Rain and more rain! Horrible for the team to ride out in but so much that we were able to not only canter up the grass this morning but also have a full two lots schooling on the grass too. I’m sure the horses benefit so much more from schooling on grass which is what they’ll be running on. James Best & Lilly Pinchin in to school and we jumped: Lord Condi, Cotswold Prince, Eclat Des Mottes, Capricia, Pinnacle Peak, Dreamsundermyfeet, Robsam, Raving Bonkers, Solstice Star, Reve, City Never Sleeps, Be Thankful and Black Prince.
Roger & Rosemary Sollis and Pat Cornell braved the wet along with Paul Davis but were in for a treat watching so much schooling albeit in dreadful conditions! Great to see them all and hopefully next time the sun will shine!
Our two Fontwell runners are back safely. Ben Buie’s run was encouraging albeit it did look for a little while as if he was going to be in with a massive chance only to fade away late on. He’ll come on for the run and I was pleased with his jumping so he’s going the right way. The trip was too short for Gold Mountain and he was always just out of his comfort zone. It’s such a shame we’ve not managed to win a race with him for Jim Burley and Jon Hughes but he’s been such a fun and likeable horse to have in the yard and he will now be retired.
Today we have three at Stratford Racecourse. Sarasota Star is our first runner over hurdles with James Best and he shouldn’t be inconvenienced by the softening ground. He’s a leggy individual who was green last season but I’ve always liked him a lot and James’ style of riding suits him. I hope he’ll run a good race and look forward to having some fun with him.
Lilly Pinchin takes 7lbs off Beneagles who is making his debut for us. He’s had a good summer holiday with Chris Dee and has schooled well at home. We’ll know even more about him after today.
Found On in the bumper for Ollie Ryan is a lovely mare. She’s buzzy at home though and sometimes hard to keep a lid on so the team have worked very hard with her. I’m very much looking forward to getting her seasonal debut under her belt after dead heating to win her Irish Point to Point. I’m hopeful of some fun with her this season for Ollie & Irene who are great supporters of ours.