Bitterly cold here this morning so a big shout out again to my team who seem to plough on regardless and ensure that the equine team’s needs are always met. Stunning though and thanks to Dan for this gorgeous photo:
Poor Capricia (Betsy) was in the process of running a huge race over fences at Leicester on Wednesday. Sean Bowen & her had kicked for home going best of all but she stood off the open ditch three from home outside the wings and in a split second hopes of a probable win were dashed. It was a horrid fall – the fall actually not so bad but she then tried to get up and was cannoned into and brought down James Best’s horse who hit her head and neck with some force and also must have stood on her hind leg. Somehow she got up and jumped the last two fences loose and seemed sound when caught and led back in. However the cut on her hindleg was nasty so we sent her straight to our vets, Bourton Vale Equine Clinic, and they flushed it out and stitched it up. We are so lucky to have them nearby.
That wasn’t the worst of it though. Poor Betsy suffered fractures to her eye socket and face which needed operating on yesterday – all thankfully went well and she was bright and well this morning when Belinda called in to see her on the school run – tucking into lots of polos! They will monitor her there for the next few days and then we look forward to having her back to carry on her recuperation here. So disappointing for her owners who have been so very patient and, had that not happened, they were surely two fences between her and her first win and plenty of celebrations. I know that jumping is the name of the game but you have to feel so very sorry for her as she really didn’t deserve any of that bad luck.
Reve ran well for a long way but probably needs a bit of help from the handicapper and Dreamsundermyfeet jumped well but was always finding the pace a bit quick with all the jumps that were removed due to low sun. He was still a good 3rd and his form figures for the season read: 921113133 – he’s given his owners so much fun and we are sure there is far much more fun to be had with him next season.