Two thirds yesterday – one at Newton Abbot and one at Stratford and both a little unlucky. I’m not sure how Cut and Run stood up on landing over the first hurdle at Newton Abbot as the horses in front of her came together and she had no-where to land. Leighton gave her time to get back into it and she gradually got her confidence back and stayed on well to finish 3rd.
Chequered View was disappointing as we thought she’d run a big race so we hope she bounces back to form next time.
At Stratford we were surely unlucky with Capital Force, given a great ride by the Birthday Boy Richard Johnson who produced him at the last fence to challenge for the lead only for Capital Force to stumble and go down on his nose a stride after the last and give away any chance they had. Richard is blessed with more stickability than any jockey riding and didn’t budge so he did at least finish 3rd but we were all left wondering what might have been. All three have trotted up sound this morning.
Syndicate Sunday surely went down as a huge success at Stratford so well done to Jon Hughes, Dan Abraham, the RSA and all involved. Ladies Day helped boost the attendance too no doubt – Stratford was heaving.
A usual Monday morning with physio Maggie Turner and farrier Nick Partridge in. Nick brought two of his girls up the gallops yesterday – eldest daughter Freya is on the GB Pony European Eventing Team in Poland next month so is putting the finishing touches on her pony but surely one to look out for is 4 year old sister Isla who was going up the gallops on her pony off the lead rein yesterday! She must be the youngest child to ride on our gallops off the lead rein!
More noise on the yard as Freddie & Harry are on their school holidays so no doubt a summer of football and riding ahead along with lots of amusing themselves allowing us to work – how it should be!