Our first runners for a week and we head to Southwell with four horses today so a busy day there. Alan & Anna Varey’s Miss Antipova (James Best) is our first runner in a competitive Handicap Chase and no doubt she’ll run another solid race … she deserves a bit of luck to get her head in front for the first time. Our next runner is Steve & Helen Sugden’s First Angel who won at Stratford last month on his debut for us. He’s been bouncing since that win and it would be fabulous if he could follow up but it’s also another competitive race. Adam Wedge, who gave him such a good ride last time, is back in the saddle.
Genovese, who was so unlucky when parting company with Sean Bowen at Southwell last Monday, makes his second start over hurdles. He’s schooled again this week but actually didn’t make much of a mistake over the hurdle – he landed awkwardly and gravity won! We’ll be hoping for a clear round this afternoon and think he’s got a good chance if he puts that behind him. Last but not least Lady Sutton’s Bella Ciao runs following a wind operation and I’d love Lady Sutton’s patience to be rewarded with a big run from her. Harry Atkins rides her out every day so knows her well.
A late night for us, well an early morning, as we arrived home from Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium just before 1am after a fabulous night at Soccer Aid. Unfortunately Harry Redknapp’s England were beaten for the fifth year running but it didn’t detract from the evening and we had a lovely family evening.
Harry (Keighley) is a huge Man City fan so for his team to win on Saturday completing the famous double and then a night at Soccer Aid last night, he’s had an amazing weekend and may not be as sharp as usual at school today!