Monday, 12 December 2016 12:31

Monday 12the December

 

Rather a long gap since the last blog – busy all round at present, so apologies for lack of news  - this will probably be a long one to catch up!!

 On the whole the horses running very well which is pleasing – always frustrating not to be in that #1 spot but much to be taken from some progressive runs.

 Routine Procedure back after a long layoff for a niggly injury – he has always been a horse that we have thought the world of at home, but never really got his act together on the track. Looked a picture in the paddock and ran very encouragingly. Travelled and jumped well to finish a running on 6th. Happily all cold after the run!

 Timons’ Tara at Warwick not taking to fences on this day – better to come from her. Bally Lagan a non runner after a storm of monsoon proportions!

 La Fille Francaise & Okmyway both running nicely in the bumper on racecourse debut.

 Nice to have Young Lou back out again and running her usual solid race to be third at Uttoxeter.

 Dans’ Quest also back from a long lay off at Hereford.

 Dontminddboys a tad disappointing first time over fences at Towcester – ground nowhere near as soft as we thought it would be, and a manically run race not helping at all. He jumped well though and there is much more to come from him.

 Some Finish ran a blinder to be second – again not helped by ground quicker than needed for him, but much happier right handed and just getting mugged by one up the Towcester hill. Amazingly we still have shares available in Some Finish – great value and a fun group to be involved with – what better Christmas present could anyone ask for??

 Leicester chase and hurdle track as always an enigma – soft on the hurdle course and firm was the polite version of the chase track! Bally Lagan again a non runner for the opposite reason to last time! Wildmoor Boy venturing further from home – it seemed an awfully  long way in the lorry! Up 10 lbs. He ran Ok, but feel he may have left his race on the M69 to some extent. Back to Warwick & Cheltenham!

 Twycross Warrior a shade disappointing at Ludlow, Whispering Nick another solid bumper run to be 5th.

 Young Lou following up her Uttoxter 3rd with a game 2nd at Southwell – annoyingly just coming up against one well handicapped one on the day!

 Vocaliser has been another that has been causing some head scratching but put all that to bed at Sandown with a really good run to be 3rd. Going clear at the second last he slipped on landing and nearly parted company with Jack, who did well to get his head back up and keep him going to finish a battling 3rd at 40/1! Happy Songsters!

 Get Involved and Charlie had a parting of the ways when GI jinked around another jockey on the floor! It was some nifty foot work from him and gravity took over for Charlie! Both fine after!

 Routine Procedure ran again at Uttoxeter and finished a good 5th – ground too soft for him and he did not quite get home after travelling and jumping well throughout. Frustrating but still a huge step up on last season’s form. More to come from him!

 In between all the runners a quick trip to Ireland resulting in a new arrival at any minute this morning. An exciting four year old by Scorpion who is well related and an exciting prospect. He is for sale so do give a call for more details.

 As well as the Irish trip a rather longer one for Harriet as part of a GB team to Stockholm show. Harriet was co driver in one lorry and by the time they arrived back had shared the driving of a 2,700 mile trip! Her horse jumped really well in an electric and very noisy atmosphere – it was like being at the Horse of the Year show – an environment the event horses do not usually face , so we were thrilled with how he went. It was a fun few days – much easier for the support crew who flew in – we were well looked after by the hosts and it was a fun couple of days. Also did a bit of sightseeing around Stockholm, which was a very clean and interesting city – but very expensive!!

 The team here fighting coughs & colds with the constant change in temperature, (-8 on Monday - +13 on Thursday – ridiculous!) but still soldering on! Megan ran  her first half marathon yesterday in a very respectable time.

Harriet T qualified her puppy for Crufts. Well done to both of them.

 Great to see lots of owners and friends over the last couple of weeks, and Christmas preparations going ahead – albeit slowly & with not much enthusiasm!

 Foals weaned his week which was more traumatic for us than them – feeling terrible about splitting up mothers and sons, but they were not bothered in the slightest and glad to be in for some extra food, and out of the rain on Saturday!

 The lads are busy fencing at the moment and replacing some old post & rails that have seen better days – all looking very smart!

 One sad note this week – our old cat Marmalade – chief mouser at Hill Farm, departed to the mousing ground above! Everyone pretty sad about her departure as she was something of a legend here.

 A few runners later in the week – all ground dependant – bizarrely in December, needing rain!!

Last modified on Monday, 12 December 2016 12:35

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