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.