What awful weather today – it simply hasn’t stopped raining and I do feel for my team out in it all morning – fueled by doughnuts which hopefully helped a little but no fun being soaking wet all morning. I’m sure lots of our horses out on their holidays will be happy to be coming back in next week!
A few runners already this week. We went to Southwell for good ground but unfortunately it had been over watered for us and therefore we took out Raving Bonkers who was due to run in the last race of the day. His poor owners went to Ludlow with him last time only for a massive deluge as we were saddling and we were left regretting running him. So frustrating.
Lord Condi (Leighton Aspell replacing a sore Richard Johnson) was run off his feet and we’ll run him over further next time where he’ll hopefully find things easier – he simply couldn’t get into the race and struggled to jump well off a pace too quick for him. Forecast (Conor Shoemark) was nicely settled at the back and was beginning to make his move when he was cannoned into over the 3rd last and knocked sideways. That was race over for him and he returned with a puncture wound behind his knee. Thankfully he’ll be ok but it was a shame and he’ll have a good few weeks out in the field now – sunshine for him too please!
Yesterday Chequered View (Leighton Aspell) needed the run as we had expected at Southwell but ran and jumped well and is A1 this morning. She was going to be going out in the field for the day but the rain at the moment doesn’t look to be stopping.
Two runners tonight at Newton Abbot and a late night too. Gold Mountain (Leighton Aspell) runs at 7.55pm in the Fred Champion Groundworks Handicap Chase over 2m 4f. He will hopefully have come on for his last run there where he was returning from a long absence and making his debut for us. He’s had time to get over that run and we are hoping he builds on it.
At 9pm (my boys are allowed to stay up to watch!) Mr Mafia (Harry Stock) runs in the St Austell Brewery Handicap Hurdle over 3m 2f. He’s won over course and distance last season and seems in good heart. He’s got plenty of weight and it’s competitive but he’s usually thereabouts and we are hoping for another bold show from him.