Hope you have all had a safe, albeit very different, Easter. Ours has been very different – no rushing about racing, sitting on busy motorways and usually not spending that much time with the family. The glorious weather and having to be at home has been relaxing and fun. All the horses look fantastic out in the field and we managed to film Easter messages to all our owners with each of their horses in the stunning evening sun on Saturday and also the gorgeous morning sunrise yesterday. Much appreciated as we have received lots of messages but it was the least we could do as, after all, they can’t pop in and see them like the are used to doing.
I enjoy taking videos of the horses every day, especially of schooling or fast work mornings and these videos seem even more important now although with only 2 in training it’s footage of them frolicking in the fields instead! The boys are enjoying coming out with me in the buggy with the dogs too – I am enjoying spending so much extra time with them and they are enjoying learning extra skills.
Our chickens are a great distraction too and Harry, especially, has taken on the role of feeding and watering them. The boys were thrilled to find a selection of chocolate eggs in their chicken house when they went to see them yesterday – someone had let them out already! Belinda was pleased to collect a fresh egg to have for breakfast too! It’s great for the boys to have extra responsibility and Freddie is in the process of designing and erecting a tree house for them and is loving doing that. I can’t wait to see the finished article!
Sadly most of the rain missed us last night as I’m desperate to seed the fields and also desperate for the seed I planted on the lawn to come through. Frustrating as we could hear the thunder in the distance and Bourton on the Water apparently had plenty. It must have been pretty windy too as we woke up to see our field shelter had tipped over the fence onto it’s back! Thankfully no horses were in the field it was in so all is well. It looks undamaged but we will need to put it back the right way up though somehow! I can’t believe the wind was that strong. Although we do need some rain, the sunny days are very much appreciated at the moment too and it does make doing all those outside jobs easier.
Whilst most of the team are at home, they all joined in with an idea we had for a video to say a thank you to the NHS and the Key Workers – have a look on Twitter / Facebook – we are really pleased with it.
4 years ago was a brilliant day for the Team at Cheltenham’s April Meeting. Any Currency stormed up the hill under Aidan Coleman to win over regulation fences in great style for The Cash is King Syndicate. Shortly followed by Altesse De Guye under a strong ride from Champion Jockey Richard Johnson to win over hurdles for The Daydream Believers Syndicate. Steve Harman, (who was Chairman of the BHA at that time) led the syndicate and has been an owner with us for many years which made it an even more special winner and to have a double at Cheltenham is always incredible. Solstice Star, having won there already twice that season, ran a fabulous race too under Killian Moore to finish a great 2nd so very nearly a treble at our local track – what a day and wonderful memories to help us keep our spirits high.
Happy Birthday to Joanna Nelson today. Joanna is the tailor who made my very smart long racing jacket. Have a look at her website HERE – I can’t recommend her more highly.