An earlier start than usual yesterday for some of us as Barney Clifford and Kempton Park kindly agreed for us to gallop four youngsters there this morning. We therefore took Cloud Formation (Mark Caswell kindly gave up his time to ride him), Ben Buie (Harry). Mello Yello (Harley) and Samtara (Paddy). I was really pleased with them all and grateful to the Kempton Team for allowing us to gallop.
This morning we had plenty of visitors in including Matt Capp who was here 2nd lot watching Robsam and Dreamsundermyfeet. It was fantastic to see Jo Stainer back out on the gallops. Jo has supported us from the very start and Belinda rode a couple of winners for him on his own Palmers Peak who then went on to become our first ever winner over fences under Rules. He’s been having to endure some pretty aggressive cancer treatment which is keeping him away from The Festival sadly next week but we were thrilled to see him here and back out watching the gallops in particular Lord Condi.
Off to Hereford today with Oscar World who runs in the ManmaisonBet Mares’ Handicap Chase. She faces Northern Beau again who beat her last time at Leicester but she faces on better terms today. The step up in trip should help her and I hope she gained a lot of confidence from her good effort at Leicester and it would be great if she can improve again from that. Conor Shoemark has schooled her at home and rides today.