Chepstow yesterday and two different results. So very disappointed for all of Buckle Street’s connections. We’d done so much at home with him since his last ‘refusal’ to race – as I mentioned yesterday he’d been checked over from head to toe and we were convinced he prefers girls so only girls had been in contact with him. It was for that reason that Bryony Frost had her first ride for us as her enthusiastic style we thought would give him every chance.
He looked a picture in the Paddock and Bryony’s instructions were to do whatever she felt to get him going but to be nice to him and indeed she patted him continually when on in the Paddock and he cantered sweetly to post. However, although he walked around with them, as soon as the Starter mounted his rostrum he appeared to know – he was trotting in with the help of Sophie Upton, Assistant Starter, who was momentarily worried she was going to be in trouble for getting him a flying start but in a split second he slammed on and that was that. Ears pricked he cantered back whilst the rest ran their race.
Bryony really impressed me both before and afterwards with a very honest debrief and was as disappointed as us. He’s been referred to London now so I’ll have a trip there to see whether they will allow me to run him once more on the flat – no point trying jumps he’s in this mood. He’s only young and loves his work at home – so disappointing after all the hard work my team have put in and with his ability too I’m so disappointed for all the members of The Condicote Clan. A frustrating game at times.
On to the bumper and the Peel Racing Club were out in force to watch Big Nasty hopefully build on his Haydock debut albeit in a red hot bumper. He was almost flat out most of they way, struggling in the soft ground as although he’s big, he’s still a big weak baby and Aidan Coleman admitted thinking turning for home that his Haydock 3rd was a fluke! However….he could not believe how he stayed on all the way up the straight to finish a decent 4th especially as he’d given the 2nd and 3rd so much ground from before turning in and he was absolutely buzzing about him which is always good to see in a top jockey. We were all thrilled and he’ll probably be schooled up and run over hurdles next time but won’t be rushed as he’s most certainly a staying chaser for the future.
This morning we had lots of the Forecast syndicate in with new members too coming for the first time. An enjoyable morning and they all went on for breakfast at The Kings Arms in Stow on the Wold.
One runner at Leicester for us today – Somewhere To Be over fences under Harry Stock. He seems in good form but will need to put his last run well behind him and we are hoping to put a line through that with a bold show today. He’ll not run if the ground is quick though.