Cheltenham returns! Great to be back at our favourite and local course and we have three runners too so a busy day for the Team.
A definite buzz around the place on the morning of Cheltenham and not least because Charlie Dee was here this morning to see the horse he helped us purchase at the Doncaster Goffs Sales yesterday – Eclat Des Mottes who arrived late last night. He has settled in well and seems a gentleman and was very well behaved ridden on our circular loop today. Paul Davis was with Charlie at the Sales and he was also in to watch him this morning. Hopefully and exciting addition to the team.
Leighton Aspell in to ride out two lots and we schooled Sarasota Star, Reve, Pinnacle Peak, Robsam, Miss Antipova, Ballymountain Boy and Lord Condi. We also worked Witness Protection, Debden Bank, Ben Buie, Be Thankful, Big Nasty, Run A Rig and Forecast. Paul Charnick called in 2nd lot too.
Off to Cheltenham and Back on the Lash our first runner under Patrick Cowley in the 3.10pm, a 2m 5f Handicap Hurdle. He needs to improve again on his recent Exeter win and that was only two weeks ago but he’s tough. He won’t want much more rain though.
Mr Mafia is next under ‘just turned amateur’ Harrison Beswick although 12 stone is quite a lot for him to carry. He posted a career best run last time when winning at Newton Abbot though and seems to still be in the form of his life – he’s game and a real favourite in the yard (& my youngest son Harry’s favourite too!).
Capital Force is our final runner and Patrick Cowley partners him too. He’s given Claire & John Abernethy a lot of fun over the summer with his super Ludlow win the highlight. He was a very good 5th here over hurdles last season and if he reproduces form like that again he could well give another bold account of himself.
My boys are coming straight to Cheltenham from school and although they’ll miss Freddie’s favourite horse, Back On The Lash, in action they will be here for the final two runners as their half term is next week. Thanks to Jemima Turner for collecting them for us. Jemima works here on Fridays as part of a work placement from Hartbury College and is a very useful and helpful member of the team. Even more so now she can drive….!
Happy Birthday to Mrs Cox (Nikki!) who is not only in our Racing Club but is Harry’s Tutor too … and therefore another member of the Mr Mafia fan club!