Always frustrating to have a favourite beaten especially an odds-on shot but yesterday Brillare Momento ran a huge race in defeat at Newton Abbot, she jumped well and simply failed to give, what will probably turn out to be a very nice mare, 10lbs on an unsuitable track for her. She found the track tight enough after enjoying the galloping track at Cheltenham last time when she won so well and I also think I probably ran her back a little soon – I now feel she needs more time between her races. They finished 44 lengths in front of the third horse who hadn’t jumped the last hurdle when they had crossed the line so it’s hard to be disappointed with the run although we all do want to train winners!
Meanwhile Belinda was saying goodbye to Patrick Spittle at, what she and Jon & Jack Hughes, described as a ‘lovely service’ at Cheltenham Crematorium. Not unsurprisingly it was well attended and the sun shone with Cleeve Hill in the background and Patrick is now at peace. For The Kvilleken and our yard to be mentioned in the Eulogy was very touching and we are thrilled that he must have enjoyed his time here as much as we enjoyed spending time with him. He called in three or four mornings a week and would treat his horse to carrots and simply sit in the office and soak in the atmosphere here and chat to anyone who called in too. A special man who we remember fondly.
Andrew Tinkler was in mid morning after a busy time riding out and schooled Cup of Ambition and Jazzy over hurdles on the carpet gallop and Ash schooled The Kvilleken. They all jumped well.
Yesterday Jeremy Swan was in to vet Whatalove who passed with flying colours and is now owned by John Abernethy and Peter Boggis replacing The Wexfordian. We think they will have a lot of fun with her and are delighted to keep her in the yard.
Physio Hannah Ashton is here all day with some students and our horses are getting plenty of physio tlc and they are thoroughly enjoying being guinea pigs under her watchful eye.