We worked some horses on the 'back of the hill' gallop on Wednesday. Plum Stone worked very well but did just need the blow. Westbrooke and Portmonarch worked very well together, both finishing very strongly. Fine Parchment looked full of beans.
Sureness ran on the All Weather at Kempton that evening, Adam Kirby rode her and confirmed as we suspected that she needs her wind doing, which is good news as she may well get two miles back over hurdles when it is sorted. She is booked in next Tuesday and then it should only take a month to get her back on track.
I only schooled 3 on the all weather on Thursday; Always Smiling, Almost Gemini and Seventh Sky. They all jumped well, with Seventh Sky seeming less hesitant.
This morning I rode Seventh Sky, he has been going in a hood all week to try and get him to relax and settle, it seems to be doing the trick so I have declared him to run in one at Stratford tomorrow. I then rode Area Access, he is in good order and goes to Stratford as well, it is stiffer competition but I think he will like the extended trip. Westbrooke also runs at Stratford in the bumper and Duke Of Monmouth runs in a h'cap hurdle at Uttoxeter, I have left Dukes head gear off this time as I have always thought he is a very genuine little horse, I hope this run will just give him his confidence back.
On Sunday we run Fine Parchment at Ascot in the Veterans Chase, it is a tough ask for him but as long as Harry doesn't miss the start he should go well! It is likely that Airmen's Friend and Always Smiling will run at Plumpton on Monday as long as the ground doesn't get too soft.
David Crosse rode out for us on Wednesday morning and was full of the joys of spring after his first win in a year the previous day, unfortunately that afternoon he had a horrible fall smashing himself up quite badly. We all hope he makes a swift recovery and once again it is a stark reminder of what a tough job these boys do.
Friday 28 March 2014
Tuesday 25 March 2014
25.03.14
Things took a strange turn on Thursday morning when my ex wife bought round her new boyfriend to ask my permission to move in together! I felt like the Pope giving my blessing! With a new lease of life I then took 3 horses to the schooling ground, Airmens Friend, Always Smiling and Verano who all jumped well ahead of running in the next week.
We ran Shockingtimes at Newbury on Friday, he was a fast finishing 5th. He jumped okay but didn't get the best ride in the world, I think he nearly could have won. That morning we sent Who Owns Me up in the lorry to run at Kelso on the Saturday, as it turned out it was an awfully long way to go for a very bad ride to eventually be pulled up.
Luckily I went to Newbury on Saturday rather than heading up to Kelso, we ran Murray Mount in the DBS 50k bumper, he was running well but 2f out he got stuck in the very tacky mud. Sands Cove ran in the 2m h'cap chase, he just found one to good when the winner went clear in to the lead 4f out leaving us on the back foot. He jumped beautifully and although we are still looking for that elusive win with the horse he did run well.
We ran Verano at Wincanton on Sunday, he ran on to take 3rd in the closing stages, his wind was very suspect. We have since managed to get him to Geoff Lane to have a soft palate today, which will enable us to still run him before the summer months, I am hoping he will improve quite a bit for it.
On Monday morning I rode Dragon City who gave me a very nice feel. I also rode Airmen's Friend who felt superb and in need of a run. We put Sureness through the stalls ahead of her run on the all-weather on Wednesday at Kempton, she was very good compared to my helpers who couldn't get the hang of it at all! Duke of Monmouth had an over ground scope, it showed absolutely nothing. It has been very frustrating with him as since he won in November his season has gone down hill and I don't have clue why. We have done all sorts of tests on him and found nothing wrong with him.
I rode Almost Gemini and Sureness this morning who both felt very well. I had declared Airmen's Friend at Fontwell today but I took him out this morning as they had a large band of rain and the ground had gone too soft for him.
We ran Shockingtimes at Newbury on Friday, he was a fast finishing 5th. He jumped okay but didn't get the best ride in the world, I think he nearly could have won. That morning we sent Who Owns Me up in the lorry to run at Kelso on the Saturday, as it turned out it was an awfully long way to go for a very bad ride to eventually be pulled up.
Luckily I went to Newbury on Saturday rather than heading up to Kelso, we ran Murray Mount in the DBS 50k bumper, he was running well but 2f out he got stuck in the very tacky mud. Sands Cove ran in the 2m h'cap chase, he just found one to good when the winner went clear in to the lead 4f out leaving us on the back foot. He jumped beautifully and although we are still looking for that elusive win with the horse he did run well.
We ran Verano at Wincanton on Sunday, he ran on to take 3rd in the closing stages, his wind was very suspect. We have since managed to get him to Geoff Lane to have a soft palate today, which will enable us to still run him before the summer months, I am hoping he will improve quite a bit for it.
On Monday morning I rode Dragon City who gave me a very nice feel. I also rode Airmen's Friend who felt superb and in need of a run. We put Sureness through the stalls ahead of her run on the all-weather on Wednesday at Kempton, she was very good compared to my helpers who couldn't get the hang of it at all! Duke of Monmouth had an over ground scope, it showed absolutely nothing. It has been very frustrating with him as since he won in November his season has gone down hill and I don't have clue why. We have done all sorts of tests on him and found nothing wrong with him.
I rode Almost Gemini and Sureness this morning who both felt very well. I had declared Airmen's Friend at Fontwell today but I took him out this morning as they had a large band of rain and the ground had gone too soft for him.
Tuesday 18 March 2014
18.03.14
I rode Sands Cove and the young horse Westbrooke on Monday, they both seemed in very good form. I then drove up to Southwell where we ran Area Access over the fixed brush hurdles. Harry Bannister rode him again, I think he was a little bit unlucky as had he have jumped the last without chipping in he probably would have won. It has been a frustrating season because of the rain and the fact that we have not had the 'rub of the green' in that we have had a few horses falling that would have won and too many seconds! but it goes like that.
This morning I rode Verano 1st lot, he feels great and will most likely run at Newbury on Saturday. I rode Murray Mount 2nd lot, he will take his chance first time out in the £50,000 bumper at Newbury on Saturday too.
We ran a nice horse today at Wetherby called Almost Gemini, he ran a really nice race in finishing second by 3/4l but he looked to be winning all the way until the line. He is a big horse who will win next time and will certainly jump a fence.
This morning I rode Verano 1st lot, he feels great and will most likely run at Newbury on Saturday. I rode Murray Mount 2nd lot, he will take his chance first time out in the £50,000 bumper at Newbury on Saturday too.
We ran a nice horse today at Wetherby called Almost Gemini, he ran a really nice race in finishing second by 3/4l but he looked to be winning all the way until the line. He is a big horse who will win next time and will certainly jump a fence.
Saturday 15 March 2014
15.03.13
We had Harry Bannister riding out on Monday morning, he then drove me down to Taunton where we ran Sureness in her first hurdle, although she looked superb and jumped very well she does not get the trip. We will be running her on the flat though the summer. We then ran Area Access who was backed from 16-1 down to 9-2, he won very nicely with Harry Bannister on board. I had told the owners 3 days before that he would win but neither of us had a penny on him! The horse will most likely go up quite a bit in the h'cap but I have 10 days to run him before this so I will most likely get him out gain on Monday.
When I arrived at the Turf Club at Cheltenham on Tuesday there were 3 bottles of Champagne lined up for me on the bar - at least everyone else seemed to have backed Area Access! Prince Constantine came to ride Mr Big that morning ahead of his race course debut in the Cheltenham Charity race. The ground changed quite quickly at Cheltenham, all the races were run at an incredible speed, when they go as fast as they do there is very little room for error. We had a full house all week with family friends and owners staying. including Mark and my sister Caroline, Nick Bannister, David Batten, Lucinda Green and Andy Stone.
Fine Parchment ran in the Kim Muir on Thursday unfortunately he got left at the start, we then ran Mr Big in the Charity race with Prince Constantine on board, they both had a great time and raised lots of money. All in all it was a fantastic week of racing.
Seventh Sky at ran at Fakenham yesterday, it was unlucky that they had a delay at Cheltenham as he spent 15 minutes in the pre parade ring then more time walking on course, by the time he looked at the first hurdle he was shaking like a leaf and had left his race at home.
Dragon City worked very well with Portmonarch this morning. Shockingtimes and Verano both did a good bit together and will both run next week. Murray Mount worked very well and is on target for the DBS sales bumper next week.
When I arrived at the Turf Club at Cheltenham on Tuesday there were 3 bottles of Champagne lined up for me on the bar - at least everyone else seemed to have backed Area Access! Prince Constantine came to ride Mr Big that morning ahead of his race course debut in the Cheltenham Charity race. The ground changed quite quickly at Cheltenham, all the races were run at an incredible speed, when they go as fast as they do there is very little room for error. We had a full house all week with family friends and owners staying. including Mark and my sister Caroline, Nick Bannister, David Batten, Lucinda Green and Andy Stone.
Fine Parchment ran in the Kim Muir on Thursday unfortunately he got left at the start, we then ran Mr Big in the Charity race with Prince Constantine on board, they both had a great time and raised lots of money. All in all it was a fantastic week of racing.
Seventh Sky at ran at Fakenham yesterday, it was unlucky that they had a delay at Cheltenham as he spent 15 minutes in the pre parade ring then more time walking on course, by the time he looked at the first hurdle he was shaking like a leaf and had left his race at home.
Dragon City worked very well with Portmonarch this morning. Shockingtimes and Verano both did a good bit together and will both run next week. Murray Mount worked very well and is on target for the DBS sales bumper next week.
Monday 10 March 2014
10.03.14
Sands Cove ran well to finish 3rd at Sandown on Saturday, it was a lovely sunny day out with the owners who were all pleased with his performance - 2 out it almost looked like he might get his nose in front only to be hampered slightly, he will come on for the run and I am happy that the little wind-op we did with him seems to have done the trick. Noel says he would also like slightly better ground so will keep on improving as the weather does.
On Saturday morning we worked 1st lot up the back of the hill gallop. Area Access worked very well and runs today at Taunton where I think he will go well on his h'cap debut. Fine Parchment did a very strong piece of work and will head to Cheltenham on Thursday for the Kim Muir where he should go well fresh. Sureness went well with Shockingtimes, she also runs today in a fillies juvenile at Taunton.
Elmore Back is in great spirits and enjoying a good buck, I might save him till the end of April so he remains a Novice for next year but I will have a look at other options. Verano has come back well after his run so I will find another race for him shortly.
Saturday was a quiet day as the ground is still very soft and tacky. But it gave us the opportunity to get on top of things before the busy week ahead.
We schooled Mondays runners on Sunday morning then Myself, Rose, Iffy, the two dogs Lily and Sylvia and Mr Big all got in the little 2 box and headed down to the BV point-to-point. I was having my first p2p runner and giving Philippa her first ride in a p2p. Mr Big jumped beautifully, Philippa had a love ride on him and finished 4th. Up at Market Rasen Airmen's Friend got a little stuck in the ground but managed to finish 3rd.
This morning I rode Seventh Sky who felt very well and Murray Mount who was very fresh. I am now about to get in the car and get myself down to Taunton to then return to a full house of family and friends all staying for Cheltenham Festival. What week ahead!
On Saturday morning we worked 1st lot up the back of the hill gallop. Area Access worked very well and runs today at Taunton where I think he will go well on his h'cap debut. Fine Parchment did a very strong piece of work and will head to Cheltenham on Thursday for the Kim Muir where he should go well fresh. Sureness went well with Shockingtimes, she also runs today in a fillies juvenile at Taunton.
Elmore Back is in great spirits and enjoying a good buck, I might save him till the end of April so he remains a Novice for next year but I will have a look at other options. Verano has come back well after his run so I will find another race for him shortly.
Saturday was a quiet day as the ground is still very soft and tacky. But it gave us the opportunity to get on top of things before the busy week ahead.
We schooled Mondays runners on Sunday morning then Myself, Rose, Iffy, the two dogs Lily and Sylvia and Mr Big all got in the little 2 box and headed down to the BV point-to-point. I was having my first p2p runner and giving Philippa her first ride in a p2p. Mr Big jumped beautifully, Philippa had a love ride on him and finished 4th. Up at Market Rasen Airmen's Friend got a little stuck in the ground but managed to finish 3rd.
This morning I rode Seventh Sky who felt very well and Murray Mount who was very fresh. I am now about to get in the car and get myself down to Taunton to then return to a full house of family and friends all staying for Cheltenham Festival. What week ahead!
Thursday 6 March 2014
06.03.14
On Tuesday we used the grass for the first time and three people managed to get run away with as the horses enjoyed themselves so much! Later had lunch in The Hare with Nick Patten and Will Riggall who both work for the Jockey Club as they wanted to discuss my gallop.
On Wednesday we worked quite a few horses, Airmen's Friend worked well up the bank. On the back of the hill Dragon City worked very well, he is strengthening up each time he goes up there. Almost Gemini did a nice bit with Fine Parchment, both showed they are fit and well. Area Access worked well even after running away on the grass yesterday!
We have got Elmore Back on track again now, he will do his first bit of work again soon. He was very sore after pulling himself around in the mud after Doncaster but seems to be over that now. Plum Stone is in tremendous form, she is in a Listed race at Sandown on Saturday but I don't think I want to risk running her in to softer ground in which case she will go straight to Aintree.
Noel Fehily and Mark Grant were in this morning to School, Noel rode Shockingtimes who jumped beautifully, he led Attimo who had his first school over fences - he was breathtakingly good, I am glad as we always thought he would be a nice chaser in time.
Airmen's Friend was very good over fences. Seventh Sky had a pop and jumped better than he did at Newbury on Saturday! Sureness schooled nicely and will run at Taunton on Monday.
Harry Bannister came into school Fine Parchment ahead of Cheltenham in which we hope to run him in the Kim Muir on Thursday, he jumped with his usual enthusiasm. Philippa Holland also schooled Mr Big before he runs in the Blackmore & Sparks Point-to-Point on Sunday and we hope she will have a nice ride. This is prep race for Mr Big's big day out at Cheltenham Festival (where he runs in the charity race!)
On Wednesday we worked quite a few horses, Airmen's Friend worked well up the bank. On the back of the hill Dragon City worked very well, he is strengthening up each time he goes up there. Almost Gemini did a nice bit with Fine Parchment, both showed they are fit and well. Area Access worked well even after running away on the grass yesterday!
We have got Elmore Back on track again now, he will do his first bit of work again soon. He was very sore after pulling himself around in the mud after Doncaster but seems to be over that now. Plum Stone is in tremendous form, she is in a Listed race at Sandown on Saturday but I don't think I want to risk running her in to softer ground in which case she will go straight to Aintree.
Noel Fehily and Mark Grant were in this morning to School, Noel rode Shockingtimes who jumped beautifully, he led Attimo who had his first school over fences - he was breathtakingly good, I am glad as we always thought he would be a nice chaser in time.
Airmen's Friend was very good over fences. Seventh Sky had a pop and jumped better than he did at Newbury on Saturday! Sureness schooled nicely and will run at Taunton on Monday.
Harry Bannister came into school Fine Parchment ahead of Cheltenham in which we hope to run him in the Kim Muir on Thursday, he jumped with his usual enthusiasm. Philippa Holland also schooled Mr Big before he runs in the Blackmore & Sparks Point-to-Point on Sunday and we hope she will have a nice ride. This is prep race for Mr Big's big day out at Cheltenham Festival (where he runs in the charity race!)
Monday 3 March 2014
03.03.14
We had 24 people from the West Berks Racing Club for 2nd lot on Friday and jockeys Noel Fehily and Mark Grant. I think they all had a good time even in the rain. I then quickly whizzed off to Doncaster to watch Verano run in is debut for us and over hurdles for the first time. He ran well to finish 4th, he will certainly improve for the run.
We worked most of the horses on Saturday, the horse that stood out the most was Plum Stone she did a strong bit of work round back of hill on the bridle the whole way. Shockingtimes worked well looking more settled and happier in himself and Portmonarch also worked really well.
On Saturday we had 4 runners, 3 of which where at Newbury were we had a box for the day. Who Owns Me ran a very gallant race running on after the last to finish 2nd off top weight of 11st 12lbs. Seventh Sky looked to be travelling well in front when taking a hell of a fall two out, I was disappointed he fell after jumping so well this season. Westbrooke ran in the Charity race with Rose, they finished bottom of the order but both had their first ever race and came back in one piece.
We sadly lost Low Gales at Doncaster who ruptured a tendon and could not be saved. It is very upsetting for us all at home and for his owners to lose such a lovely and well regarded horse.
I rode Almost Gemini this morning who feels to have come on from his run. her is very fresh and taking on the gallops more than he used to, I have entered him at Market Rasen on Sunday where he will most likely run.
We worked most of the horses on Saturday, the horse that stood out the most was Plum Stone she did a strong bit of work round back of hill on the bridle the whole way. Shockingtimes worked well looking more settled and happier in himself and Portmonarch also worked really well.
On Saturday we had 4 runners, 3 of which where at Newbury were we had a box for the day. Who Owns Me ran a very gallant race running on after the last to finish 2nd off top weight of 11st 12lbs. Seventh Sky looked to be travelling well in front when taking a hell of a fall two out, I was disappointed he fell after jumping so well this season. Westbrooke ran in the Charity race with Rose, they finished bottom of the order but both had their first ever race and came back in one piece.
We sadly lost Low Gales at Doncaster who ruptured a tendon and could not be saved. It is very upsetting for us all at home and for his owners to lose such a lovely and well regarded horse.
I rode Almost Gemini this morning who feels to have come on from his run. her is very fresh and taking on the gallops more than he used to, I have entered him at Market Rasen on Sunday where he will most likely run.
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