Schooling this morning and Bryony Frost was in all morning to ride 3 lots. Harry Stock was also in nursing his broken collarbone. There is now a 4 week mandatory stand down time between the accident and jockeys being allowed to return to race-riding as a precaution as they all try to get back too soon. Harry still looks in pain but was putting on a very brave face and is already itching to get back.
First lot we worked Sarasota Star, Yeats 4 year old and Pinnacle Peak from 3/4 on the grass gallop. Robsam and Acacia Dream worked from the bottom of the grass gallop. Bryony then schooled Oscar World with Harley on Somewhere To Be. Second lot we schooled Big Nasty (Harley), Reve (Bryony), Raving Bonkers (Bryony) and Back on the Lash (Paddy).
Third lot Ollie & Irene Ryan were in to see their horses and in particular watch Brillare Momento who we took to Jon Trice-Rolph’s yard for some extra schooling over obstacles in his outdoor arena and also in his field over tyres and ditches. He is a superb teacher of horses and jockeys and I find it fascinating watching both learn under him. Ollie & Irene found it fascinating too – maybe there should be a slot for Johnny on ITV Racing!
Bryony Frost rode Brillare and was great on her and she jumped for fun. Bryony is just what you see on the TV – she appears to grab every bit of advice she can and Johnny was very impressed with her and how Brillare grew in confidence under her. Paddy Berkins rode Cotswold Prince who was leaving the ground for the first time. Both of them learnt a lot and Cotswold Prince had a great attitude and showed how genuine he is so a brilliant session for all.
Back at home Fi Gamble and Sheila Lindsay were saying their emotional goodbyes to Buckle Street as he headed off to pastures new. We’ve found him a wonderful new home not too far away where he will chill out and then they will find a discipline that suits him. What a character he has been and he will be much missed. He had one more laugh up his sleeve though and got one over on us all one more time….just to dispel any emotional goodbyes – the little monkey refused to leave as he wouldn’t load onto his new lorry! We tried quite a few tricks to try to persuade him to go and eventually, when Buckle Street decided it was time, he relented but we are sure he did so with a wry smile from ear to ear!
Good luck Buckle and we’ll keep in touch.