Back to Towcester the next day with gallopers, Autumm Spirit, Minnie Milan and an the unnamed Norse Dancer all working well over two mile, AS then popping round over some fences with Charlie and looking to have fun.
Minnie Milan and Troyan both ran at Ludlow, Ground a bit quick for Troyan who will now have a holiday, Minnie Milan running really well to finish a very satisfactory fifth.
Queen of the Stage and Be My Witness ran in the bumper at Towcester QOTS outpaced early, but flew up the hill to finish sixth, BMW travelled well until getting a massive knock which interrupted her rhythm, although she was far from disgraced.
All the babies had a school this morning - their first time over hurdles - although the have been popping poles for a while. They were all very good, Under The Phone in charge as lead horse and jumping very well - excited about him.
Under The Phone is the new horse for The Ticksters who have had a terrible run with Ballyhooley Boy, who has been the original 'sick-note'. I have never known a horse like it, masses of talent, but just one thing after another with lameness/colic and several things that we did not know existed! Sadly he finally succumbed a couple of weeks ago with a twisted gut, and had to be put to sleep. Condolences to the lovely Tricksters who have been so fantastically patient, and we wish them all the luck in the world with Under The Phone, who should not be too long before he makes his debut in this country.
Playing With Fire and Kitegen both ran at Southwell, and both finished fourth - the ground went very soft after a deluge in the afternoon, which suited neither.
Valrene ran no sort of race and will have a break, Bally Lagan ran very creditably to be second - frustrating as we all hate second, but he has not been out of the first four over fences, and there are plenty that don't make it into the winners enclosure at all! The Absent Mare made quick work of Maurice Linehan who fell off at the first fence at Worcester - far more frustrating than second!
Flu jabs a plenty yesterday, and nice to have Graham Potts back in action after his surgery.
Most of the horses are now having a break - its lovely to see them out and chilling out, but equally nerve wracking as they can be such idiots in the field, and spend quite a bit of time messing about! Happily we have plenty of excellent grass this year, and plenty of space if anyone has any grazing requirements.