Well what a busy few days – where to start?! Cheltenham concluded with one runner on Thursday when Zestful lined up in a race we’d aimed for since her hurdling debut. Brian Hughes, who won on her on her debut at Catterick, was again in the saddle and he dropped her out and got her settled and jumping for fun. She travelled into the race with ease and we were all getting very excited approaching the last ….however she was slightly short of room resulting in a shuddering error. Thankfully the partnership stayed together and Brian gathered her up and quickly back into her stride and, although she’d undoubtedly lost her chance of winning, she battled bravely up the hill to grab 2nd place and in doing so gave her partnership that fabulous experience of walking back into the Winners’ Enclosure. We think she’ll be back there before too long too – what an exciting mare to look forward to.
When our partnership horses win we do our best to get duplicate trophies for those partners who would like one as a memento and the partnership kindly wished for the original trophy to be gifted to Aidan who looks after Zestful. A lovely thought and something for Aidan to treasure.
We failed to add to the string at the Sales afterwards – we were underbidder on one. Racing over at Cheltenham for the season although they have their Hunter Chase evening next week.
A busy family sporting weekend followed. Freddie and Miss Millfield headed to Wincanton Racecourse Pony Racing and she ran another solid race to finish 2nd. Their unbeaten run of 3 races this season probably had to end sometime but no disgrace to be beaten a length and a half by a top pony who, when they meet again in the Racecourse Series this summer, will be giving them 4lbs. Lots more learnt and a lovely day with a lot of helpful officials.
I took Harry to Wembley, thanks to fellow Manchester City fan David Parry, to watch them in the FA Cup Semi Final vs Sheffield United. A fabulous game especially as City won 3-0! Harry & I stayed nearby and Belinda brought Freddie down on Sunday morning to meet us and us three boys went to watch Manchester United try and repeat City’s win. Thanks to Phil Eaton Freddie also got the chance to see his favourite team in action although it went all the way down to the wire after 0-0 in extra time resulted in penalties. Thankfully United also won….a Manchester Derby Final for the first time for the FA Cup!
We love hearing about horses who have been here and have gone on to enjoy a further career and Creepy is one of those. A Grade 2 winner for us over hurdles, he’s loving his role as a Team Chaser and was part of the winning team yesterday.
Well done to Harry Stock, who rides out regularly here, and girlfriend Beth Whittle winning again with their mare Chenery at Tabley Point to Point yesterday.