What a fun busy morning. Only a bit of rain and we almost dodged it all. Warren Marston, Mark Caswell and Max Comley all in to ride out – with no runners due to the soft ground we have more horses than ever fit and ready to run as soon as the sun comes out for a few days.
Jo Stainer was in to watch Lord Condi & Sporty Yankee work, Zofia and Scarlett Trembecka-Ross were here to watch Sugar Storm work, Mark Holland was in to watch Ballymountain Boy and Spice Girl work and it was also fantastic to welcome returning owner Mark Allen, one of our very first owners, back to watch the 3 year old Sulamani gelding he has recently sent us out of the wonderful Sky Calling we trained for so many years. Mark Allen and Kate then went on to Uttoxeter Races and thank you to David MacDonald from Uttoxeter for looking after them.
We also worked Solstice Star, Enforcement, Brillare Momento, Mr Mafia, Matravers, Primogeniture, Pomme De Nuit, Cut & Run, Young Phoenix, Oscar World, Morning Herald, Buckle Street, Back on the Lash, Raving Bonkers, Presenting 4 year old, Dr Dunraven, Reve, Madame Fiona, Weyburn, Ask Alice, Lerichi Belle, Hartshorne Abbie & Chequered View. The rest cantered.
Late morning Belinda was thrilled to meet Berys Connop, who was passing by the yard and stopped to speak to Belinda, Freddie & Harry who was on Bubbles. She told the boys she recognised them and went on to tell Belinda that she used to own a horse called Bagdad Gold and he was the first racehorse (albeit was retired) that Belinda sat on. I rode him too as he was the horse that we were allowed to school over obstacles on before upgrading to the racehorses in training. What a small world!
Yesterday the boys sent another budding young jockey, Freddie Fletcher who is 9, a message as he is poorly with asthma in hospital. Racing once again has shown what a wonderful family it is as there have been no end of messages sent to him from racing professionals. It is such a fabulous industry to be a part of as there are so many supportive people willing to help through the hard times and there to help celebrate the good times.
Tomorrow it is the Andoversford Point to Point which is always a fun day out. Last year Belinda, Jamie & Issy raced Camels and Issy was the Camel Champion! This year Alfie, Ash and Harry Stock are racing Donkeys in chariots! That kicks off at 12.30pm and the first race is at 2pm. There is pony racing and lots more besides so do go and enjoy the day out and we’ll see you there.