Apologies for the lack of a blog – it’s been a busy week with a few runners and the boys on half term. The boys and Belinda had a great few days in Newmarket where Freddie passed his Level 3 Pony Racing Course at The British Racing School and enjoyed riding out for Richard Spencer and staying with the Moore Family. Until two years ago we took all these overnight stays with friends for granted.
On Friday Paul Davis, Neil Jakes and Belinda were representing Team Keighley on a Stall at Warwick Racecourse as part of their Syndicates Day – a brilliant initiative. They thoroughly enjoyed their day and managed to sell a share or two as well so very worthwhile and thanks to Warwick for having us.
Found On went to Chepstow on Saturday but nothing went quite right for her but she’s home safely and Finn Lambert was in to school her on Monday morning and she jumped really well.
I watched her from Old Trafford as Phil Eaton, part of the Big Nasty Syndicate, generously invited us all to watch Man Utd vs Watford as part of Freddie’s birthday weekend – Freddie is a huge Man U supporter. It was a brilliant afternoon with fantastic company and even a magician to entertain the boys however a disappointing 0-0 score. At least they didn’t lose and we felt very spoilt to enjoy such super hospitality. We stayed up as Freddie was given a Man Utd Behind the Scenes Tour for Christmas and so we went on that on Sunday which was also very interesting.
Freddie is a Leap Day birthday boy so doesn’t have a birth – day as such this year but we no doubt made up for it with a brilliant family weekend.
Whilst half way around our Tour Melekhov had his first start for us as a last chance hoping to revitilise him. He’d done very well for Philip Hobbs but had all sorts of problems and after not enjoying a spin in a point to point for Claire Hart they decided to see if he’d enjoy running back over hurdles. Finn Lambert did everything right on him but unfortunately as soon as he was headed he threw the towel in. Whether it is in his head or a physical problem I don’t think we’ll ever find out but he’s back with Claire now and she will rehome him. He’s an absolute gentleman and will no doubt have a superb retirement.
Yesterday Belinda & I were at Cheltenham’s Weights Lunch which was entertaining albeit a bit disappointing that Brorson is right on the cusp to see whether he will get a run in the Pertemps. From Cheltenham we watched Duke of Luckley and Herecomeshogan in action in the same race at Catterick with James Best and Finn Lambert respectively in the saddle. Duke of Luckley was in the process of running a much improved race and looked easily booked for a decent 2nd place behind a runaway winner but falling at the 2nd last. He didn’t deserve that but thankfully seems fine albeit slightly stiff this morning. Herecomeshogan jumped a little novicey on his hurdling debut and very nearly parted company with Finn Lambert as they dodged Duke of Luckley on the floor but thankfully they stayed together and finished a very encouraging 3rd.
Sean Bowen and Finn Lambert in this morning and we schooled Spanish Present and Pay The Woman and both jumped well. Then Cut & Run (Harry Atkins), Kalibrate (Sean) and Blazing Court (Finn) all went to Jonnie Trice-Rolph’s for Kalibrate and BC to leave the ground for the first time since they were backed and ridden away. Cut & Run was lead horse and it was good for Harry to have another session with Jonnie. I was thrilled with how all three jumped so a great morning.