An attack of placeditis upon us at the moment – an improvement on unplaceditis but mighty frustrating!

The horses at last seem to be finding their form and pleased to see Garrahalish run a big race at Ascot – annoying to come up against a well handicapped one of Venetia’s but glad to put a poor run at Chepstow behind him. He jumped really well and made most until turning in, got outpaced but then fought back really well to finish second.

 Bally Lagan has just returned from a long lay off due to an injury so really pleased to see him running so well. First run back at Leicester saw him only beaten four lengths by the winner, he then followed that run up with a frustrating, but good second two weeks later at the same track.

 Myroundorurs ran a really good race to be fifth at Warwick – he still need  to learn to settle in the early part of a race – Charlie’s arms definitely looking longer when he got back – but huge improvement all the same. Another who has improved a lot is Jackfield who has finished third on his last two runs. Timons Tara is learning how to behave in the preliminaries now which is helping her cause no end!

 Some Finish has run twice and needs one more for his handicap mark. He is a lovely chaser in the making and still a few shares available.

 Get Involved finally back to the track after a slightly rock preparation and running really well until getting a bit tired up the straight. The Lion Man hated the ground at Ludlow and will wait for something better now.

 A new filly arrived from Ireland a couple of weeks ago and has settled in well – Mustmeet MrsGrath will run for the EPDS partnership – she is only small but jumps really well, and hopefully will be some fun.

 Under The Phone ran his usual good race to finish fourth at Leicester – Charlie and he did well to keep the partnership together after making an absolute hash of a fence down the back straight which cost many lengths and he certainly would have finished a whole lot closer without the error.

 One who would certainly have finished very close without getting mugged was Garrahalish (BTO for Harriet Turner) who was running a blinder at Cheltenham when getting virtually brought down by a faller at the top of the hill. A faller either side of Gary - who had not put a foot wrong anywhere – caused some nifty foot work by Gary to avoid the fallers which resulted in Charlie Deutsch falling off, and an outbreak of appalling language from Gary’s camp!

 Gary has run at Cheltenham four times and on three occasions has been so badly hampered that he has lost his jockey – he himself has never made an error – Not sure what he/we have done to upset the Cheltenham gods but they certainly are not on our side as far as he is concerned! Thank goodness he was fine and jumped the remaining fences and quickened up up the run in nicely to finish fourth with his ears pricked! He really does deserve a change of luck.

 Kaddys Girl (BTO for Kelly) ran a nice race at Ludlow on her second run over hurdles, and  Kaddys Dream made a nice debut in the bumper on the same card.

 Another open day came and went at the beginning of the month a saw some more hardened NH fans turn out in a howling gale to see the horses – lovely to meet some new faces, and hope they enjoyed the morning despite the windy conditions. Thanks again to Terry & Many Poulson and the Venvell team for all their help and cooking skills – also to Holly’s Nan for mince pies and lemon drizzle!!

 Next open morning is Jan 2^nd which may or may not be a good plan after the NY celebrations – a good opportunity to blow the hangover cobwebs away! Do come and join us – or email for an alternative day if you can’t make that one.

A few having a midseason break as the ground is so soft at present. Kitegen & Spurned Girl both hate the heavy so will have a short break now, Kayf Tiger has gone home for some pampering from Nat Jameson, as has Storming Harry to get the same from Nigel & Jenny Thick.

 Next week not busy with runners and so really must get some Christmas shopping done before the big day arrives!

Plenty of runners over the last few days, and another Open Morning.

 Runners first, and plenty of positivity from what we have run – several places but the number one spot proving elusive at present which is frustrating!

 Warwick saw Vocaliser make his hurdles debut – he pulled like an idiot for the first mile – but jumped beautifully – cruised to the leaders but blew up two out as a result of his early tanking. He is a stunning horse and showed enough to get us all excited. I believe there are a few shares left so do get involved.

 Tara Well ran in the bumper and ran a blinder to finish sixth only beaten ten lengths by the winner. She is a tenacious little character, and tough as you like. Schools really well and will now go hurdling. She will be lots of fun, and if you are looking for a fun horse you could do a lot worse than her! She is for sale.

 Towcester last Thursday and a typical Towcester wet one!

 Myroundorurs back from a break and a wind op – very strong for a circuit, but jumped well and made up ground strongly to the third last – then his long break just caught up with him up the steep Towcester hill. Delighted with the run though – he is schooling well over fences as well so lots to look forward to.

 Kayf Tiger jumped much better and the penny stating to drop. The Lion Man jumped two – slipped really badly on the turn away from the stands – nearly fell on the flat and that was game over, Charlie jumped a few more fences to get his confidence then pulled up. Kaddys Girl hated the ground, but travelled well for a long way until hitting the hill. She will be fine another day on better ground.

 The girls excelling themselves with BTOs – they won four with runners in only three races! The judges could not split the two of that ran in the same race so gave it to them both! Well done Holly Kelly & Cerys!

 The Towcester canteen still dire – slow service, cold food – watch this space for improvements!

 Ludlow with Under the Phone who ran a good race to be fourth, jumped really well. Timons Tara behaved much better and ran Ok; Jackfield ran a hugely improved race to be third under a good ride from Hannah Watson. Very wet at Ludlow and a BTO for Holly with UTP.

 Open morning dawned in a monsoon! Having said to the team not to worry as no one would turn up in a torrent we were amazed that about 25 hardy souls braved the weather to come and see the action! Terry & Mandy Poulson here again to help make drinks and Terry also supplying some very professional looking cakes! Thank also to Holly’s Nan as she also provided some equally yummy cakes as did Julie Vennvell.

 Do hope everyone enjoyed their morning despite the downpour! Thanks for coming! We have raised £100 for the Air Ambulance from the two mornings so far – a great cause.

 The next one is on December 5^th – do tell your friends and come along and see us. What better Christmas present than a share in a racehorse!

We held our first open morning at the beginning of the month – and it seemed to go well. Rather remiss on my part as I found myself double booked and so Mandy & Terry Poulson and Julie Venvell kindly came to hold the fort! We had a nice turnout and hopefully everyone enjoyed the morning.

 The open mornings are set up so that anyone who is interested can come and see the horses work and see what goes on at Alne Park! Although we have a very open house visitors policy, not everyone likes to ask about coming, so we thought it was a way of overcoming that. We raised some funds for the air ambulance which is such a great cause, and will be holding our next one on the first Saturday in November.

There is no entry fee so if you would like to come along do feel free, email or call if you would like more information.

 My double booking was with Harriet at Osberton horse trials where she and her horse Dargle Looks, aka Bean did the CCI2* - big and scary, they both made light work of it to finish 26^th out of 120 starters which included plenty of our top riders. Getting near the end of eventing for the year now and it will be nice to have a few Sundays at home.

 The horses on the whole running well without getting into that number one spot. Kitegen was fourth at Fontwell, he made an uncharacteristic howler at the second last otherwise would have been a lot closer – but a good run and not beaten far. Twycross Warrior made his racecourse debut and did not really get his breathing right  - tried to do it all in one breath and then unsurprisingly did not get home!

 A busy day at Towcester – nice to be back there, but oh dear they do need to get their act together re looking after our staff. The canteen food is dire and usually freezing cold – and no offence but I don’t think the staff in there have a clue!

 The track has been ruined by the addition of the dog track, but the plus was that they had made great efforts with the ground which looked lush and green and rode well. It seems that the management have lost some direction, although the Robert Bellamy and the raceday team (canteen excepted) are doing a great job.

 The horses ran OK, Jackfield running a big race till two out then got tired and needed the run, as did Spurned Girl. Tara Well ran well in the bumper, but needs the ground softer and also wants further – she will be a fun horse and Charlie was very pleased with her.

 Thomas Crapper surrounded by a lot of hype from the press was never a foregone conclusion in a hot novice chase and finished third. He ran well, jumped soundly but was just done for toe by two very decent rivals. Saddened by an abusive phone call from someone who had clearly lost their cash – apparently many trainers get this treatment when they have a beaten favourite – pathetic really when someone can call a trainer foul names but is too scared to say who they are. ‘Get a life’ is the phrase that springs to mind!

 Holly was robbed of the turnout with TC, think the judge was looking at the wrong horse, but Kelly and Harriet T both won it with Spurned Girl & Tara Well.

 Garrahalish ran a terrible race at Chepstow, but came back with a dirty scope, Kayf Tiger ran well to finish fifth. He is still learning his trade and needs to relax more so that he can get himself into a better rhythm. Sorry not to see Vicky Jameson at the races – she is on box rest at the moment so best wishes to her for a speedy recovery.

 The Lion Man ran a super race to finish third at Uttoxeter (BTO for Holly) – good to see the Coopers there who along with Mark their friendly driver had a nice day.

 Spurned Girl ran OK at Stratford and Under The Phone made a solid chasing debut at Kempton in a furiously run race – Charlie said that he had never been so fast over fences! UTP jumped soundly and was unlucky that there was no grief in front of him as the first two home looked extremely hairy - I know which one I would rather have been on!

 Lots of visitors recently including Mr & Mrs Essex who came on Saturday morning and were our first visitors courtesy of C& D Stable tours. They did come into something of a manic morning so hope they enjoyed it!

 Charlie, James Martin, Chris Ward, Connor Smith & Tom O’Brian all in to ride out this week – always a help to have some jockeys in.

New venture at Alne Park

Many of you will know that the Dickin family have moved house – only a short distance up the drive, but it was still a mission!

 As we are now in Alne Park house we are able to offer B & B in the form of two beautiful en suite rooms.

 This is obviously a new venture for us, but it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss to be able to offer this facility in such amazing surroundings.

 Hopefully this will suit owners who live further afield, and also anyone who is wanting to stay near all that central Warwickshire has to offer – including a morning on the gallops to see the team in action.

 For more details please call Claire on 07979518594 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

A hectic weekend with our Owners Lunch on Sunday. We changed the format slightly this year and instead of having a full on Open Day just had Owners and Friends for lunch and a chat about the horses. Lovely to see so many – about 200 so was pretty cosy, but hope everyone enjoyed the day and the delicious pork cooked by Brian Kerby, and a particular thanks to Julie Venvell who conjured up some amazing puddings for everyone. Not a scrap of them left, so think they were enjoyed!

 Thanks to the team for all the help and to Stratford Racecourse for the loan of tables and chairs!

 We are not abandoning the Open Day but changing it slightly in that we are having an Open Morning on the first Saturday of each month. Locals will have heard our advert on Touch FM, so hope anyone that is interested will join us to have a look around the yard and to see the horses working and meet the team. The gates will be open from 9am, there is no entry fee but we will be hoping to raise funds for the Air Ambulance. Do call if you would like further information or drop us an email. We look forward to seeing you.

 Harriet and Annalisa spent an interesting day at the Stratford Business show last week, I booked a table at the event as I thought it would be a good opportunity to meet up with local businesses, and then realised I was supposed to be on a First Aid refresher course that had already changed five times, so the girls stepped into the breach! I think they had an interesting day and hopefully we can work with some other local businesses to mutual benefit!

 Kitegen ran a nice race at Newton Abbot last Friday to finish fourth. Slightly frustrating as last time he appeared not to really need 21/2 miles but this time looked as if he needed further than two! His trip is possibly very ground dependent! He has bounced out of the race well and should be out again soon.

 Two runners today at Warwick. Be My Witness back after a break and back over fences, Garrahlish back from an even longer break, and also into the unknown trip wise. Both seem well at home but the first runners of the season always a bit of a worry until you know just how fit the string are! Fingers crossed for a good day.

 The other big news this week is the arrivals of Millys’ puppies! Two sleepless nights for her and me resulted in five gorgeous little people, (with sadly one who did not make it). She is being an excellent mummy to four boys & one girl.

A very early start yesterday morning with a lorry arriving from Ireland at 4.30am! The newest addition to the team in the shape of a very exciting three year old colt called Vocaliser. A winner for Jim Bolger on the flat as a two and three year old he is for a new partnership called The Songsters. The group is fronted by some existing owners of The Tricksters partnership and there are some shares still available – do give a call if you would like to get involved. Vocaliser will be aimed at juvenile hurdles this time, with the possibility of taking in some flat runs along the way.

 Another new addition is a super filly – as yet unnamed - by Kadastrof out of Symbiosis who is the dam of a good horse called Kingfisher Creek who is rated 131. The filly is going really well and her owner/breeder is looking to put together a small group to enjoy her racing career. Again do call the office for further details.

 The gallop refurb finally finished, and some new drains in to help with getting the water away during deluges! A lot of work involved in getting it just right but so vital to keep the facilities in A1 condition, and pleased with the results now.

 Charlie is as usual and joined by David England, Ben Poste, Chris Ward and James Martin - great to have the extra help – especially at this time of year when the horses are in maximum work.

 The Venvell family here last weekend to see their horses, and a lovely evening with Nigel and Jenny Thick last Friday to celebrate Storming Harrys’ super win. The Bridge at Bidford becoming a favourite place to eat, and to be recommended!

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.