Well done to all at Southwell for getting racing on yesterday and for doing such a good job. All seemed very relaxed but efficiently organised and myself and all my team felt very safe. It was great to get back racing albeit behind closed doors and obviously without close contact with our owners.
At odds of 14/1, 66/1 and 16/1 respectively, our three runners weren’t expected to trouble the judge although I always hope that they will outrun their odds if they are longshots! Capital Force was running a solid race until slipping into a fence down the back and losing a bit of confidence thus jumping slowly at the following fence and losing his position. James got him jumping well again but in a 2 mile chase you cannot afford mistakes at a crucial stage. He’s A1 this morning and probably does now need to step up in trip a little.
Ten Past Midnight isn’t a bumper horse but needed the experience and ran an encouraging race without the speed required when they kicked again up the home straight. He’s one I like a lot and I’m looking forward to him going over hurdles.
Mr Mafia often needs his first run and he did just that running well for a long way before lack of fitness told. Great to get a run under his belt, he had a good blow afterwards, and look forward to him returning probably over fences next time. He loves everything he does and is a joy to have in the yard.
This morning Matt Capp came up to see Robsam and Dreamsundermyfeet and it was good to see him again. We really are enjoying seeing our owners back here – it’s so easy to socially distance watching either from our viewing mound in the yard when they canter or school around our loop gallop or even walking across and watching on the gallops or driving up to our viewing platform. It’s even possible to watch from the comfort/safety of your car from our viewing platform and not even get out! Do get in touch.
With part owner Chris Dee in to ride out a couple of lots yesterday, her youngest son Robbie came in to ride out today and it was good to catch up with him. Robbie worked here for about six months five years ago and now works with Chris teaching Forest School Leaders.
After second lot today Jasmin and Paddy went to Ledbury to collect Cul De Poule and Samtara from Roger & Yvonne Allsop to come back into training. Both horses have returned looking very well and we look forward to cracking on with them.