We were delighted with Chequered View’s racecourse debut in the bumper yesterday at Warwick under Harry Stock. She was a complete professional throughout, settled, travelled well and galloped all the way to the line to finish 4th in a photo. Her owner/breeder The Princess Royal couldn’t be there yesterday but son-in-law Mike Tindall was at Warwick hosting a Business Networking Day and so he came and represented her but I spoke to her soon afterwards and she was as thrilled as we were. I always like to give horses a lot of time after their racecourse debut and so she’ll not be rushed and will re-appear probably just before Christmas.
It was a welcome boost to the team who were left devastated when lovely Whatalove severed her tendon in the opening Juvenile Hurdle and the injury was found too severe to save even for a broodmare. So desperately sad for her owners John and Claire Abernethy & Peter and Jane Boggis and our thoughts are with them and the team at home especially Issy who looked after her and rode her out lots too. Such a waste as she was only 3 years old and was giving us all plenty of fun on the flat and I have no doubt she’d have been a fun juvenile hurdler too as she jumped for fun. It never gets any easier but we couldn’t be in a better game as the whole of racing unite on the bad days and we had so much support there yesterday especially the Team at Warwick Racecourse who couldn’t have been kinder. We have had some kind messages too and every one has been appreciated.
As we all know life must go on and a wet morning here and the team pulling together and showing how tight we are as a team in hard times as much as we are in the good times. Mark Holland was here first lot to see Spice Girl and Ballymountain Boy and have a catch up. Bally is having a mid season break and Spice Girl, unbeaten in her last three bumpers, heads for Cheltenham’s Listed Bumper a week today so very exciting.
Second lot Mick Coulson and Alfie Jordan’s Grandad were here to watch Alfie on Lady Vitesse who has joined us recently. We are really pleased with how she has settled in and look forward to running her soon. Harry Lee-Warner and Adrian Puddy were in to see Harry’s mother Anne’s Bold Ellie mid morning too. Frankie Kelly, who goes to the Cotswold School and whose Grandad Jim lives in the village, came up to help the team this morning and was a big help. We love to encourage youngsters to come and see what life is like in a racing yard so if you are keen and think you’d like to come too then do get in touch with Belinda and we’d love to see you – whether you are a confident rider or whether you simply want to help with the horses – there are plenty of jobs to go around!
No runners this weekend but we are all very much looking forward to Cheltenham’s November Meeting next weekend and catching up with all our owners and friends over the weekend as well as having a few runners too.