It was fabulous to see that Bob Champion received his CBE at Windsor Castle from HRH The Princess Royal Tuesday. He has done so much great work through his Bob Champion Cancer Trust raising millions for research into Male cancers. We have got to know Bob well through the Shetland Pony Grand National Team that Freddie is a part of as they raise money for his Trust. In fact we have also had exciting news that Freddie has once again been selected to race his shetland pony Blackie at The London International Horse Show at Christmas this year. He is so excited and has worked so hard to get there and we can’t wait, it’s such a fun show and a great experience for him. If you feel able to sponsor him then he’d be very grateful and you can do so here.
Matthew Baker and Paul Davis were in 1st lot yesterday to watch the horses schooling and on the gallops. We had James Best and Patrick Cowley in to ride out too and we schooled Brianna Rose, She Has Notions, City Never Sleeps, Ten Past Midnight and Mahanakhon Power and all jumped well. Our soon-to-be new Amateur Harry Atkins (Licence in process!) schooled City Never Sleeps in front of Warren Marston, who is as good a coach of a jockey as anyone, and
City may be his first ride under Rules as soon as his licence is granted.
Matthew & Chris Harrison were here 2nd lot yesterday to watch horses on the gallops and see the team. Matthew is a regular but it was the first time his wife Chris had visited the yard he ‘apparently talks a lot about at home’! Lovely to see them both.
Last night Belinda & Paul Davis went to The Cotswold School, which both Freddie & Harry attend, to represent the yard and Racing as a whole at their Careers Fair. They thoroughly enjoyed talking to the students and their parents and hopefully have spread the word that there are so many opportunities in racing – it’s not all about wanting to be a jockey! However Freddie didn’t feel he needed to attend, on this occasion, as aged 13 that is exactly what he thinks he wants to do! Paul wishes there was something like that around when he was younger! Well done to Belinda & Paul – no doubt a worthwhile evening.
Today we have two runners at Wincanton. Mr Mafia has what will probably be his final run of the season in a pretty hot little race, under Sean Bowen as usual. You couldn’t rule out any of the runners but he seems in good form and Sean gets on so well with him. He’s had a brilliant season with two great wins and numerous placings and he’s done Peter Boggis proud. He’ll try his best again and if he could go out on another win then that would be incredible for this evergreen 12 year old.
Cut And Run represents our Racing Club in the following race over hurdles. She enjoys fast ground but has been frustrating in the main for us. Sean Bowen rides her too and let’s hope she enjoys herself and gives our Racing Club something to cheer on this afternoon.