Winner #8
Very happy to report another winner at Warwick on Thursday last week, with Wildmoor Boy following up his Stratford win with a decisive success in the 2m5f hurdle race. Making all under an excellent ride by Jack Quinlan, ‘Mouse’ jumped well and saw off all challengers to win by 6 lengths.
As is documented elsewhere on this blog, WB has been a bloody big handful in the preliminaries, and we thought we were heading for more of the same as we arrived at the last possible minute, and a lot of rearing ensued as the saddle was going on! However, progress is being made as his confidence grows, and Megan & Ceris (it takes two!!) had a much easier time in the paddock as he walked round in a very civilised fashion!
Of course that then caused more worry as we then all thought that he was ill!
He has always been good once out on the track and once racing but it was lovely to have him so settled in the paddock – the girls needing less washing down afterwards!! The racecourse staff have been very helpful with accommodating his needs – so thank you to them – less can be said for some other parties who seem to think we are up to no good with him! I think the message to them is – you try handling him!!
All credit to our brilliant team – especially Megan & Ceris who have coped with him so well –great to be getting back the rewards for their bravery & skill – he is certainly not for the feint hearted!! Odd really as he is easy at home!
Delighted for Cliff Beech & Brian Wilkinson & the rest of the Beech team as they have been so patient with him. Tuesday will see what the handicapper makes of the win!
The previous meeting at Warwick the week before saw Garrahalish & Bally Lagan making their seasonal debuts. Gorgeous Gary ran well to be fourth, jumped like a cat and made all until possibly slightly needing the race from the second last. A good run though as he had been off the track for a good while with various niggles.
Bally Lagan finished third – also a very good run – again jumped brilliantly and no excuses. Two lovely horses and shares available in both!
Open Morning on Saturday – first Saturday of the month – a true to form – it P****d down! Also freezing cold! However NH hunt fans made of stern stuff and not put off by the conditions – also encouraged by the thought of Terry & Mandy Poulsons baking, and Julie Venvells’ matilda cake!! Thank you as ever to them for coffee making & cake supplies!
We were pleased to be asked to a dinner on Friday to launch the South West jumps awards at Cheltenham racecourse. A really good concept, we were all made very welcome by Chetenham and treated to an excellent dinner. Not entirely sure their introduction a of Racing club was welcomed at this particular event by any than the three trainers involved!! Possibly rather dubious timing with so many other trainers there!!
Saturday was another night out (getting too old for this!) and we were delighted to attend our gold medal winning neighbours celebration party. And what a party! All the great & good from show jumping , racing , eventing both home and away there and a fantastic spread put on by Nick & Laura. We felt very honoured to be there and not a party to leave very early!!
Sunday a steady sort of day catching up with chores – energy levels flagging somewhat!
Kaddys Girl to Southwell today – first run over fences, so hoping for a nice safe round. Good luck to John & Ann Rogers who were here on Saturday to see KD before her big day. Nice to have some time to spend with them, and a good lunch in eth Kings Head in Aston Cantlow.
Entries later in the week for The Lion Man & Vocaliser at Towcester (lets hope the canteen has improved) Also Thomas Crapper Bally Lagan Garrahalish & Some Finish. Going to be a busy one!