WINNER!

 Very happy to report a winner last week – and on the flat too!! Storming Harry has tested the patience of his lovely owners Nigel & Jenny Thick, to the limit! He has been very difficult to train but improved immensely on his previous run to finish a close up 5th at Nottingham. This time it was off to LIngfield – not a pleasant journey from here, and the M25 its usual chaos! SH was held up through the race, and travelled well but then was in all sorts of bother off the last bend, and it looked as though his chance was gone, however once he got some daylight he stayed on gallantly and got up to win by half a length! I think the collective screaming by the team at the races and also the home team must have done the trick! Delighted for Nigel & Jenny who bred SH out of a super mare that we used to train called Miss Pebbles. Always special to do it with a home bred, so huge congratulations to them and also to Rachel who looks after SH and has nursed him through thick and thin!

 We have had a long spell without a winner so a relief to get off the cold list. It’s great to have the team all in again now, and what a lovely bunch of horses we have for the season. Very happy to have Kitegen back after a brief spell away, and a big welcome to his owners Paul & Clare, who have shares in other horses too, but having their first venture into joint ownership. We wish them all the very best of luck.

 The gallop is all but finished now – just waiting on one load to finish it off. The surface riding really well after the top up, although it was nearly a case of dodge the Eddie Stobart lorry after one of the drivers managed to sink a wheel on the side of the gallop! All rather tense for a while as it had a big lean on – thanks to Granville Stevens for the loan of a big tractor to help ours pull it out!

 Good to see Ben Poste, Chris Ward and James Martin all in to ride last week – a big help as Charlie off on his hols for a while. Harriet also back in harness and a big welcome to Zach Sparrow who joins us as a full time team member.

 A big young farmer’s party down the road on Friday night and in the aftermath of Storming Harrys’ win the day before a few sore heads in evidence on Saturday morning!

 Robin & I went to Tattersalls sales last week to look at a horse, which we liked but not really enough to buy it! The search continues for the next star! We were also under bidders on a couple of stores which was mighty frustrating; the trade was pretty solid with as always the nice horses making good money. A busy trip, but well looked after by Tatts who provide an excellent service getting everyone to and from the airport, booking hotels etc! Happily Aer Lingus flights cheaper than the mighty Ryan Air last week – only a short trip but you can certainly tell the difference!

3^rd August

 Resurfacing the gallop began last week with just over 166 tonnes of new woodchip being laid down on top of the older chips. The job is almost done and with new drainage also being installed the gallop will be in brilliant condition all winter. The arena is also having a refurb, so our already great facilities will be in tip top order!

 On Friday the 24^th Kayf Tiger ran at Uttoxeter in a National Hunt Flat race, he travelled well for much of the race but just got a bit tired in the last couple of furlongs, he will come on for the run. Ideally he ran a fortnight too soon, but without travelling as far as Perth, options were very limited and we were pleased with his performance, particularly as the first 3 home look like being very high class horses. Also well done to Megan for winning yet another best turned out!  

 On the 30^th Storming Harry headed to Nottingham to run in a 2 mile flat race, his first time over a longer trip and were pleased with a vastly improved performance. He finished 5^th only beaten a short distance.  He had some problems after his last run which explained the poor run, acupuncture from Fiona Georgetti has helped him enormously, so  thanks to her for all her help.

This week we also had Harriet Turner start as a full time member of the team; Harriet has been with us part- time since coming for work experience a year ago and we are pleased to welcome her on board! Zach Sparrow has also joined us this week – so great to have a strong team complete for the season.

 Good to see  Albert and Angela Thompson, Nicky Preece and Julie Venvell here last Saturday to see Some Finish, Get Involved and Bally Lagan who all look well after their summer break. 

 Nearly all the horses now in and its great to see all the heads over doors again, another trip to Ireland this week on a mission to find another star – a busy day with several nice horses to see, and a day of backs as well. Always nice to see the Irish friends and a busy couple of days.

A sad day for us  last week.

No clue as to why this has happened, but the article written by Lee Mottershead says it all. so no need to add to it.

The placeditis outbreak continues – with a double of seconds at Market Rasen. Both Kitegen and Galactic Power both finishing runner up under Charlie & Joe respectively. Lovely to have Kite back firing again and he was desperately unlucky not to hang on for the win. GP ran his usual game race and again was unlucky to come up against one on the day – he has come home a little sore so crossing everything that we can get him settled down and out for a break.

 Dans’ Quest ran a solid race at Worcester but an unexplained blip in Anti Cools form at Southwell when he ran no sort of race at all. Tests have revealed absolutely nothing, which is frustrating. Both now in the field for some ‘Dr Green’, and will be ones to look f

Spurned Girl ran a hugely improved race at Stratford running on really well to finish third under Ben Poste – the tongue strap helping her enormously! Great o see her starting to repay some of the Hitchman families’ patience. She has been a big handful but has settled down well and starting to channel her energies in the right direction now! Young Lou ran well for a long way but needs different tactics, and Be My Witness ran well to be fourth should have been closer but for encountering traffic problems in home straight.

 The power hose is getting well used at present; it is a big job to get all of the boxes to cleaned right out, washed and disinfected and a very tedious one too! The team are on it though and making good progress, although will be thrilled when it’s all finished!

 Harriet & I have been in Ireland for a couple of days this week, plenty of backs to do for me and some young sport horses for Harriet to sit on, as well as a catch up with some old friends. An enjoyable trip but energy levels dipping a bit today!

 No runners over the weekend and indeed pretty quiet at present with only 14 or so in. The rest looking fat and happy in the field.

 Dancing Daffodil will be looking particularly fat before too long as she has just been scanned in foal to Native Ruler who stands at Batsford Stud. Super excited about this news as we bred her and her mother and I owned her grandmother from a very young age and saw her born! How time flies!

An outbreak of placeditis since the last update – an improvement on unplaceditis but still frustrating. Many of the team now shivering out at grass, but still quite a few to run – at least the rain is keeping the ground safe!

 The Lion Man shaping up nicely, and finishing fourth on both of his starts over hurdles so far – he is growing into a really nice type and getting stronger all the time – he will make a chaser in time but will win over hurdles before too long. Get Involved needs a wind op – no sign of trouble at home but he has been very noisy on both of his last runs – he is an exciting horse and will be back in the autumn.

Anti Cool is another that helps you to get out of bed in the morning – he has been third in both his hurdle runs and makes his hurdles debut tonight at Southwell. A hot little race but hopefully he will run well and gain from the experience.

 Experience was what is needed for Wildmoor Boy, who got horrifically upset on his hurdles debut. He really did not cope with any of the preliminaries at all – very out of character for him – and had run his race before they even jumped off!  We ran him again quickly to try and help him cope, which he did and ran much better to be third. Young Lou also third and running a nice race. Kitegen has got his jumping confidence back and is coming down in the handicap and will be back in the winner’s enclosure soon.

 Galactic Power ran a super race at Worcester to finish a fast finishing third – the race not run at all to suit with a very slow early pace he then got rather done for toe down the back but finished probably best of all. He has been a great little ‘super sub’ standing in for a couple of the EPDS horse who have had to have some time between races and is a lovely character to boot. He is gathering quite a fan base, and is an easy horse to like!

 Kaddys Girl also ran really well in the bumper at Worcester, she continues the very good line of offspring from Dickies’ Girl – the dam of Arctic Spirit, Autumn Spirit and Bill Brown among plenty of others, and is another that will soon be troubling the judge. The night racing certainly takes its toll on everyone, but good to manage to spend some time with John Powell and Ellie over a very late Chinese after racing and for them to be able to see the string without an early start.

 Shares in Some Finish going fast now – he is having his summer break now, but it will be good to get the partnership together by the time he comes in so if you are interested do please get in touch. He is another that should be a lot of fun for next season.

 There are also a few shares left in The Lion Man – again great value for a horse that is showing plenty of promise.

 On the whole the horses are running well – last season was always going to be a tricky one for us as we build up a new base of horses. Lots of youngsters to get handicapped, many of which are future chasers – lots of b****y seconds (including five for Thomas Crapper!) and Restless Harry off the road – but also now lots to look forward to as we get going on the new season. As always huge thanks to all of our lovely owners and supporters and of course the team at home.

 The home team now trying to fit in holidays as well as all the usual summer jobs that involve paint brushes and power hoses! It would feel a bit easier if the weather was less Baltic and a bit more like June!

A slightly bumpy ride for us lately with some of the team not running up to expectations, but also explanations for some, and things not quite as black and white as it may look on paper.

 More of which later as first mention in despatches has to got to Thomas Crapper who is back from his Irish adventure. TC made the long trip to Punchestown with Tom George’s lads as Harriet and I were already there. He arrived in good shape although delayed after a long wait in the docks as it was too rough for them to go on the fast boat. A few early hiccups ironed out very quickly and TC settled well after a bedroom move late at night. Harriet did an excellent job with him and spent a lot of time grazing him in-between exercise as obviously he could not be turned out – he looked amazing and handled the buzz well. The whole place was electric and it was amazing to be part of it all. Sadly the dream did not come true, and TC ran a little below par to finish 7^th. He jumped well and was far from disgraced – he so game and genuine and a horse that we are all privileged to have anything to do with.

 Great that many of the Crappers made it over to Punchestown, and also lovely to have support from some of our other partnership members who were there too. A night in Naas with Graham Wilcox and Peter Marsh seemed to leave the trainer with a bit of a headache the next morning!

We travelled back on the early boat on Saturday morning, with Harriet’s horses as well the lorry was packed to the roof, the crossing was pretty choppy but not as rough as the drive through North Wales which was horrendous, with monsoon conditions. Back safely though and very happy to get back into my own bed after nine days away! Sleeping in the lorry is all well and good when it’s warm but less appealing in Baltic April weather!

 It’s not all doom and gloom as we have had some very nice debut runs from Anti Cool and Kaddys Girl who both finished third in their respective bumpers. AC hard done by not to be second as he was badly interfered with in the last furlong, KG a super first run for John and Ann Rogers who have recently bought the sister to the good family of Arctic Spirit, Bill Brown etc. Kitegen ran much better to be fourth at Exeter and third at Chepstow, an improved run from Presenting Paddy at Southwell and a nice come back run from Young Lou after a few months off after a stress fracture. Galactic Power (BTO Kelly) put a poor run at Bangor behind him yesterday to finish a good second at Newton Abbott. Dans Quest a super second at Chepstow – bloody annoying to find one too good on the day but a good run nonetheless. Mertesacker ran a much better race at Wolverhampton.

 Some not so good runs have been frustrating – both Galactic Power and Dans Quest both ran stinkers at Bangor, no explanation and some odd results on the day apart from ours. Warwick runners had wind issues and Timons Tara (BTO Holly) got herself into a frenzy before her race and left her race in the paddock! Be My Witness travelling really well at Fakenham but then both she and Joe got kicked by a faller – Joe in the arm and BMW in the belly. She was distressed after the race and very sore, so a run to put in the bin for her!

 Dontminddboys ran well for a long way at Cheltenham but Charlie felt he is still rather weak and did not really see the trip out, and Garrahalish ran OK to be fifth but was not the normal Gary and very flat throughout. He came home and then got a snotty nose so obviously had something brewing that did not show up on bloods or scope.

 Training horses can be such a roller coaster, and even with all the tests available these days is never an exact science – frustrating when you can’t nail an explanation for some poor form, but often a reason lurking which raises its ugly head after the event. Plenty of holiday time beckoning for some of the horses now and the grass finally getting greener. Very cold up here yet though and not sure it’s quite time for rugs off even if it is May!

News a bit thin on the ground lately – super busy and there just does not seem to be time to fit everything in!

 Various runners making their first appearance for us, including Spicy Lady who ran Ok at Chepstow – first runner for Paul Rogers, and another BTO for Megan. The Lion Man had his first run over hurdles and finished a pleasing fourth, delighted with him and for John & Margaret Cooper who have bought a share in him to replace Dancing Daffodil who has gone off to Batsford Stud this week.

 We bred Daffodil who won 5 races for us and she was born at Batsford so it felt like we were completing the circle! She has gone to get up close and personal with Native Ruler – a young stallion by Cape Cross. Exciting times!

 The Lion Man was another of our Irish purchases – had a good first run but then rather disappointed, however Charlie and I loved him so decided to take the chance and he has showing us the promise that we hoped for. Shares available in him so do get in touch.

 Dance for Livvy back over hurdles ran well for a long way, but the race did not really go to plan and she was caught up the straight having been too free early on. Myroundorurs ran a greatly improved race at Newbury – is learning to settle and will want better ground. Letsfacethemusic hated the ground at Uttoxeter. (BTO for Kelly)

 Thomas Crapper (BTO for Harriet) went to Ascot on the windiest day of the year – the journey down the M40 was horrendous! TC is the model of consistency but does prefer good ground, and the deluge in the morning was not in our favour. However all looked well as he jumped for fun and was upsides at the last. We thought we had the winner but Puffin Billy fought hard and just piped us on the line. The race was won on the nod, and one stride before would have been ours. So disappointed for TC who must be the best qualified novice in the country having been second five times this season. It’s easy to go through all the if ands and buts, and at the end of the day he was only beaten about three inches, but the softening ground was against us and for the winner. Take nothing from the winner who also ran a great race – a dead heat would have been a great result!

 TC will now possibly head for Punchestown.

 No time to pause for breath and back down the M40 with four on Monday Mertesacker very strong early doors and then did not get home having nearly run away for the first mile. Kitegen running a super race till belting five out – hard – Charlie sensibly pulled him up after his chance was gone. Under the Phone ran his usual solid race to be third, and Timons Tara disappointing when fading after coming there easily and looking sure to be in the shake up.

 Lots of visitors over the last couple of weeks – great to see everyone and of course everyone always more than welcome.

 Many of our owners will remember Kykie Allsop who owned horses such as Kadijha and Jose Bove with us – sad to say that she died recently in tragic circumstances. Always an entertaining character Kykie was a very kind person and we send our sympathies to her family.

On a happier note we wish everyone a Happy Easter – unlikely any runners over the w/e – one race too hot – ground too soft elsewhere!

Back to reality with a bang on Thursday after Thomas Crapper’s great run on Tuesday. Garrahalish running a super race, (jumping like a stag for John Mathias) was infuriatingly brought down in the Fulke Walwyn chase. Poor Gary really did not deserve it and nor did John who was giving Gary a great ride. Happily both Ok afterwards and live to fight another day, but of course there are always the ‘if only’ thoughts to deal with!

 It’s the third time Gary has been mugged, and the second at Cheltenham, which is so disappointing for one of the best jumpers that you will see – his luck must change.

 If a mistake is your own it’s so much easier to deal with, and being brought down/hampered leave you with a real ‘kicked in the guts’ feeling! However, it could all have been a lot worse, as was brought home by Tom Weston’s’ horrible fall in the same race.

 Cheltenham its usual magic self, amazing atmosphere and we were extremely well looked after in the Brightwells pavilion with a superb lunch, so thank you Cheltenham for that addition to the day, much appreciated by all owners and trainers I am sure.

 Under the Phone to Kempton on Saturday for the Silver Plate race for horses that were balloted out of the Martin Pipe on Friday. He ran a blinder under Joe P jumped like a bunny – a solid effort.

 Eventing on Sunday and a win for ex racehorse Tilt Du Chatelier who Harriet has been re training – delighted to see a horse who did not take to racing having another opportunity at a different job, and very proud of Harriet who has turned a very difficult ride around.

 Lorries in two directions yesterday one heading north, the other south with Routine Procedure and Presenting Paddy – a long way both ways! RP got rather upset in the preliminaries and really ran his race by the time they got to the second hurdle! He stayed on one paced though and jumped very well. Fences beckon!

 Presenting Paddy has been off the track for a while and managed to get rid of Charlie at the second fence on his return run a couple of weeks ago, when his head was going faster than his legs! Not the case yesterday, when he jumped like a stag, and settled well. He did not really appreciate the dead ground and Charlie pulled him up turning in. All positive though and he also behaved on the lorry with Tommy for company which he certainly did not first run!!

 All home safe and sound, although the box driver from Exeter was flagging a bit by the time we got home! A long day.

What a couple of days!

 Thomas Crapper again did us proud and finished a gallant second in the last race at Cheltenham on Tuesday. Given a great ride by Charlie Poste he jumped and travelled beautifully all the way,

But annoyingly met one just too good up the run in. Its hard not to be disappointed with second again this year, but actually just feel immensely proud of our boy who is an absolute star!

 He seems to love Cheltenham and is not at all fazed by the crowds and general buzz of the place. Back home safely and fine afterwards always the highest priority. Out to play with his friends yesterday and the next step being planned.

 Back to reality and Huntingdon yesterday with little Galactic Power who has been acting as a courtesy car to EPDS Racing whilst Anti Cool has been off, and now has stepped into Money Maids shoes for EPDS 5. Ridden by Charlie’s girlfriend Francesca Nimmo, GP was suited by the savage early pace he jumped superbly and was always in the right place at the right time. Staying on well down the back he swept to the front turning in and went on to win by 5 lengths. Probably an odd sort of day for John Powell who runs the EPDS partnerships as their other horse was second! He did mention that his only thought going to the last was that he hoped that GP did not fall and bring Celtic Artisan down – not a good thought at all!!

 Our first winner for John and his team, and a first winner under rules for Fran. Delighted for both, and also for Kelly who has been a GP fan from the minute he walked into the yard and has looked after him since.

 Off back to battle today with Garrahalish in Fulke Walwyn chase today, was OK till I read the Racing Post – now feeling quite sick!

A little quiet on the runners’ front, heavy ground and a few abandonments playing havoc with plans, but as always plenty going on.

 Nice to have Troyan back for a slightly belated start to the season –

 Also back to the fray are Storming Harry who has had a frustrating few months with a cut that has taken a long while to heal. He managed to slice open his shin in the field, which then needed all the skill from the team at Three Counties to fix – its looking great now and you would never know how bad it was. Lots of patience from Nigel & Jenny Thick and lots of TLC from the team – especially Kelly & Rachel – it’s lovely to have him back in action. Bally Lagan also back under saddle – he picked up a  small injury last summer, and doesn’t handle soft ground so we have taken our time with him – he did have to go into the field before being ridden as otherwise there was a good chance we would find someone hanging in a tree!! He was as good as gold though. And Joe pleased to back with his partner in crime!

 Anti Cool has also finally made it back into the field – a nervous day – he definitely needed to get the buck out of him, and it’s brilliant to have him back in work. Dance for Livvy ran an improved race at Wolverhampton, Windy Miller ran well at Kempton but was quite sore afterwards Troyan made a noise at Ludlow and will need some attention to his wind, and Presenting Paddys’ brain was going a lot faster than his legs at Southwell after two years off the track, when tipping up at the second. He had a lovely school around after though and won the race – sadly without Charlie!!

 A few changes to the team recently and a big welcome to Kate Pheasant who has joined us this week and also Jordan McCall who has arrived  from The Northern Racing College – never an easy thing to join in the middle of a season, but I am sure they will both settle in quickly with the rest of the troops. Its also frustrating when people choose to leave in the middle of a season – especially those who have been given plenty of opportunities on the riding front – but life goes on and sometimes change is for the best.

 Charlie in as  usual to ride out, joined by a couple of new faces in Fran & Liam who are in most days, Gerald Tumelty is here once a week too – all a big help to the regular crew, and all have plenty to give on the general entertainment front!

Joe had a good winner at Carlisle the other day, which had AP been on would have made headlines! Miles out of it at the last Joe managed to conjure up a miracle run out of Madam Lillibet to get up on the line! Great effort.

 Entries at Cheltenham done for Thomas Crapper & Garrahalish – exciting times!! Entries this week include Under the Phone at Ludlow, The Lion Man, and Wildmore Boy at Newbury.

Well after a bit of a winner drought and an outbreak of ‘placeditis’ it was great to have a winner at Kempton on Friday.

 Four runners meant a busy day for the team, and a two lorry trip, which turned into a story on its own!

Under the Phone and Thomas Crapper on the first box, with Holly and me – Kelly and Harriet with the two bumper horses leaving later.

 An uneventful trip with the first two, but the peace shattered as we arrived at the races to a call from the other box to say that they has had a blow out on the motorway! An immediate turn around for me, abandoning Holly with the boys! A few phone calls resulted in a friend dropping everything and going to their assistance with a replacement lorry – a complete motorway closure of the M40 as they swapped lorries, a meeting at Oxford services to swap again onto my lorry and a dash back to the races, leaving Harriet to wait for the breakdown guys to finally appear with a new tyre!

 As always great teamwork, and huge thank you to Roy Hall who came to the rescue, getting to the girls faster than I could to get the horses off the motorway, the motorway police where also great and the team at Kempton just got on with it and had a winner whilst we were on the M25!! Gutted to miss the action, but managed to watch Under the Phone finish on Kelly’s phone whilst in a very slow bit. I think anyone near us must have thought they were next to a couple of lunatics jumping up and down and yelling our heads off, with three barking dogs also joining in!  

 Thrilled for The Tricksters who have had a torrid time of late with losing their previous horse Ballyhooley Boy to colic last year. A good many of the group there to cheer UTP home and other members keeping up with the action from as far away as New York, Burma and India!! The emails afterwards made for some great reading!

 Also chuffed for Joe who rode a super race and was not fazed by taking on the champion jockey going to the last! In fact AP was so disgusted at being beaten by Joe that he announced his retirement the next day!!

This winner reduced Joes'  claim to 7lb – he is well worth it and deserves to get a lot more opportunities.

 Thomas Crapper was having a run before Cheltenham, and had a nice jump round and a gallop – track probably not suiting him too well – he prefers a hill in his way!

 The two bumper horses both disliking the sticky ground. Myroundorurs is a lovely, good moving baby chaser, he pulled far too hard for his own good, and will want better ground and has to learn to settle. Our first runner for Andrew and Jane Nicholls, who we are delighted to be training for, welcome to them and we hope to have lots of success for them.

 The Lion Man ran well for a first run, he is a replacement horse for John and Margaret Cooper who own Dancing Daffodil with us. DD is off to stud, so ‘Roary’ (I know it’s a good one !!) has some big hoof prints to fill!

 Thankfully no drama on the way home, and to The Blue Boar for a celebration steak when we got home. Everyone far too tired to cook, and as usual the pub very accommodating regarding cooking late for us. Thoroughly recommended if you are in the area.

Happily all the horses home safely and fine the next day.

A busy week, but only a couple of runners. Anti Cool to the vets for a 12 week X-ray on his cannon bone, first thing on Monday morning. Good news on that front as it looks to be healing well and he can start walking again. After 12 weeks in his box he is pretty fresh, and pleased to be in action again, not sure that the team are so pleased at the thought of sitting tight! Bally Lagan also about to start into some light work after a good scan, so plenty of glue needed!

 It’s always gutting when horses get injured, and the weeks and months stretch out in front of you to wait for them to mend, but actually it goes surprisingly quickly and it’s also rewarding to see them back in work and feeling that we have done a good job with their rehab. Of course none of this is possible without their incredible, patient owners who listen to what is needed and give us a free rein to nurse their athletes back to full health.  

Nice to see Mrs and Mrs Bowcett here on Tuesday to see Anti Cool and Galactic Power. Gareth Conway and John O’Neill also here to chat through the aftermath of losing poor Point of Attack, and John and Margaret Cooper also here to make some plans as we have decided to retire the lovely Dancing Daffodil to stud. She has been a great fun horse for us, winning 5 races and being placed many times too. Now to decide who will be the lucky husband!

 Ludlow on Thursday was as wet as I have seen it – Routine Procedure improving hugely after a couple of disappointing runs – the addition of a tongue tie clearly having the desired effect, he travelled and jumped much better and finished a creditable sixth. RP is a stunning looking horse and although that does not guarantee him to be a star he is a baby chaser and any hurdle form will be a bonus. Wildmoor Boy went off favourite after his excellent Cheltenham run, and all looked to be going according to plan until they turned for home, when crossing the chase track he appeared to stop dead. Dropping to last it looked as if something was seriously amiss, but then ran on to finish fifth. Whether the softer ground caught him out for a few strides it’s hard to tell, but he is clearly still a lovely horse, possibly not suited by the sharper track. Happily both horses home fine, even after a bloody awful journey home in a howling gale, with bits of trees flying in all directions!

 Charlie and I are off to Ireland to look at a few on Wednesday – always a hectic day, involving a lot of driving and trying to find the next star! Entertaining too – watch this space for what we find!   

RIP Point of Attack

The crappest of crap days on Monday, with the loss of Point of Attack. A freak accident in his stable at evening stables left the team here reeling and his lovely owners in shock. Declared to run the next day, ‘George’ was in great shape both physically and mentally and had, what my Dad would have called ‘the lion look’. Sadly it was not to be and we lost him. We all accept the risks of dealing with and riding these wonderful creatures, and like most racing yards give them the best of everything, in terms of care, but also our love and attention. This was certainly true of PoA who arrived as a nervous and very thin horse, but who had blossomed into a confident athlete, with the care of our team, and the patience of the partnership who owned him. Our conditional jockey Joe had looked after him from day one, and been a huge part of the change in him. We had not seen the best of him by far.

 Condolences to all concerned.

Frustrating to lose both Haydock and Warwick this week where we should have had runners – but very cold and frosty here although  it has really warmed up this evening. Hopefully Cheltenham will be fine for tomorrow, when Wildmoor Boy makes his racecourse debut in a hot looking bumper. Sadly Cliff Beech under the weather with a bad cold so unable to come to see the first of his homebreds on the track.

A quiet New Year for us – most of the troops off to a young farmers party so it’s a good job we are having a slightly later start in the morning!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well the festivities nearly over for another year – thank goodness! As usual Christmas seemed to come all in a rush – despite having 12 months warning I was really behind myself this year, and a frantic week before did not help!

 Dontminddboys showing huge improvement to finish sixth at Towcester – the handicapper having a bit of a laugh and giving a mark of 113 for his efforts – extremely harsh.

 Two days at Ascot resulted in two visits to the winner’s enclosure, but in the second spot – I know you should not be disappointed with second, and on so many levels we were not – BUT…..

 Garrahalish running really well again to finish second, Thomas Crapper also his usual rock solid self – also second. Both to what are very good horses. Gary up four pounds for his efforts, TC down one.

 Under The Phone a shade disappointing, to finish eighth but Charlie reporting that he hated the tacky soft ground. He has really got his jumping together now though and will be back to himself on a better surface.           

Timon’s Tara running a blinder to finish sixth in the listed bumper – she is shaping up to be a really special filly – delighted with her.

 The long trek to Fakenham on a Sunday - a frustrating day as Charlie and Point Of Attack parted company on the final circuit – annoying as he was jumping really well – first time over fences, when one fell in front of him which I think distracted him momentarily, and he put in a short one, hit the fence and with Newton’s Law of action and reaction taking over, Charlie overtook George in mid air!! Happily both fine and lots to like about the run to that point. Four hours home in a big side wind was not to be enjoyed!

 A rather frustrating end to what has on the whole been a good year, sad to report that our star Restless Harry has picked up a stress fracture and will be out for a couple of months. He was lame after Cheltenham – worrying as Harry is rarely wrong – and a bone scan revealed the problem. It should be a straightforward healing process as no joint involvement but with plenty of mud about its gutting to have him on the sidelines – he will be back!

 Anti Cool is mending well after his set back and really looking forward to seeing him in action, Young Lou also off for a time after picking up an injury at Ludlow, again she will be fine but frustrating to miss a big chunk of the middle of the season. Wonderful patient owners in all cases – AC & YL being a very patient patients – the same cannot be said about Harry!!

 Rachel also on the sidelines after picking up a fractured wrist when getting squashed against a wall by a rather rude new horse who has yet to learn any manners. Toby’s sister Daisy stepping seamlessly into the breach and coming full time whilst Rachel mending – many thanks to Daisy – we may not let her go again as she has fitted in so well.  

 Gutting to see Queen of The Stage going to the sales and then winning again a week later.

 No Haydock today and Warwick must be in doubt tomorrow – there would be no chance of racing here today, there is a heavy frost, although happily the gallop doing better than the track at Southwell, and business as usual on the exercise front, although some very cold fingers and toes.

 The team Christmas party was at the Blue Boar who looked after us very well – a few looking a bit steady the next day, and a slightly later start was a good plan on my part! Thank you for all the donations to the drinks fund which was all put to good use. Thank you also for all the goodies that arrived over the festive period! All much appreciated, although the office did resemble an off licence at one point!

 All of the team got to where they wanted to be for Christmas day which was great, but also meant that our Christmas was diverted from Stow on The Wold to here, and that the designated cook was me! We had a lovely day though – always great o have a bit of family time, especially as everyone seems to be so busy these days that it’s hard to find eth time for a catch up.

 Cheltenham on New years day with Wildmoor Boy having his first outing – a bonny horse out of the lovely Simple Glory who won several races for us.

A really busy day at Ludlow on Wednesday with six runners! It should have been seven but one not quite satisfactory scope held the numbers down!

 Brian on duty with the first three and Kelly and Megan then the others with myself Holly & Harriet following on a bit later.

 The home team left with plenty to do as both Joe & Toby riding too – but a great team effort to get through a mad sort of day!

 The girls at the races doing a fantastic job and winning no less than four out of a possible five BTOs, and to be honest Holly was robbed in the bumper too. Possibly the judges thought we had had enough prizes, but Timon’s Tara was clearly the best turned out but the prize went elsewhere to a turn out that I had best not comment on!!

 Galactic Power (BTO for Kelly) looked fantastic in his EPDS green, was first up and then ran a blinder to finish a flying fourth – only ¾ length off the third – pleasing as he is improving with each run. Toby giving him a good ride. Joe rode Jackfield in the same race – a satisfactory run for first time over hurdles.

 Be My Witness (BTO for Megan) managed to eject Toby three out when looking held – both fine after the race.

 Kitegen (BTO for Holly) hated the dead ground and will now have a break and be ready for some better ground in the spring.

 Under The Phone (BTO for Holly) ran a super race and finished flying to be second under Joe. He hit a bit of a flat spot down the back, and then ran on really well up the straight. Great to see The Tricksters having some fun at last after all the frustrations that they have had over the last few seasons. UTP is a gem, and has a great character as well as having plenty of ability.

 Timon’s Tara following up her great first run again ran a really solid race, but hit traffic problems all the way, and ended up a rather frustrating fourth. She is shaping up into a serious filly who would have nearly won given a clear run.

 Frustrating not to have winner, but much to be taken from the day, and really proud of the team at getting everything done with smiles and good humour, both at the races and for Paige & Rachel who held the fort at home along with Harriet T and Georgia who came to help out. Thanks to them all.

 The journey to Ludlow does not improve and in a lorry is worse involving about a million gear changes – so very happy to come home to huge curry kindly cooked by my Mum, which fed everyone, safe to say the exhaustion had set in by then and everyone happy to collapse in a heap and chew the day over along with the curry!

 No runners over the weekend, and some winter eventing for a change tomorrow.

Off to Towcester last Saturday with the gorgeous Garrahlaish – only a four horse race but a hot little affair and certainly not a walk in the park – or even a wade – with the ground very heavy after all the rain.

 Charlie went very wide to try and find some better ground, which seemed to be a good plan. Gary thought he could fly at the first and Charlie did well to keep the partnership together after being about 25 feet into the air!!! Nearly as high at the second which was a ditch, but then foot perfect after that! He is the most amazingly athletic horse and makes it all look very easy – really the result was not in doubt apart from a brief moment when the second horse appeared to rally half way up the run in, but think Gary was just getting a bit lonely in front and as soon as he saw the other horse pulled away again to win by two lengths.

 A very noisy reception from his enthusiastic and well named bunch of owners – Just 4 Fun! A second win at Towcester over fences for Gary, and a third in total as he won his first hurdle race there too. Delighted with Gary – the biggest grin was probably from Toby who looks after him.

 A valuable race for Towcester so a nice prize to have and lovely to have another winner for such an enthusiastic bunch. Plenty of tooting as we arrived home and lovely to see some of our neighbours in Park Lane clapping as we went past.

 Only Ludlow this week but with 7 runners, so a really busy day to look forward to on Wednesday.

 Christmas looming and trying to start to make some plans so that the troops all get to be where they want to be – no easy task with a yard full of horses!

A bout of ‘seconditis’ breaking out which is always frustrating! Thomas Crapper as always a model of consistency but getting mugged up the run in twice in two runs is enough to cause the use of some bad language! A great run at Warwick resulted in getting pipped by a fast finishing very decent horse of Paul Nicholls, and then another exemplary round at Leicester on Monday was frustrated again - I know you should not be disappointed with second, BUT……..!

 TC Fine after his excertions, in fact bucking and kicking around the field after wallowing in the mud on Tuesday morning!!

 Other recent runners have been Kitegen and Dontminddboys at Warwick – the usually consistent Kite running no sort of race, and knowing him so well Charlie pulled up to save him for another day. Reason found after, which was a relief. DMDB made a bad error, frightened himself and it was game over for him. Point of Attack and Galactic Power ran at Southwell in a very hot novice hurdle. Toby was unshipped at the first (whoops!) but PoA ran Ok, Struggled around the home turn for a short distance but then ran on – now handicapped with an extremely harsh 99!

 Five runners last Thursday with four to Ludlow and Be My Witness at Taunton. Megan and I arrived at Taunton in a storm that could have announced the end of the world! Howling gale and deluge turned the ground to very soft, which would not suit her. However, she ran a really gutsy race to finish third – pleased with her.

 Brian took the gang to Ludlow, and their day started in excellent fashion with a really gutsy win for Queen of the Stage, very ably ridden by our claimer Joe Palmowski. Three upsides at the last ‘Dingle’ was nothing if not brave and won by a head! Sadly owner Nic Allen not there but plenty of supporters to cheer her home.

 Young Lou’s, first run for a while and she got a bit tired turning in, but then ran on well to be fifth, and the two bumper horses Jackfield, and Routine Procedure both got a bit stuck in the ploughed field that was the straight by the time the last race came round!

 Everyone home safely though which is always a relief. Queen of the Stage is for sale – preferably to stay in the yard – so do call if you might be interested.

 Under The Phone and Restless Harry to Cheltenham on Saturday. UTP ran a really solid race to finish running on. He is shaping up into a lovely horse, will want further, but has a great temperament and plenty of ability, and will hopefully be lots of fun for The Tricksters.

 Restless Harry struggled on the second circuit and did not seem himself at all – he has come home a bit sore so plenty of tests to be done.

 Back to Warwick yesterday with Dans Quest, Dontminddboys and Galactic Power all having educational runs – all improved on their previous outings, so happy with them and all fine today.

 Excitement yesterday as the results of Charlie & my trip to Ireland a couple of weeks ago arrived yesterday morning, in the form of three Irish pointers!

 Myroundorurs (By Arakan out of an Anshan mare) a really lovely type who has been third to a decent horse who mad £35k in Brightwells sale last week. The Lion Man, (by Let The Lion Roar ex an Anshan mare) who  has been fourth behind two horses that have now won their bumpers over here, and Darsi Pass who has gone to Francesca Nimmo to go pointing over here.

 Delighted with our two and after watching the sale last Friday they both look very good value. Pictures shortly – it’s so gloomy here today not sure they would show up on one today! Plenty of improvement do-able from both once we get them looking stronger. Both for sale so do get in touch and come and see them in the flesh!

A nice day at Ascot on Saturday. Garrahalish running a blinder in the novice chase, in which the winner broke the track record! Gary again jumping very well, just getting a bit tapped for toe from turning in. He will want further in time, but at only six still he is a very exciting horse.  Plenty of his happy – and well named – owners there to support him, and to have a good day out. Just4Fun are all in it for the right reasons and hopefully had a great day out.

 Restless Harry ran very well in top class company, but found the ground just too quick for him. He has really got his jumping together now and just needs it to rain and rain! Richard & Lenny there to watch. Apologies to Lenny who I left out of the Open Day catalogue!

 Both horses won the BTO, Toby & Holly both doing a fantastic job, and both standing out from the crowd in the paddock. Very decent prize money for the BTO’s so well worth winning. Thank you Ascot! Personally think that there should be one in every race. It would not take much effort from the tracks, and would be appreciated by the lads & girls.

 Ascot also coming up trumps in the stable staff canteen this time. It is somewhere that has caused plenty of moans in the past, but free (and very good) food all day was very much appreciated by all.

 Both horses fine after their excertions, field time curtailed a bit yesterday with very heavy rain keeping everyone indoors. Nice to have a day at home before a very busy week this week. Charlie & I are off to Ireland tomorrow to look at some horses, Charlie then back for Warwick on Wednesday, whilst I am staying to do a day of ‘backs’. Absolutely gutted to be missing Warwick where Thomas Crapper, Kitegen & Dontminddboys all run, but over once a month now to work, and with the flights at £10 when I booked were too good to miss. Will just have to make sure I know where the nearest bookie (or pub with a telly) is at the relevant times!