After the excitement of Be My Witness winning last week, there were the nerves of Garrahalish having his first run over fences this week. Bought as a chaser, winning two over hurdles last season was a bonus.
He has always jumped well and certainly schooled brilliantly at home, so Charlie was very much looking forward to the ride. Personally I was a bag of nerves, and not helped by Toby who was even worse than me!
However we need not have worried as ‘Gorgeous Gary’ gave an exhibition of jumping and did not put a foot wrong the whole way, winning by a cosy 4 lengths. I think it will be hard for Charlie to ever find a more enjoyable first timer – ever!
To say that the Just 4 Fun partners were pleased would be something of an understatement – they very nearly carried horse and jockey into the winner’s enclosure, and made a big dent in Towcesters’ champagne supply! Thank you to the track for accommodating them all in the winner’s box, and hope there was some fizz left for later winners!
Towcester was looking a shadow of its former self with the dog track being built and now blocking most of the view down the back straight which is very disappointing. Think I upset Robert Bellamy by commenting on it on Twitter, but only saying the same as everyone else – there was a communal gripe in the stands from anyone that you cared to eavesdrop on! The stable lad’s canteen also moved to a tent with extremely substandard food – again a communal moan – the legendary Towcester breakfast a thing of the past apparently.
Having said all that, the actual day was, as always, a pleasure. Towcester has always been a favourite, they look after their ground well, and there is always a great atmosphere, and as I said earlier the winning crowd were made very welcome. I just hope that they don’t lose all that with the introduction of the dog track.
Rant over - I must not forget Jackfield who made his racecourse debut in the bumper. ‘Gus’ and Joe had a horrible run in the early part of the race, but settled in and then ran a very creditable race to finish third. A good effort from him. The winner is highly regarded and we were very pleased with our boy. Jackfield is for sale (to stay in the yard) so if you would like to get involved do give a call.
It’s great to get off to such a good start with the early runners, and also to get a good write up in the RP as well! Miracles do happen! The team all thrilled here and looking forward to the rest of the season.
The Blue Boar was the chosen destination on Wednesday evening with some of the Just4Fun group as well as most of the home team. A big thank you to John & Pat Porter who generously fed us all – a very good supper and a pub that could not be more accommodating – recommended if you are in the area!
After a day in Ireland on Tuesday working and then all the emotional turmoil on Wednesday it was quite hard to get going on Thursday – Graham Potts in for his weekly visit – happily not too much to do.
Lovely to welcome some new faces to the yard this week – Jeryl & Stewart Stone here on Wednesday to see Routine Procedure, who they loved and they are now part of ‘The More The Merrier’ partnership. Mr & Mrs Bowcett here today to have the grand tour, and a look at some of the partnership horses. Clint and Donna Taylor also getting involved with Anti Cool and Routine Procedure after their visit last week.
The partnership horses seem to work well, and we have several on the go now, those that are run from here and also the two EPDS horses. John Powell’s’ groups are run virtually identically to ours – it’s a great way to get involved for a very reasonable cost.
No runners until the end of next week – the nerves heading for the shredder again when Thomas Crapper is likely to make his chasing debut at Cheltenham on Friday! Other possible runner are Kitegen, Entertain Me and maybe Restless Harry if it rains a lot!