A later start than expected as a new horse arrived from Ireland at 5am instead of “anytime between 3am and 4am” so felt like a lie in! He’s a super looking 5 year old gelding by Soldier of Fortune and we’ll be sharing details soon as he’s here to be partnered out.
We cantered a few of the youngsters on the grass with the older horses including Blazing Court, Bella Ciao and Finescope and we had Harry Stock, James Best in to ride out.
One runner today at Taunton – Duke Of Luckley and Polly Turner, who adores him, is on holiday from college so has gone with Paddy to lead him up and is very excited. He was so unlucky to fall last time when looking probably booked for 2nd place and I do feel the Handicapper has been a little harsh on him. However, let’s hope he is right! He’s done plenty of schooling at home since that fall and it is a competitive race but he should enjoy the good ground and we are hopeful of a solid run from him.
Another Duke fan is Tim Gibbs who helps us out every Saturday and rides him out most Saturdays too. Tim was with The Duke before my time and just about before Belinda started riding out as a kid too but thankfully we have enticed him back to help us out and he’s a huge help. We only wish he actually was as young as he looks and wanted to come back full time! Happy Birthday Tim!
We’ve got nothing at Aintree this weekend but are looking forward to a brilliant weekend of racing there starting with today’s card which looks fabulous. Let’s hope everyone comes home safe and sound too.