Thank you for all your birthday messages on Monday – I’m not usually bothered about my birthday as it’s just another day but thanks to the Racing Post & Sky Sport’s Josh Apiafi I’m not sure anyone was unaware of the fact that I was another year older by the end of Monday!
We headed to Southwell with four lovely horses all, I thought, with each way chances. Miss Antipova was our first runner for Anna & Alan Varey who run the wonderful local Batsford Stud and she once again ran another belter under James Best but just bumped into one too good. We’re still hopeful that she’ll get her much deserved head in front soon for such supportive and patient owners.
First Angel was undoubtedly our best chance for Steve & Helen Sugden following his super win on debut for us at Stratford last month. However he bumped into a very well handicapped horse and also found the watered ground on the soft side according to Adam Wedge but still ran a belter to finish 2nd. It was lovely to see so many of the Sugden family there to support him and a good day was had by all.
Genovese was our third runner and was jumping for fun and travelling sweetly under Sean Bowen when he unfortunately went wrong. He’s sadly damaged a tendon but he is comfortable and our vet is coming to have a look at him later in the week. So frustrating for his owners.
Finally we ran Bella Ciao who was returning after a Ben Brain wind operation and she ran a belter under our Conditional Jockey Harry Atkins to finish 3rd and we were thrilled with her as was her owner Lady Sutton.
Southwell did a superb job with so much water on hand for the runners and fans in the pre-parade ring, the horses never entered the paddock but stayed near the fans and there were lots of water bottles for all of us too. They also have found our red hood that Miss Antipova wore to the start and we forgot to pick up so a huge thanks to them for getting that back to us.
Duke of Luckley was a non runner today so a day to get on top of jobs. The team cracked on this morning and as it was so hot I let them go early as they’ve all grafted all winter and it’s good to get home earlier sometimes.