Another glorious morning and Matthew Baker in to watch his lovely mare Brianna Rose work. Mike & Mella Wright were here 2nd lot to watch their horses on the gallops after a night in our local, The Coach & Horses in Longborough. Great to see Mike & Mella, as always, but also sad to hear that Joe & Wendy McDonagh have decided that, after 30 years in the pub trade that they are calling last orders for the final time in 6 months when they hand the pub back. They have decided to take a step back and, although they will be much missed, it’s very much deserved.
Warren Marston, Harry Stock and Molly Landau were all in to ride out – Molly’s first time and a great friend with Fern O’Brien who comes in occasionally too. Two good girls who have made their way up through the pony racing ranks.
We worked Pinnacle Peak, Brianna Rose, Debden Bank, Reve, Be Thankful, Dreamsundermyfeet and Cut and Run. The rest either cantered or did a swinging canter. Another hot day in prospect so the horses went out in their paddocks straight after they were ridden and were due to come back in late morning so they get the best of both worlds.
Two runners at Southwell although I’ll have a good walk around to make sure I’m happy with the ground before they run. It’s that time of year when you have to be even more careful than usual as there are different ideas about ‘good ground’ but Southwell generally do a very good job.
Sarasota Star will be making his belated chase debut having been declared and not run twice so far. He’s a lovely horse and James Best has schooled him plenty of times at home but is still a big baby. If he doesn’t run today he’ll have his summer holiday now and we’ll bring him back in the autumn but he’s in good form and with a clear round I think he could go close.
Robsam was so unlucky not to win last time at Southwell having beaten off all the horses around him when one came late and on the far rail to snatch victory in the final strides. He’s been such a genuine horse and if I had a yard full that tried as hard as him my life would be easier! He deserves to get his head in front.
We love hearing about horses we used to train and how they are getting on but were so sad to hear that Classic Colori was put to sleep yesterday after suffering from heart trouble aged just 14. He had won 5 races on the flat before he came to us – we won over hurdles with him at Newton Abbot under Killian Moore and then back on the flat too at Lingfield under Willy Twiston-Davies. Belinda rode him in a charity race at Newmarket on her 40th Birthday where they were 2nd. In his retirement, it sounds as if he had the best home he could have had, and even on Sunday he had a brilliant time on the North Cotswold Hunt Fun Ride. Our thoughts are with Gill, Hayley, Lisa and Emms – he was so lucky to spend his retirement being loved to bits by you all.
