A big welcome into the winners enclosure and many congratulations to Joe, who has been riding really well and deserved the win. It was a big decision for Joe to move down to Gods Country from the far north (Rotherham), but he has grasped the opportunity with both hands, and with plenty of placed rides including that fantastic second at the festival, the win was just a matter of time. Let s hope there are plenty more to come.

The Stag at Redhill the venue for a bit of a celebration - our new watering hole now that the Huff Cap has closed. Hopefully someone will get it open before too long - we miss the trips across the fields after a winner!

Entertain Me to Stratford on Saturday - again partnered by Joe as Charlie was sitting out an enforced break in a hotter climate! A mighty run from her to finish fourth in a red hot affair.

Be My Witness ran OK at Southwell - her first run over hurdles under Toby, who did a good job on a first timer, sadly both our other runners withdrawn as they were both in season - perfect timing on their part! The Absent Mare ran better last night at Kempton, unfortunately her regular pilot Martin Lane had a fall earlier in the evening and George Baker had to step in. Although he did a good job, Abby is one that is better for knowing and a slow run race and then a sprint really did not suit TAM, who was staying on.

My Irish trip was preceded by a couple of days at Doncaster sales taking a store up to sell, and also buying a really super winning pointer called Anti Cool, by Heron Island. Trade was very strong and I think that he was very good value. Both the horses in training and the stores were making plenty of money - different to twelve months ago!

Ascot sales this week - a rather different environment to Doncaster, and not one that I like much - and certainly nothing that I was tempted to buy!

Steam cleaning going ahead full blast, and the troops also getting some time off - always a nightmare trying to get everyone away whilst we are a bit quieter, it won't be long before they are coming in again.

The holiday makers all looking fat and happy, although in yesterdays monsoon I think they would rather have been in a nice warm stable.