Found On lit up a wet and miserable day at Leicester yesterday with an awesome win, her first over hurdles under a super ride from James Best. On heavy ground, they allowed him to dictate the pace and he chose to go wide for fresh ground, being tracked at all times by the favourite, Hunny Moon. James got her jumping for fun and, after a setting a sensible steady pace, he injected pace from turning in and had all apart from the favourite well beaten approaching the third last. She flew the last three hurdles and eventually won well by 4 1/2 lengths and 22 lengths much to the delight of Ollie & Irene Ryan who were thankfully able to be there. It was great to witness another famous winning scream of delight from Irene!
She’s A1 this morning, has trotted up sound and with it being so bitterly cold (no snow thankfully) she was taken for a lead out and pick of grass instead of turning her out. Huge thanks to James Best who has put so much work into her doing all of her fastwork at home as she’s very strong and Belinda does all of her steady work – often not quite as steady as she would like to! She occasionally takes her out in the dark as horses seem to switch off more easily when it’s dark (don’t ask me why!) and she’s tried out a variety of bridles/bits and headgear to assist – all worth it when she wins as well as she did yesterday.
Neil Lloyd, MD for our Sponsors FBC Manby Bowdler, was in at the crack of dawn to catch up with us and to also deliver some goodies courtesy of a new initiative Neil is involved in – #techtimeouttuesday and the team were very grateful. Do have a look at the website and sign up to take some time out yourself each Tuesday away from computers, phones and technology in general. Always fabulous to see Neil!
Owner David Maughan met us at Ben Brain’s Veterinary Surgery later on in the morning to watch his horse, Black Panther, have an overground scope. Fascinating watching then listening to Ben and great to see David too and make a plan for BP with the help of Ben.
Midday we had a visit from Stefan & Gwyn Hibbett and Paul Davis too to see their youngsters here in training and out in the field. So exciting to be having visitors again!
Obviously all of our visits are carefully managed in these Covid times. We are lucky that we have so much outside space and, amongst other measures, owners are encouraged to venue check in on their app and use hand sanitiser of which there is plenty of around the yard. We discourage owners entering the yard unless it is safe to do so and everyone is able to maintain a safe social distance at all times. Lunchtime today was perfect as all the team were finished so we could safely allow Stefan & Gwyn in to see Duke of Luckley in his stable.