Glorious here today and a sunny day ahead which always lifts the spirits! Most of the horses did a couple of canters up the long gallop but we did school a few at home this morning including Cotswold Prince and Raving Bonkers.
Abi Stock has been riding out this week in her bid to get fit and ready for her race-riding debut in York’s Macmillan Ride of Their Lives in June on the Knavesmire in memory of her wonderful father Chris a very dear friend to us all here. She’s made a good start to her fundraising already and I know her & Belinda are planning a night at Cheltenham’s Aquavitae / 21 Club which I’ll let you know of details nearer the time. Her first fundraiser is a Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening on Saturday 2nd March at Wickhamford Sports Club 7pm – tickets (£10 inc one free drink) are selling fast so do get in touch if you are interested in going. We are fully supporting Abi in her journey to York so watch this space for further opportunities where you can support her and have fun in doing so!
We took Miss Antipova (Harry Stock) and Ben Buie (Harley) to Jon Trice-Rolph’s for some gymnastic jumping in his outdoor school. It’s always great to get them out of the yard for a trip and Jon does such a good job not only teaching the horses but the people on top too.
Harry Greasby, on half term, rode Champion Court who not only acted as a lead horse but also is a great schoolmaster to teach the young jockeys the ropes and Harry benefited from the experience too. Harry is currently pony racing but is one of sadly a rare breed it seems these days of school aged children who are polite, keen and willing to do anything to help. He loves going racing and would love to be a jockey when he’s older. If he keeps growing though he doesn’t need to worry as with his attitude there will no doubt be plenty of openings in racing for him.
Will Kinsey was here 2nd lot and rode his own horse, Big Nasty, out on route to Cheltenham’s Tattersalls Sales this afternoon and I’m heading there too. Great to catch up with Will and he enjoyed his sit on ‘Sam’ who is probably 18hh and by far the tallest horse in the yard.
Two runners tomorrow at Catterick – Solstice Star & Reve. More about them tomorrow.