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.