The weather is definitely fresher this morning after a glorious few days of sunshine however it is still March so we’ve been spoilt with the daytime temperatures.
On Friday we had a visit from John & Claire Abernethy to watch their horses in action on the gallops and to discuss running plans with them.
Sarasota Star ran a good race at Lingfield on the flat under Joey Haynes on Friday afternoon. He looked sure to be 3rd but was just run out of it in the final 1/2 furlong to finish 5th but he has a great attitude and the track wasn’t ideal for him – always learning!
Yesterday it was fabulous to have Jo Stainer in to watch Lord Condi on the gallops. Poor Jo has had a tough time of it recently battling cancer but is one of life’s most positive people and ever the joker stating he was off pointing looking for spare rides now he can do the weight! He looks on the mend which we were thrilled to see. Lord Condi pleased him too and we can’t wait to get him back on the track and hope Jo will be making up for lost time as he’s not been racing for a while.
Deb Butler, Mark Caswell, Max Comley and Beth Whittle all in to ride out which is always a huge help on a Saturday.
Cloud Formation was heading for his racecourse debut at Stratford yesterday in the bumper but, typically, was a little colicky first thing and although he seemed brighter mid morning it just wasn’t worth the risk running him. How many times have we thought “if only they could talk”?!
Fabulous news yesterday though was from Horseheath Point to Point where Max Comley trained his first winner when Mike & Mella Wright’s Twentyoneblackjack shed his maiden tag with a good win under George Gorman. Max used to ride out here regularly and still does occasionally and thoroughly deserves to do well as he works hard and is building up a nice yard of horses at his base near Cirencester. Twentyoneblackjack disappointed under Rules for us and Mike & Mella have been so patient and didn’t lose the faith in him so we are thrilled they have been rewarded too.
Big Nasty is a non runner now today at Ascot where he was heading under Leighton Aspell for Will Kinsey’s Peel Racing Club. The ground has quickened to good to firm in places and as he’s over 18hh we just can’t risk him. There is rain forecast this week so hopefully he’ll be out again soon.
Happy Mothering Sunday to Belinda and to my mum too. Thoughts of Belinda’s mum Kathy and with those who find days like this difficult.