Schooling here 1st lot and a relief as the overnight frost that looked in the ground at 6am was out by 7am so we could school on the grass over hurdles and fences. Sean Bowen and Patrick Cowley in and we schooled Brorson, Pay The Woman, Ben Buie, Mahanakhon Power and Brianna Rose. David Parry was in to watch 1st lot and they all schooled really well.
Then a quick dash to Cheltenham Racecourse to school Talkisheap (Tom Bellamy) under the watchful eye of Charles Dingwall and Back on the Lash (Sean Bowen) under the watchful eye of Elouise Boothright. Thanks to Ben Hastie for all his help with this morning and I couldn’t have been happier with how they both went. Some of the fences take a couple of attempts for them to realise where to put their feet but both horses are so genuine and love their jumping and I’m not sure whether the jockeys or the horses enjoyed themselves more! A brilliant morning and great to live so near Cheltenham so if we feel we need to take them again before the next meeting then we can.
Chepstow today with Witness Protection and newcomer Duke of Luckley, both partnered by James Best. Witness went oh so close at Newton Abbot last time and had no luck in running so will hopefully have a clearer path today on a more galloping track. Ernie is happy with him at home and he looks fantastic so I’m hopeful of a big run for his Foxtrot Racing Syndicate.
A big day for Duke of Luckley who we have had since he was a foal although he was professionally brought along by PJ Colville in Ireland for his informative years. He’s a lovely chap, by Mahler, and today is all about learning. The track should suit and so should the ground but, as with most bumper horses, it’s a bit into the unknown as you can only do so much with them at home. He’s got a great attitude and will hopefully take today in his stride.
