The weather isn’t sure what it wants to do at the moment and the heat wave we were promised seems to be cloudy, humid with intermittent light showers. Keeps the flies away though and the horses are warm out in their fields so they aren’t particularly bothered.
Work day on Tuesday saw us stepping up the work for quite a few in the string. James Best was in as usual on a Tuesday and we worked Ben Buie, Sarasota Star, Beneagles, Eclat Des Mottes, Mozzaro, Dreamsundermyfeet, Solstice Star, Robsam, Found On, Black Panther, Reve, Be Thankful, City Never Sleeps, Enforcement, Miss Antipova, Capricia, Pinnacle Peak and Kazontherazz. The rest either cantered or went for a walk and trot. Unusually no owners in on a work day which is now nice to hear as that means that many of you are coming back in to watch your horses safely again. It really is possible to social distance easily here so do feel free to get back in touch to watch your horses on the gallops.
Indeed, Linzi and Tim Varey brought their daughters here yesterday to watch Miss Antipova work on the gallops. Vicki rides her every day and does a really good job with her as she isn’t straight forward but absolutely loves her work and I’m looking forward to seeing her run this season as I’m convinced she is a stronger mare. We just need to keep a lid on her enthusiasm!
Charlie Dee was also here yesterday with mum Chris and he rode Eclat Des Mottes who Chris has a share in. Motty put on some much needed condition during his holiday and is still looking well so long may that continue. The horses are definitely more relaxed being trained from the field but nearer a run I do bring those in so that I can monitor they are getting the correct amount of feed and additives and not having it pinched off them! A couple of the lighter types also get an additional feed after they have been ridden before they get turned out again. Sarasota Star is one such horse as he has a tendency to run up light.
Stratford today with one runner, Ten Past Midnight, who makes his debut over hurdles for the Serendipity Syndicate. He’s done plenty of schooling at home and will hopefully have an enjoyable experience today although I think he may struggle to trouble the market leaders as it looks pretty competitive at the top. He’s a nice horse and his future is over jumps and Lilly Pinchin, who rides out here every Saturday, takes the ride. Her last ride for us was before Lockdown when she won a live ITV Racing race on Solstice Star at Uttoxeter for Foxtrot Racing. Good luck to all involved with Ten Past Midnight.