New season, new resolution to keep the blog up to date!
Its been a busy time and I'm afraid that the blog has suffered as a result - one of the things that kept making it back to the bottom of the list!
Safe to say that last season was not one of our finest, and I think we are all glad to have got to the end of it - now on the same score as our esteemed neighbour & the champion trainer - think its going to be one of our best.
Lots of plans for the season ahead, and already feeling excited about it. Lots of sales catalogues sitting in the kitchen/by the bed/in the loo! Flights already booked & journeys planned, so watch this space!
Looking back at last season, our winners tally was certainly down, and a string of very frustrating seconds did't help either.
Obviously we have been looking closely at reasons, but I think first and foremost was the lack of rain, with several of our old faithfuls that love a slog being scuppered by a total lack of suitable ground.
New gallops & facilities always take a bit of getting used to, but we have combined the changes with regular visits to gallops that we have always used & know well.
The vaccination hiccup was followed closely for us, by some dirty trach washes - coincidence?, At the same time as we were held up - it also rained - sods law!
On the plus side we now have a string of what are probably well handicapped horses for the new season! Bring it on.
Several niggly injuries also did not help our cause, with horses getting hurt at the races, & losing a lovely young horse was also a massive blow.
On the plus side, wins for Some Finish, Lara Trot, Thomas Crapper, The Lion Man & Celestial Chimes & La Fille Francaise were all days to be celebrated.
A lot of seconds caused a lot of hair pulling, but Thomas Crappers Sandown second was a joy to watch( until the last furlong!)! Our stable star has now retired from racing after serving us so well for 9 seasons, he is staying here with us, and will be seen out and about doing ROR & low level competition.
The messages from literally hundreds of people on his retirement just went to show what a great sport we are involved in, and how much the racing public actually think of our amazing athletes.
The reaction of owners here when horses have picked up an injury has also been commendable, with one particular group who have had a less than good run this year to put it mildly - all only concerned about their horses' welfare when told a two month box rest sentence had been passed! It just does remind you why you do the job.
The team here have been a joy to work with & we thank them for all their hard work. Its easy to smile when its going well - harder during a season like this, but they have kept their (& our) spirits up & thoroughly deserve a 'Thank God its over party'!!
Darren, Harriet T, Ceris, Alice, Poppy, Frankie & Kay - THANK YOU. They have been ably assisted by Charlie, Jack, James & Tabitha so thank you to them too.
Thank you too, to all of our owners & friends who keep encouraging, celebrating, commiserating & most of all being positive about the future - and to out yard sponsor Clay St, without all of whom we would have emigrated long ago!
Many of the horses are now having a holiday, with no rain on the horizon, and plenty of grass, a break will do them good and we will come back fighting for the coming season.
The pressure washer already making an entrance, and paint brushes at the ready! Joy!!!
Its our last Open Day Saturday this week for a couple of months, Terry has his cake tins out , so do come and see the horses still in work & also the holiday makers - some of whom have already let themselves go rather badly!! Its actually lovely to see them out & 'chilling'.
We will also be able to give you details of our new (& we think very exciting) 'Robin Dickin Racing Club', gates open at 9 & look forward to seeing you on Saturday