Bally Lagan and Graylyn Amber both screaming well at home but neither can go on the soft, so a gallop in order for them. Unfortunately Amber could not wait to get going and took off with Joe before the starter said go, and then did a circuit before Joe could pull her up.She was then withdrawn by the starter, although it might have done her good to go around again! It was a rather tricky situation to deal with, and the stewards were gunning for Joe, but there were plenty of errors on the part of the officials too. The mare did not break the gate, as it was released, and then the 'flag man' failed to wave his flag, so hard for Joe to initially realise that it was a false start. There was questioning as to why Joe did not steer her into the rails to stop her, but we were all agreed that all that would have done was to get the horse and jockey injured as once she is on a mission Amber is not for stopping!
After a delay to the start Bally Lagan then ran a blinder to finish in the middle, and also beat some nice horses. The penny is really starting to drop with him, and he is taking hold of the bit at last, having not really 'got it', earlier in his short career to date. He is well handicapped and once it stops raining will give his patient owners plenty of fun in the Spring. There are a few shares available in Bally, so do call if you would like to join a nice group to join in the fun.
The weather at Kempton was terrible, and we were all drenched and cold by the time we left the course with a suitcase full of sodden kit! Five o'clock on a Friday evening not an ideal time to hit the M3/M25 and it was a tediously slow journey home. The team all joined us for an Indian meal which Robin and Jo picked up on their way back, and a debrief on the day's events!
No racing at the weekend, and a day out with Harriet on Sunday with the eventers, both of whom won their classes, so a good day for them.
Monday saw the lorry retracing its journey back to Kempton with Graylyn Ruby, who was second there a few weeks ago. Ruby suffered a really terrible tendon injury three years ago, and Graham and Lyn Knight have been SO patient with him, Graham walking miles with Ruby as part of his rehab. At last it all paid off with Ruby battling hard for a well deserved win under Luke Morris. Poor Graham and Lyn missing out on being there due to a radiator malfunction in their car as they left home. Holly 2's first winner so a big day for her, and the rest of the team nearly taking the roof off the house screaming him home! (even the dogs were joining in - mad house!!)
Huge congratulations to the Knights, and also thanks for giving him so many chances to get back into the winners enclosure. Nice to see them here on Thursday with a very big pat for Rubs.
Thursday also a big day as it saw the return of Holly1, after four long months of enforced time off. Poor Holly had a fall in October which left her with a fractured femur. A steel rod and a short stay in hospital then saw her with many weeks of immobility, no driving and boredom! So it was great to welcome her back to the fold - light duties only (the tack is going to be super clean!) for a while, and no riding yet but its all going the right way, and at least the entertainment is back at Labrador farm!
Nice to see Peter Marsh here on Friday, and Doug and Marilyn Miles on Saturday morning, the only sunny day of the week! They were joined by John O'Neill and were here to see Point of Attack, who is shaping up really well now. The shares are going fast in him now - do give a call if you would like to get involved in the new group that we are putting together with him - he is going to be fun.
Warwick yesterday with Valrene having her first run back after having a chip taken out of her knee at the backend of last season. She hated the ground, and Charlie pulled her up before two out, but at least she had a racecourse gallop and most importantly is fine after.
Entries at Chepstow on Wednesday - please rain stay away!