Witness Protection produced a breathtaking display of jumping yesterday at Chepstow under a very positive ride from James Best and deserved to hold off the late challenge from Emma Lavelle’s Red Rookie and delight his Foxtrot Racing owners and all of us at the yard too. Most excited must have been Ernie who looks after him, rides him out every day and adores him!
He had no luck in running last season but everything went his way yesterday with James ensuring he was wide and out of trouble and, although plenty also wanted to make the running, Witness’s bold jumping got him to the front before they turned away from the stands and he was then able to dictate things from then on. They really didn’t give us a moments worry and, although he was keen for the early part of the race, Witness was still tanking James turning for home and continued to outjump his rivals all the way up the straight. Red Rookie wore him down to a neck on the line but Witness had his ears pricked all the way and I think he’d have found more as James struggled to pull him up! He’s A1 this morning and has an exciting season ahead I’m sure.
Ludlow today with Ollie Ryan’s Reve who I’m as happy as I have been for a while with and was running a decent race last month at Stratford when stumbling and unseating Patrick Cowley. He looks fabulous and has been working really well at home and, reunited with Sean Bowen, who gets on so well with him, I’m hopeful of a big run from him.
Tonight Belinda has organised a Bingo Night at The Coach & Horses in Longborough in aid of The Bob Champion Cancer Trust ahead of Freddie riding as part of the Shetland Pony Grand National Team at The London International Horse Show in December. I don’t think there is much space tonight but there are some awesome raffle prizes from very generous people and if you want to join in the raffle please sponsor Freddie on his just giving site HERE before 6pm tonight and, at £1 a ticket, you will be added to the raffle.