Sarasota was the Star of the day yesterday winning in tremendous style over fences at Chepstow under a superb ride from James Best for wonderfully supportive members of our team; Paul Davis, Jon and Jack Hughes; David & Janne Bishop and Colin Bowkley who were all able to be at Chepstow yesterday. The Racing Post had them as their Star Performer of the Day there and it’s not surprise as he was absolutely electric over his fences, responding to every question James asked and eventually winning as far as he liked in a very likeable fashion.
It’s often said that racing, especially jump racing, is one huge family and yesterday proved that again. With four runners at Catterick I went there and sent Belinda to Chepstow on her own and she wanted a bit of help saddling & leading up so David Bridgwater kindly offered Mick, who works for him, and Jez Dance, who we worked with at The Duke’s and who transports Bridgy’s horses amongst many others, helped saddle. Thanks to Pete Wilson for the fabulous photos and to Chris Dee for lending us her lorry too. #Teamworkmakesthedreamwork!
At Catterick Pay The Woman must have pulled something – maybe over the first fence as she was never travelling and Sean felt she was wrong and pulled her up. She’s ok this morning but not 100% sound so our physios will check her over and then our vet too if need be.
Brianna Rose (Sean Bowen) made a lovely debut over hurdles and, although the winner was pretty impressive, she jumped well to finish 2nd and will have learnt a lot. Back in 3rd was She Has Notions who ran a much improved race on better ground than on his debut for us and Sean Quinlan was pleased with how he jumped and travelled, just getting outpaced in the closing stages but thought he was an honest horse and also learnt plenty yesterday. Reve jumped for fun and was thoroughly enjoying himself for a long way but was headed before 3 out and faded. He probably needs to be given a bit of help from the Handicapper but it was still a solid run.
This morning the whole string went around our Fun Ride and both horses and people alike loved it. It’s so good for them all. After 1st lot we entertained over 30 members of The Cotswold Lockdowners and it was great to be able to see so many faces all enjoying the horses on the gallops, in the stables and food and fizz too.
With no runners I rushed off with the rest of the family to watch Harry play football at home in Northleach. He played really well and scored to help his team win 6-2. A great game and very good to be able to watch him.
Champion Court had an away day today as Jasmin is keen to start doing more on him including Fun Rides and just have a bit of fun so Deb kindly clipped him this morning and he looks very smart. Jasmin took him to an outdoor school and Beth went too to help. A perfect example of wonderful team work – lucky Champ too – he’s such a star.
