Happy New Year to you all! We were at home with the boys who we’d been to watch Spiderman with earlier in the day in 4D (an experience in itself!) and they were keen to see what happened at midnight so we stayed up! 2022 arrived with no fireworks thankfully as we have some horses out in the field and the horses in the stables aren’t keen either so no one near us lets them off – phew!
Saturday morning and we’d worked most of the horses on Friday so relatively quick lots so the team could either get home for the weekend or to Cheltenham. Big Nasty our one runner for The Kinsey’s Peel Racing Syndicate and I feared the ground would be far too soft for him as he’d rather decent ground. I packed my wellies and headed straight off to walk the course, much to the amusement of my boys who were suited and booted not in wellies! I really did think I’d be pulling him out but it walked soft but ok and the decision was made for Sean Bowen to look after him if he hated it. We were running.
He looked a picture in the Paddock thanks to Jasmin who looks after him – he’s huge and she is always inundated with ‘wow how big is he?’ questions…we don’t know as the measuring stick is too small for him!
Sean gave him a lovely ride and we agreed to not hassle him if they were going too quick. He did just that and got him jumping well and travelling in behind the leaders. He looked flat out and not overly loving the ground but he kept galloping and, for one moment down the hill, we thought ..here we go! However, the leader quickened away and an awkward jump at the 2nd last put paid to winning thoughts and from then on in we just wanted him in the 1st four as he deserved to walk into the hallowed Winners Enclosure! He kept on for 4th and delighted us all especially as Sean’s first words were “He hated the ground”. What a dude and he returned to an amazing reception from all our wonderful supporters who had made their way to the 4th place position. We have the best team!
Thrilled for the Kinsey Team who also had Stormy Ireland in the Relkeel Hurdle and who they were also worried about the ground for. She’s trained in Ireland by a certain W Mullins….she only went and won! Brilliant! She may now head back to the race we’d love to win at The Festival – The David Nicholson Mares’ Race.
Big Nasty A1 this morning and lots of fun to continue to be had with him and his fun syndicate of owners.
This morning we got all the Southwell runners out and then I headed to Cirencester to watch the boys play footie in the same match for the first time. Freddie’s team were playing a friendly and kindly invited Harry (2 1/2 years younger than most) to join them as he often practices with them and he was VERY excited! He didn’t start but I was there for him to be brought on and he nearly scored quite early! I didn’t have to wait for long as he managed to score later in the match and was over the moon – possibly the highlight of his Christmas! We need to doctor his birth certificate now as he’d love to join Freddie’s team!!
