Firstly apologies for lack of news for the last week – especially after Open Day! A manic week before that was followed by a trip to Ireland in the lorry with Harriet doing her first two star at Ballindenisk – two over night ferry trips, no wifi, and some traditional Irish partying did not leave the brain in the best of places! Back at 5am yesterday and a bit jaded, but a good night’s sleep last night and now back on form!
Open Day dawned cold and windy but warmed up into a beautiful day – thank goodness, and about three hundred joined us for what we hope was an enjoyable morning. Lots of lovely comments and emails afterwards so do hope that everyone who came had a good morning. The team on great form and paraded all of the horses – all of whom behaved themselves – a couple a bit on their toes, but good practise prior to the races.
We have a good bit to send to the air ambulance as well – a great cause which should not have to rely on charitable funding.
We have a few catalogues left – not on the scale of Paul Nicholls’s shiny ones, but a list of the horses and some thoughts so if you would like a copy do drop me an email and we will send you one.
Happy to sees to many owners and friends who joined us for lunch after the parade, Brian Kirby as usual doing an excellent job with the pig roast, and Julie and Nicky Venevells’ legendary cakes going down a treat as always.
A big thank you to Julie and Nicky, and of course Annalisa, who insisted on carrying on with helping us, after losing Peter only the previous weekend. Peter Venvell had shares in horses with us for many years and it’s hard to believe we won’t see him here again. He was always a great supporter and was full of wisdom and encouragement whatever the circumstances. He will be missed by many.
I was particularly sad not to make Peter’s funeral as I was in Ireland, but Robin and several of the team went to pay their respects – Peter would have been so proud of Annalisa in particular, who did his eulogy – brave girl.
Great to have a lot of interest in our partnership horses during Open Day, and a new group called The More the Merrier taking on the beautiful Routine Procedure – a stunning horse who will give them plenty of fun.
Anti Cool is also now a partnership horse, with John Powell of EPDS racing unable to resist him – shares going fast, so do call or email if you would like to be involved with him. A pic on the horses for sale part of the website – lovely horse and already a winner of an Irish point to point, so proved he can go!
The work for the horses now increasing all the time and at last some possible entries starting to appear on the board in the office. Some ‘away day’ gallops being planned so some rain starting to be needed so that we can get to the races before too long.