily supported day and rightly so with these lucky children having the chance to ride at a Grade 1 track. Harry was at the Northleach Junior Football presentation receiving a trophy too so a good day all round.
A beautiful day here today and the promise of a fine week ahead. A busy day with Farrier Nick Partridge, Physio Maggie Turner and vet Jeremy Swan in. All go!