Winner!

After a long lean spell it was great to have a visit to the winners enclosure last week Thomas Crapper. Crappy has been an absolute legend for us, but has had a difficult 18 months after fracturing a bone at the back of his knee at the Cheltenham April meeting, we thought that it could well be a  career ending injury for him, but thanks to the skill of Mark Georgetti at Three Counties, who took out bone chips, the absolute patience of the home team - especially Harriet Turner who looks after him, miles of rehab walking, the patience of his lovely owners who have stood by him through it all and a few days of hunting with Harriet Dickin - Crappy got it back together under a great ride from Charlie to win a vetrans chase at Southwell!

Lots of screaming and a good bit of emotion from everyone involved and plenty of folk who are part of the Crappy Fan Club! He seems to have a great following which became evident after he was injured. Hundreds of messages and a good few packets of polos arriving here for him, and so many people delighted to see him back in the winners enclosure.

 Thank you to everyone who took the trouble to wish him well - its so great to have the support.

 That support is equally important when things don't go to plan, as was the case at Bangor the week before when we tragically lost Park Philosopher. a lovely big horse by Milan, for whom we had high hopes. His owners Angela & Bert Thompson had given him all the time he needed to strengthen up before his first tun over hurdles. Sadly all the dreams were shattered,  when he broke a hind leg going to the third last. Thank you for all the lovely messages, and our hearts go out to The Thompsons. RIP lovely Neville.

 The Team, ever professional, were back at it the next morning with gallopers leaving the yard at 6.30! Hard as it is, the only thing to do is take a mighty deep breath, square up the shoulders and go forward.

Plenty running well. Thee Bullet Gate making his debut over hurdles at Chepstow ran a blinder to be 6th, Mr Palmtree ran very well in the hottest bumper of the year so far, and looks an exciting prospect.

Nomination Game getting his act together better at each run and finished a decent third on his last run. 

The weather as ever trying everyone's patience and plenty of ours still waiting on some proper winter ground. Its raining now (at last) and is also very cold! Storm Diana apparently approaching!

First Saturday of the month this week so don't forget its our monthly Open Morning! Terry is warming up his baking tins, and it'll be the last one of the year so every chance of a festive theme to his ever popular cakes!!

If you are stuck for Christmas present ideas, a share in one of our partnerships never disappoints!!