Apologies for no blog yesterday…my typist and secretary was busy being a worried nervous mum at Cheltenham Pony Club Race Day – more about that later!
Pirate Look was unlucky not to win at Wetherby over hurdles on Thursday – he jumped and travelled really well and looked the winner all the way up the straight but he veered to the left after the last and gave his advantage away. Everyone was thrilled with him though and there are definitely races to be won with him.
Lady Vitesse, although going in heavy ground at Uttoxeter, found the Towcester heavy ground hard work and although jumping well failed to get up the hill in it and faded to finish 6th. Both horses are fine this morning. I chose not to run Chequered View and Pomme De Nuit in the bumper at Towcester as I feared I’d bottom them. Better to be safe than sorry so they will wait for another day.
Off to Cheltenham yesterday with Freddie for his first Cheltenham ride in the first race for ponies 128cm and under. He’s had his little pony, Boston Bell Boy, for nearly 12 months so knows him well although has never been the most confident rider even though he rides really well. Mother and son looked sick with nerves yesterday so were kept away from each other as much as possible! Huge thanks to the whole team at Cheltenham as they could not have been more supportive and gave Freddie such confidence. What lucky kids to be able to ride at the home of Jump Racing – amazing.
Freddie had a wonderful run and finished a stylish 2nd and his smile coming in said it all. Absolutely brilliant and very thrilled parents (& a relieved mum!). Lots of other winners to note too especially Harry Greasby, who was back in riding out here this morning, who rode his first winner as did Freddie’s great friend Richard Cook. Both boys bring their ponies up with Freddie (albeit they are bigger & go much faster!!).
The support team retired to The Hollow Bottom for lunch and we were still there at nearly tea time when Belinda & the boys arrived after putting the pony to bed! A very entertaining lunch and fun afternoon with owners and friends.
A busy work morning today and Tom Bellamy, Warren Marston, Max Comley, Mark Caswell and Harry Greasby in to ride out. Matthew Baker and Jo Stainer in to watch the horses work. We worked Back on The Lash, Mr Mafia, Morning Herald, Cut & Run, Hartshorne Abbie, Ask Alice, Lord Condi, Enforcement, Buckle Street, Primocapitano, Young Phoenix, Matravers, Lerichi Belle on the carpet. Ballymountain Boy, Reve, Dr Dunraven, Raving Bonkers, Presenting and Chequered View worked over 1 mile and a quarter on the grass. All the rest cantered.