Snow, snow and more snow. Thanks so much to my team for all their hard work and dedication this week. Foxy and Harley have got to us daily somehow from the other side of Cheltenham and only two haven’t made it in with some of those who live closer still having treacherous and difficult journeys here. Belinda’s cooked them all bacon sandwiches for the last couple of days which have been much deserved and appreciated after riding out in baltic conditions and driving freezing wind. I took the team to the Coach & Horses for a late breakfast on Thursday and they looked after us really well too.
The horses have wanted for nothing, as usual, and it is our team that we have to thank for that. They’ve pulled together and I’m so proud of them all.
Our Leisure Ride Gallop surface has stood up to it all very well and so we’ve been able to keep the horses on the go throughout this awful weather. Obviously no runners although Southwell ran a Jumpers for Bumpers card yesterday – Harry Stock rode a winner for his old Boss Donald McCain and it was special for two reasons – most importantly the horse is owned by his father Chris and also it was the winner Harry needed to drop his claim from 7lbs to 5lbs so well done to all. Harry is still very good value for his 5lbs claim – if it hadn’t been for injury earlier in his career he’d have surely lost his 7lbs claim years ago …
Keep safe and warm if you have snow and do think of all the racing staff around the country when you are next enjoying your racing by the fire on a Saturday afternoon – it’s down to their hard graft throughout especially tough days like these that ensure the horses get to the racecourse in top condition – a huge thanks once again to my team here who we couldn’t be without.
Finally I hope you enjoyed today’s newsletter…if you haven’t received it then drop us your email address and I’ll add you to the distribution list.