Rain overnight although Uttoxeter didn’t seem to get much and their ground still remains good, good to firm in places. With Ballymountain Boy returning from a long lay-off I’m disappointed more rain didn’t fall but will take him, have a good walk around the track and make the decision then on whether he runs or not. He’s in good form but is a lovely horse for the winter who will not be risked if I’m in any doubt at all. His patient owners deserve a bit of fun this season and it’s a long season ahead.
We also run Gold Mountain and both are partnered by Leighton Aspell who was in schooling yesterday. Gold Mountain has been consistent all season and has cheekpieces fitted today. There are only 5 runners but any one of them could win and we’d obviously love it to be Gold Mountain’s chance today!
James Best was in for a couple of lots and we worked Reve, Sarasota Star, Debden Bank, Bobble Emerald, Big Nasty, Back on the Lash, Fairmount, Miss Antipova, Capricia, Pinnacle Peak, Dreamsundermyfeet and Robsam. All the rest cantered.
Both the boys are now back at school as although Harry went back to primary school yesterday, Freddie started at The Cotswold School today catching the bus from outside the house. A big day for him and, after 10 months of worrying from us all whether we’d get him in there as we are just out of catchment, we won our Appeal in June and he’s been excited ever since. He looked very grown up and smart. They’ve had a brilliant summer holiday and it’s testament to two fantastic schools that both boys, who love being at home, are happy to be back at school – long may it last!
A reminder, for those of you who haven’t yet got it in your diaries, that SUNDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER is our OPEN DAY – free parking, free entry and there will be lots to see and do. 11am – 1pm – bake a cake and enter it into our Keighley Kake-Off! Two retired equines looking forward to plenty of fuss are Champion Court & Any Currency – bring some pennies to buy bags of carrots to feed them and the rest of the team as Freddie & Harry are raising money for The Bob Champion Cancer Trust – sweets I believe for sale too!