Yesterday morning’s weather was horrendous for the team to be working and riding out in so huge thanks to them for their continued dedication. Bacon & sausage sandwiches went down well! No owners in – sensibly staying in the dry and warm!
Somehow the pitch at Broadway took the rain and Harry’s match went ahead with him scoring in the first minute to help them win 3-2. I was in no particular hurry to get to Ascot, which was also on, as our one runner, Spice Boy, was in the last and there is always plenty to do here. However – I didn’t make it to Ascot as I sat stationary on the M40 for over 2 1/2 hours, watching his race from the fast lane – stationary! Keen to get a run into him and with so many abandonments, he took his chance in what we knew would be a red hot bumper and he ran with credit to finish 9th. Adam Wedge was frustrated he was boxed in for longer than he would have wished to be but he felt it only cost him a few placings and was pleased with how he ran and handled the ground. He’ll now go hurdling and we’ll have some fun with him.
On Friday Matthew Baker, Paul Davis and Steve & Trish Harman were all in to watch the horses on the gallops and it was especially good to catch up with Steve & Trish who have been owners with us since we began but haven’t managed to make it to the yard for about a couple of years. After his stint as Chairman of the BHA, Steve continues working hard lobbying Parliament to promote horse racing.
We had no luck at Stratford on Thursday with all three horses pulling up for various reasons which was disappointing but they are all home safe and sound which is the main thing. One winner though was Oli Hayes who won the Best Turned Out prize with She Has Notions so well done to Oli.
Despite the horses disappointing, and the endless rain that fell at Stratford, we still managed to have a good afternoon with a fantastic bunch of owners. When you watch us all go absolutely mad when we have Cheltenham winners especially, it’s days like Thursday that make us appreciate those winners much, much more as obviously, with horses, things don’t always go to plan.
Fergus Gillard was in this morning and we schooled a few including Herecomeshogan, Enforcement, Ten Past Midnight, Shinji, Kalibrate, Kazontherazz and Prairie Diamond. A stunning morning and they all jumped well.
Blazing Court runs later on this afternoon at Huntingdon under Harry Atkins and, if he handles the ground, could go close today. Good luck to all involved with him.