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Friday, 25 April 2014 00:00

Proud Days and Busy Times

A proud day for the yard the other day at Newbury races when Malcom, who has been with us for a year now went to collect his award for Student of the Year at the British Racing School. The Twelve Club present the award every year to the best male and female student. I am not sure how many students would pass through in a year, but its a lot, and for Malcom to win the overall prize is a huge accolade for him. His family also came to see him receive his prize, and enjoy a day at the races - many congratulations in order.

Another big day for a member of the team yesterday when Holly Rooney went for what proved to be her final X ray on the femur she broke so badly back in October. The team at the Walsgrave happy with the leg now and signed her off! Happy days.

A really busy Easter weekend for us, Haydock on Saturday, with Kitegen and Garrahalish. Kitegen ran a blinder to finish second in a race run 8 seconds faster than average. Only small he jumps like a bunny, and Charlie came in full of praise for him. Garrahalish who also jumps brilliantly sadly was completely mugged by a faller early in the race - tripping him up and ejecting poor Charlie into outer space. Happily both were OK - Gary a bit stiff for a couple of days, but no lasting damage. Very Annoying as the race turned into a real staying contest which he would have loved.

Towcester on Sunday (I do object to racing on Easter Sunday!) Bally Lagan again running well - but not quite well enough, to finish fourth, he jumps really well and shows plenty of speed but does not quite get home at Towcester so a flatter, less stiff track next time. He is still only six, so still needs some time to mature, but is a winner just waiting to happen.

Queen of the Stage, the first of a consignment of rather feral youngsters that arrived last year, to run. She has grown into a really nice type and ran a very satisfactory first race to finish fifth. She has a lovely attitude to life - by Kings Theatre, and will be a fun filly.

Both horses also winning the BTO for Paige and Rachel, who was having her first lead up! Good effort from Towcester to give £100 turnout in each race.

Monday saw Kelly and I heading off to Chepstow with Point of Attack having his first run over hurdles. He ran OK, now needs some Dr Green, and will be a lot better after a break.

A welcome day at home on Tuesday for me, but Robin and Megan back on the road to Wetherby with Young Lou, who ran well for a long way, but stopped quickly - tests to be done.

Back to Chepstow again tonight with Entertain Me, who bids to follow up her impressive win last time - a fifteen pounds hike up the weights will not be helping her cause. Dancing Daffodil hoping to put a bad run behind her - Joe's 10lbs off should help her. Joe has been at the racing school all week on a conditional jockeys course. A real pain that they are organised when racing is on as the boys end up missing rides - lack of thought and planning from the powers that be. Also a lack of understanding about how hard it is for the boys to get going. Hope the Friday traffic not too bad as Bury St Edmunds to Chepstow will take a minute or two!

Sandown tomorrow for the Bet365 Gold Cup with Restless Harry, and also Kitegen running in a valuable chase. Slight conflict of interests, as praying for the forecast rain with Harry, but Kite not wanting it too soft. Both seem well, and should have fighting chance in both races depending on the ground!

The new Irish boys seem to have settled in well, and have just been hacking around the farm to get acclimatised. Delighted to say that The Tricksters are having Under The Phone whilst Ballyhooley Boy sits out yet another sick note. There are a couple of shares available in him - he will be running shortly and should be some fun through the summer. He has been consistently placed in Ireland pointing- will relish better ground and an easier trip and the Tricksters are a lovely bunch who have been through thick and thin, and would welcome anyone interested in joining them for some fun days at the races. Do call if you would like to get involved in this lovely young horse (07979518594).

It was lovely to see our yard sponsor here last week. Cliff Beech and Brian Wilkinson picking a lovely sunny morning to come and see their team. Brian Wilson here today to see Autumm Spirit who is shaping up well.

Last modified on Saturday, 10 May 2014 19:01