Work morning and Warren Marston in to ride out. We were thrilled to welcome new owners David and Lorraine Maughan into the yard along with grand daughter Sophie who is celebrating her 12th Birthday later this week. They have purchased Black Panther and it was lovely to meet them all and for them to watch him work. Most of the horses worked this morning and all seem to be working well. They appreciated the slightly cooler morning.
Two runners at Fontwell today and James Best rides both. Ben Buie has never quite built on his impressive bumper debut but ran a solid race over hurdles last time out in ground that was too soft. He should appreciate today’s ground and I’m sure has a more grown up attitude at home this season so let’s hope we see more of the Ben Buie we thought we had after his debut at Ascot.
Gold Mountain has been knocking at the door since he joined us and so deserves to get his head in front for Jim Burley and Jon Hughes. James Best loves him, as we all do, and let’s hope he gets a bit of luck dropping back in trip. Good luck to them both.
I’ve been to Salcombe with the family this weekend and had a fabulous time courtesy of Peter & Jane Boggis so huge thanks to them. It was Belinda’s birthday on Sunday so it was good to get away for a few days and the weather was much kinder than forecast for a change. We love Salcombe and the first person we saw as we drove in was Cheltenham’s Clerk of the Course, Simon Claisse! A long weekend was perfect and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves but always love getting back to the yard and the horses and all calm here too.