Things didn’t quite go to plan yesterday at Exeter – The Kvilleken wasn’t on a going day, Cup of Ambition is much better than he showed so must be in pain somewhere and we are getting him fully checked out as his bloods were A1 and he’d been working well. Young Phoenix is a big baby and will have learnt a lot yesterday – happy birthday to one of his owners Bella Statham!
I left Exeter to join Belinda and Chris & Jo Massey and friends for supper at The Old Butchers in Stow. Always absolutely superb food there and last night the company was excellent too and a good time was had by all. They all managed to make it to the yard for second lot to watch Mister Valentine, a lovely homebred youngster, on the gallops. Stuart Baikie was in to watch Cottersrock and Richard East & James Gibbs were here to watch Solstice Star. A busy morning with fun owners and the horses all looking fantastic.
Lou Partridge called in late morning to discuss with Belinda details for bringing her Pony Club here for a Pony Racing training session in Half Term. I’m all for encouraging children to come and experience what it is like to ride on our gallops and encourage them to have a go at Pony Racing too and I’m sure Lou and Belinda will make sure they have a fantastic time. Lou’s husband is our farrier Nick.
We do try to do the best for all our horses and owners and it is therefore so satisfying to receive wonderful messages of appreciation and Simon Prowting (one of the owners of Raving Bonkers) has allowed me to share his message with you:
“so I’m still on Cloud 9 and would just like to sincerely thank you and Martin and all of the team (every single one of you at Condicote) for letting us be part of this most wonderful experience. I can say without equivocation that we are so so lucky to be having this fun with such lovely lovely people who are also so emotionally intelligent to the feelings of their owners and their horses. I’m really looking forward to revisiting this wonderful moment and hopefully some more with careful nurturing of our lovely lovely boy”
Such kind words which makes all we do worthwhile.
No runners today but Jamie bids to retain his Legends’ Charity Race crown at Chepstow tomorrow after winning it on Viking Mistress last year. Jamie rides Ocean Eleven, a horse he rides out every day at home, in the race and Jamie cannot wait. Please do sponsor him if you can by clicking here.