Not many in at the moment as the dry weather has prompted us to get everyone out for their well deserved holidays. It was a long winter for everyone - human & equine alike, and even though some of the equinnes did not get to the track too many times when the ground was so deep its still a long time for them to be in.
One of my favourite times of year is seeing them all out with full tummies and snoozing in the sunshine.
The flies have been late appearing this year (we were hoping they had all drowned!) but they have just started make their presence felt, so very early morning exercise is beckoning, and we will then have the rest in in the day and out at night.
Everyone's favourite jobs currently under way & actually nearly finished. Pressure washing stables and mats is a rotten job, but important to get everywhere cleaned and disinfected before we start again. Strimmers going, rugs getting washed all part of our summer fun!
The team getting some well earned holiday in too, and several tanned faces looking well rested which is great to see.
Great to have got off the mark for the new season with La Fille Francaise, and a fun day at Southwell a couple of weeks ago with The Lion Man & Celestial Chimes both finally getting their act together!
Rarely would Robin not go to the races with a runner, but thinking that both would get balloted out, we had arranged to have supper with Andrew & Jane Nicholls. and Harriet was despatched to the races to saddle the runners! Her first time going solo in such a role!
Watching from home we were relieved to see both runners still travelling well two out, and gobsmacked to see them still at the head of affairs at the last! A great race with our two fighting out the finish with another runner, and much encouragement from the kitchen! The Lion Man came out on top - by a nose - from Celestial Chimes! What a result - suffice to say we were all pretty surprised, but it made for a celebratory evening!
The girls not back till after midnight after a shocking run back - but still up for a glass of fizz! Harriet now keen to saddle more regularly!
Well done to the team for being so professional & to John & Margaret Cooper who have been SO patient with The Lion Man, and to Lilian Barry who was nearly audible from Fermoy shouting Celestial Chimes home!
Ceris had her second ride over hurdles on Under The Phone at Warwick - thank you to The Trixters for giving her the chance to ride him. A bit free early we were worried he wouldn't get home - especially as we were upping his trip a lot! But having been headed turning in, he rallied well and finished a running on fourth. Good effort from horse & rider.
A couple of disappointing runners around Stratford, but races run at breakneck speed, and horses will be fine on a slower track.
The new look Hill Farm is now pretty much done - at last! Both gallops all done & just fencing to do now. Its been a trying 12 months with all the redevelopment, but actually well worth it now that its all done!
Several new faces of the four legged variety - firstly a bay filly by Frozen Fire ex Dancing Daffodil, then a chestnut filly by Native Ruler ex Kaddys Girl, giving a cutness overload. terrible time wasters, but lovely correct winners of the future!
Four youngsters to break in, which are well under way & a new five year old by Robin de Pres from Ascot sales last week.
Mr Palmtree is a lovely athletic five year old who has been placed second & third pointing in Ireland, and we just could not resist him at the sales!
He just needs an owner/owners now - so do call and see him or just ask if you would like more details!
A couple of runners at Stratford this afternoon, and Uttoxeter tomorrow.