Ladies Day yesterday at Stratford and watching Ocean Eleven enjoying himself over hurdles I was hopeful of starting the day in the best possible way. He was settled and travelling really well when he slipped up alongside the other race leader on the bend entering the back straight. Thankfully both he and Andrew Tinkler and the other horse and jockey were fine and walked away relatively unscathed however I couldn’t be more disappointed as he was in great form at home, and I am gutted for him, his owner and all the team at home who put in so much work. I spoke to the Stewards after they’d been out to inspect it and they felt the bend was probably too sharp so they changed it for the next race and put sand down too. Thankfully the incident wasn’t repeated but that was too late for us.
The Kvilleken was given a good positive ride by Harry Stock but folded as they got to him turning for home and was a frustrating 5th. He’s really testing our patience at the moment and the current key to him is getting harder to find!
Cut And Run made her debut in a decently run bumper and finished a creditable 5th. She was very professional in her attitude albeit a little green in the race however Andrew was still very confident until the final half mile and I am delighted with such a solid run which she will come on from.
No runners today although we are heading for Cheltenham Racecourse where Freddie starts day one of the Cotswold Vale Farmers Hunt Pony Club Camp. Excitement in the household is at a maximum level from the boys! Harry isn’t doing it this year but is taking his football and keen to go and watch.