A cold morning and a bit of frost in the ground which put paid to working on the grass so we worked up our carpet gallop instead. Matt and Shona Capp in first lot to watch Robsam and the ‘soon to be named’ Yeats 4 year old. Jon Hughes also in first lot to watch his string in action.
Mark Caswell, Harry Greasby and Beth Whittle all in to ride out and we worked Young Phoenix, Gold Mountain, Pinnacle Peak, Cotswold Prince, Reve, World War, Brillare Momento, Acacia Dream, Back on the Lash, Bobble Emerald and Robsam.
We have plenty doing swinging canters and some just cantering too. James Fairrie and Iain Mortimer were in to watch Ben Buie and Lord Condi on the gallops and, as ever, it was great to see them both.
It was also great to see our Conditional Jockey Harry Stock and mum Zoe in to watch the horses work. Harry is still quite sore but is having treatment at Oaksey House in Lambourn and is itching to be mended and back. These things take as long as they take and can’t be rushed and we appreciate his frustration. He’s coming back in to watch schooling in the week.
Two runners tonight at Kempton Park on the flat. Buckle Street reverts to the flat after disgracing himself by not starting over obstacles and we are hoping he goes both in and then leaves the stalls well …a crucial run for him. He seems to have been well backed too – I hope their faith is repayed – I’ll just be happy to see him start well – he owes his owners The Condicote Clan heavily! Poppy Bridgwater rides.
Our second runner is Matravers for our Racing Club under Joey Haynes. He’s been pleasing me at home but it is now a long time since he won so will need to bounce back to form.