Our ‘week off’ is nearly over although it obviously isn’t a week off as the seasons change and we have lots of horses ready to try and kick start the new season – that’s the plan anyway!
A cantering morning today with Paul Davis and Jack Rogers (Herecomeshogan) in to watch 1st lot and joined by Peter Boggis and friends 2nd lot who were here to watch Mr Mafia in action on the gallops. Peter brought his first ever trainer with him, Ron Vibert, who now lives in Jersey and it was fabulous to talk to him about all things racing and much, much more! We’d have gone for breakfast with them too but it was a busy day…..I was busy declaring 7 for the first day of the new season at Uttoxeter on Saturday so it was pretty frantic!
Leigh and Sarah Powell and Neil Williams were here 3rd lot to watch Ben Buie on the gallops and to meet their new purchase Wide To West who, after coming over from Ireland, is having a few weeks out in the field. He’s a lovely horse and another Gerry Hogan find and we think he could be quite exciting and hope he’s really lucky for them.
We love it when Team Members return to ride out and it’s been great recently having both Anna McDonagh and also Foxy, who was my Assistant, back in to ride out regularly. You just can’t beat experience and people who know our horses and gallops so well and it’s so good having these guys back in.
James Best has had a 2nd operation, this time on the other side of his jaw, and we wish him well and also a very speedy recovery. These jump jockeys are so tough. We also hope that Josh Moore continues to improve, we send him and his family all our love.