An absolutely heartwarming day at Wincanton, one that we’ll remember forever with Mr Mafia trouncing a competitive field giving his nearest pursuer, 3 years his junior, a 16 length beating whilst carrying 17lbs more than him! Mr Mafia’s 3rd win of the season and his 3rd win from his last 4 runs!
An intelligent ride from Sean Bowen who didn’t panic when Mafia was headed after jumping the 8th fence but, thinking the two in front were doing too much, sat in 3rd until pouncing on the turn for home and kicking clear over the last three fences to the delight of us all.
Emotions ran high with plenty of tears of joy and fabulous for owner Peter Boggis as his last visit to Wincanton was also a winning one. That was 39 years ago with a horse called Philnorm trained by David Gandolfo. David and his partner Karen were guests of Peter and Jane Boggis yesterday and 39 years ago Jane took their first child Kitty, then 7 months old, to Wincanton for her first ever raceday. Kitty is now a dual Olympian and is the first British Event Rider to win continental championship medals at all levels: Ponies, Juniors, Young Riders and Seniors. Who would have thought that 39 years ago she would have achieved so much and also that we’d all be back at Wincanton celebrating another special day.
Mr Mafia really did look a picture in the Paddock and Jane commented on how he had retained his topline so well and looked better than he has ever done at this time of year. A huge thank you to my whole team especially Jasmin who looks after him, Ernie who is in charge of feeding, Deb who does our clipping and Belinda who won’t let anyone else ride him! A mention to our physios as well – Maggie Turner and also Hannah Ashton who regularly checks him and uses her fabulous Indiba Machine on Mafia to ensure he’s always at the top of his game. Well done Team.
Cut And Run was our other runner for our Racing Club and she was in the process of running a huge race when Sean Bowen worried us all by pulling her up sharply before the last hurdle when booked for an encouraging 4th place. On running down to meet her it was soon clear it wasn’t as bad as first feared and on closer inspection her tendons looked fine but she’d pulled a front shoe off and taken a chunk of foot with it. That would have been sore but is very mendable so a huge relief to us all.
On our way home Belinda & I joined Peter & Jane and David & Karen for an absolutely delicious supper at The Angel at Upton Scudamore – a fun supper and a perfect end to a brilliant day!
Too early for either to be trotted up this morning but they have eaten their supper and both look A1. We couldn’t sleep and Belinda was first out to give Mr Mafia his first, of no doubt many, packet of polos!