Harry Stock was in this morning and we schooled Thady Quil, Cottersrock and The Kvilleken. All the rest cantered or continued with their walking and trotting work.
Our intended runners last night didn’t go to Nottingham on the flat as the expected heavy rain not only missed Nottingham completely but the ground ended up drying up further which was frustrating. It’s always hard to disappoint owners by not running but we must always think of the horse’s welfare first and that is much fairer to all than running disappointingly when the doubts were there already. The Duke always used to say ‘if in doubt, pull them out’. It’s often a hard call to make but that’s what I’m paid as a Trainer to do.
A new horse arrived from Chris and Jo Massey last night and he has settled in well. He’s an Alflora four year old called Mister Valentine and looks a nice type.
Jump racing back today after a 10 day break and although we don’t have runners today we do have two at Fontwell tomorrow – Bobble Emerald and The Kvilleken.
Continuing the birthday theme – today is Belinda’s birthday so a happy birthday to her! Although I’m hoping she also likes the presents the boys have got for her, Miranda Theobald, has made her a cushion out of her winning York numbercloth and it is fantastic and she’s delighted with it. It is also the birthday of our regular work rider, Cheltenham Charity Race winning rider and pest controller Mark Caswell so a happy birthday to him too.