The horses, completely unfazed by the whole experience traveled well, but were glad to get into a stable after twelve hours on the lorry. I am delighted with the three new purchases. Under the Phone by Heron Island has been placed in all his points this time and been unlucky not to have won. He looks a tough sort who will relish a season over hurdles, wants good ground, and all being well will run through the summer. Dontminddboys (great name) is a big grey by Portrait Gallery, was third first time out, staying on well in heavy ground, is a bit weak yet but will be much better for some grass and some sun on his back - can't wait for next season with him.
Routine Procedure was mentioned in last weeks blog, and I am still getting palpitations when I look at him!
Really exciting to have such exciting new prospects in the yard, all for sale, so do come and have a look at them, and get involved with some winners for the future.
The home team keeping the ball rolling whilst we were away, with the lovely Valrene running at Bangor on Saturday. She finished a very decent second only beaten a couple of lengths, in ground soft enough for her and she probably also wants a stiffer track.
Last week we also had a bit of a yard outing to Towcester. Six runners testing the team, but all turned out as usual, immaculately, with the girls winning three out of four BTO's between them - great effort. The horses ran well with Bally Lagan being the unluckiest. He ran a cracking race and jumped like an old pro all the way, until meeting the last a little tight when just in front, landing in a bit of a heap, and finished third, only beaten a length. A really good effort and as we thought all along, much improved on the better ground. He was really unlucky and you would have to think that he would have won had he pinged the last - he is a winner waiting to happen.
Dancing Daffodil was disappointing but had burst a blood vessel. The Absent Mare jumped and traveled well for a long way but found the Towcester hill a bit too much, Playing with Fire jumped for fun , traveled great and will win shortly. The bumper horses both ran well, Dans Quest a lovely horse, but huge and probably still a bit weak, he has learned masses this year, and will now have a holiday. Be My Witness ran a blinder to finish fifth - not beaten far and should nearly win a bumper off that run. All in all an OK day - no winner was annoying, but all home in one piece.
The other happy news from last week was the return of Autumm Spirit after a winter break. AS has had a few issues going on, which are now happily at bay, so fingers crossed that we can get the 'Fizz' of old back on the track. So upsetting for all concerned if you have a horse full of ability that loses its way and it seems impossible to find what is wrong. Hats off to Brian and the Lordy Partnership for all their commitment to Fizz, just hope that it all pays off, as I think they are now share holders in the Three Counties Equine Hospital!
Whilst on the subject of vets, we all wish Graham Potts, our vet, a speedy recovery from some pretty scary sounding neck surgery that he went through last week. Happily home now, with all limbs working so looking forward to getting him back to work!
Cheltenham tomorrow with Thomas Crapper - Haydock on Saturday and also entries on Easter Sunday.