Rain overnight so greener fields here and the grass won’t stop growing which is great for those out on their holidays and our grass gallops/schooling ground but creates a lot of work keeping it all cut and strimmed!
Yesterday Be Thankful ran a blinder under James Best for our Racing Club, jumping well over hurdles at Uttoxeter to finish a good 3rd. Still a bit keen in the early stages but improving all the time and she delighted all those that were able to be there yesterday to support her – Fiona Gamble, Dave Woodward, Caroline Evans, Mary Fishwick and Gordon & Jane Porter and especially Jasmin who works so hard on her at home.
Back On The Lash had a big task in the bet365 Summer Cup after just three starts over fences and all those in small fields. However, he deserved the chance and Tom Scudamore came in to school him on Friday ahead of yesterday’s race and was looking forward to riding him. It appeared almost all the 16 runners wanted to make the running which ensured a furious pace and Lash found it all quite different to his races over fences before. He never knows when he’s beaten though and, despite struggling from a long way out, he kept on to finish a very respectable 7th and will have learnt a lot. One of our team summed him up well: “small horse, big engine, even bigger heart”. Both are A1 today.
Harry loved his Sports Day at school on Friday despite us not being allowed to go and watch. I’m sure the school found it easier without parents however still such a shame we couldn’t be there especially as Harry had a pretty good day – he won the 100m Sprint, the Javelin, the sack race and the skipping race too finishing =4th in the Long Jump. His favourite event, the long distance running, is apparently scheduled for this week. Well done Harry!
Off back to Southwell today – where we had our second double in two days last week with Pinnacle Peak and today’s runner Dreamsundermyfeet. ‘Dreamer’ is back up in trip today to 3 miles but we are hopeful that will be more ideal for him than the 2 1/2 mile trip he won over last time. He escapes a penalty for winning that day as it was a Conditional Jockey’s race so, unless running him back quickly doesn’t suit, he should go close again today. He seems fresh and well at home but it’s on the track where you properly find out!