Yesterday most of the horses went for a hack around the Estate which included a canter along the valleys, up the banks and a hack through the woods by David Nicholson’s old woodchip gallop – they love changes like this and the team seemed to as well although they needed to sit tight at times!
Rosemary and Roger Sollis were in first lot to see Black Prince and the Racing Club horses Enforcement, Be Thankful and City Never Sleeps – all nearing another run or first run in City’s case. James Richardson was in too for a catch up on Be Thankful, who his family own, and to talk about far more too – those needing accommodation in Cheltenham for The Festival do get in touch with me as James will help look after you in Cheltenham itself with a great discount as well. Let me know and I’ll put you in touch with him.
Paul Davis was in too and he was here to collect owner Andy Ash from the Train at Moreton. Andy met with us, although mainly Paul, to show us the Racing Manager website that he’s heavily involved in and it was a very interesting meeting. Andy, as always, hugely entertaining and lots for Paul to mull over – it looks a fantastic website and if it could help us communicate even better with our owners then it would be a welcome addition. Over to Paul and Andy to discuss in further detail. Good luck to Andy for the rest of Vegan & Dry January – some commitment!
Belinda and I then lunched with John & Claire Abernethy after they’d had a good look at their Capital Force who is recovering from a wind operation undertaken by yesterday’s birthday boy Ben Brain a few weeks ago. Happy Birthday Ben but the reason John & Claire had chosen to visit yesterday was as part of Claire’s birthday celebrations so a huge happy birthday to her too. Jo McDonagh and the team at The Coach & Horses looked after us very well and we enjoyed a delicious lunch with fun company.
Today Chris & Charlie Dee were in to watch Eclat Des Mottes work up the grass. Mark Caswell in to ride work as well as young Richard Cook and his chauffeur, mum Emma, on the gallops with us and Paul Davis too. We worked Reve, Sarasota Star, Run A Rig, Brillare Momento, Eclat Des Mottes, Black Prince, Dreamsundermyfeet, Mozzaro, Enforcement, Black Panther, City Never Sleeps, Back On The Lash and Debden Bank. Some of the rest did a swinging canter, the rest just cantered.