31st March 2012

Chiquilline had a small blow and we have decided to let him take his chance tommorw at Maisemore. Tessa walked the course this afternoon and I walked it this evening. They have done a decent job of watering and by race day it will be safe fast ground. I am slightly surprised that they haven't appeared to put any water on today as the wind is constantly drying it out. Another bit would have done it no harm at all in my mind. The fences are well built and have a style of their own. There are no rails on the aprons, just a take off board in the usual place. A style I haven't seen before.

Tiqris is in great shape and was throwing all sorts of shapes this evening when he came in off the walker, I'll ride him and Proximo out tomorrow morning before we set off. There are a few showers forecast on Tuesday and Wednesday but it doesn't look as if it will even settle the dust at this stage. I would really like to get another run into Triuble Digger, I feel he really deserves another chance. Chaddesley Corbett could be a target for him on 21st April. They normally do a fantastic job of producing some decent ground. I am sorry to see that The Tedworth have cancelled their meeting as I have won their maiden for the last 2 years and am a big fan of Barbury Castle. I rode plenty of winners there and it has been a very lucky track for me as a trainer. Why on earth they moved the winning post I will never know. Well I do actually, apparently they wanted to bring in closer to the crowd. I always thought that watching the horses jump the last and fight out the finish going away from you was a fantastic spectacle. The run in after the last is too short now.

Sholto is 6 tomorrow, Happy Birthday Sholti.

30th March 2012

Tiqris and Proximo did a decent bit of work on the woodchip and both seem in great nick. It is a funny time of year. The horses that have won have mostly been let down in preparation for the Cheltenham sale on 18th April. A few breakers are in and the yard is now quiet enough. We have started the annual creosoting of all rails around the place. I have just had a quote to do some fencing in the paddocks and am relying on Tiqris to pay for it!

I will go down to Maisemore late tomorrow afternoon or early evening to walk the course, unless it is safe Chiquilline won't run. There is always next year for him. I still don't think we have seen the best of him and think there is some improvement in him yet. Carl Evans rang today to see if he would run, I told him if the ground was safe he would. A trip to the newsagents tomorrow maybe in order for his fan club as I would imagine that he will feature in Carl's preview of the weekends racing in the Racing Post, be warned, take your credit card it costs a small fortune for a newspaper!

The fuel crisis that is yet to happen has sent the nation into melt down. We have local filling station about 3 miles away. They sold out all their fuel on Wednesday shortly after lunch. I had a lovely chat with them today as I know them all well. What is infuriating for them is that all the locals that never use them are taking all the fuel. They are a fitting example of customer loyality. Those of us that use them day to day are allowed as much as we need. I have a monthly account with them and it is seldom under £1100. They have limited non regulars to £20 / fill. It is another thing that I feel strongly about. I know I am paying more for my fuel but supporting local rural business is high on my list of the right thing to do. Every time anyone fills up at the supermarkets it is giving them more power than they already have. They have put a frightening number of small retailers out of business, another small example of why this country is in such a dire state.

29th March 2012

Proximo and Cavite Gamma jumped 8 hurdles, both did it well. I am really looking forward to Proximo running over hurdles. He will possibly go to Towcester with Tiqris on Easter Sunday. Cavite Gamma was just company, I won't have anything in mind for him for a few weeks yet.

Verity Bourne collected Bolbolini and has taken her home until she decides what to do with her. The vets are suggesting more X-rays!

The gallop is now so dry that it is difficult to work, all the woodchip packs up in the harrow and releases in a big pile creating waves. It is a real pain in the arse and I spent 3 hours trying getting it as level as possible again. Anyway it is now back in good shape and we will be working a few on it tomorrow.

Apparently a few people have rung Sam to see if Chiqilline is running at the weekend, he is obviously consider to be a huge threat! And rightly so!

Ant Tory is in tomorrow to do a few teeth, Ant was a very successful NH jockey and rode a good few winners for Kim Bailey including Docklands Express to win the then Whitbread Gold Cup. I have been friends with the Torys for years, they are a great family and we used to give Ant plenty of stick suggesting that he only got rides because Kim used to be invited to shoot on his father farm. I'm sure it's true..................he's a much better horse dentist than jockey. I don't think there is anyone better.

28th March 2012

My birthday!

All the horses had routine canters. Two 2 year olds arrived from David Allen, one by Midnight Legend the other Kayf Tara. They look great and have had very little handling so we'll earn our fees. Mr Allen never puts me under pressure so the job is that much easier as I am not having to force anything and they can come to hand in their own time - to a certain extent.

Verity was here with Mark Usher and her vet to see her fillies. The vet seemed to think that Bobolini's knees where not the problem and that she was wrong through her back. Anthony Webber was called and as always was here the same day. Anthony agrees with me that the knees are in fact the problem and could find very little wrong with her skeletal frame. She is tight through her back and I think that is a result of the primary cause being her knees. Ironically Valley Queen was out of line through her pelvis and will ceratinly benefit from Anthony's treatment. I think we will have to sleep on it and let Verity decide what she wants to do.

My new phone arrived but 8 hours later they still haven't managed to activate the sim card.

27th March 2012

Sam was in this morning and Chiquilline schooled over 6 fences and Proximo over 8 hurdles, Custers Last Stand lead them both. All horses where in great form. Cavite Gamma has come back in after a break and will go summer jumping. This weather is insane and I keep reminding myself that Loose Preformer won on soft ground at the Tedworth p2p in April 2010. The rain may come yet and I am a believer in the weather fact that the weather changes with the new moon. That is 10 odd days away!

Verity Bourne is coming tomorrow with Mark Usher and her vet. Mark is coming to see both fillies and the vet Bobolini who has lameness issues. I know how Bobolini feels having steel and plates in her knee.


My telephone has been switching itself off and I spent the afternoon trying to get all the data off it onto my PC. I am not too strong on computers and my patience was tested to the full but being such a tolerant fella I managed to contain my frustration with a few "damn and blasts"!

26th March 2012

No rain in Pudlicote last week.

Tiqris, Trouble Digger and Chiquilline are feeling well and showed a bit of Monday morning spirit! All the other horses did routine canters. The Generous filly and Clodovil filly went out of the school for the first time and behaved very well.

Sam is in tomorrow and we'll give Chiquilline a pop over a few fences and Proximo can go and jump a few hurdles. Custers Last Stand will lead Proximo. I watched 1 race from Towcester this afternoon and it appeared that they have done a decent job of watering. If things go to plan Proximo and Tiqris may possibly run there on Easter Sunday. Proximo in a 2 mile novice hurdle and Tiqris in the bumper. They will both have entries elsewhere over Easter and I would be inclined to go to the track that offers the best ground.

This evening I went to pickup Tilly from Duns Tew, she was at a birthday party. I grew up in Duns Tew and am shocked by the number of houses that have gone up in the village. When I was a kid there were 3 working farms in the village, a garden center and a small saw mill that made kitchens. All are now covered in houses. I think this is tragic and no wonder everywhere floods when it does rain! The country is covered in concrete. I guess it is the same up and down the country and can only think that we are all far worse off for it.

I was delighted to hear on radio 5 that Tiger Woods has won a tournament for the first time in a long time. Tiger is my golfing hero and I've enjoyed many long hours watching him when he was at his peak. Hopefully he has his life back on track and can challenge for a major title again.

25th March 2012

A quiet day, after we had seen to the horses first thing Tilly, Sholti and Panda all came to Sholto's rugby training. It was like a summers morning. I turned horses out striped at 8 O'clock this morning - ridiculous for March!

Once the horses had had their lunch we had ours. It was then more rugby practice with Sholti. He is working on his skills under the "high ball" for a 5 year old he is amazing, he clearly has his fathers sporting prowess!

I am always moaning that there isn't enough hours in the working day but when I do have an easy day I don't really know what to do with myself. I certainly don't have anything too interesting to write in the daily blog.

24th March 2012

All horses had routine canters, Tiqris and Chiqquilline went a stride faster last time up. The net seems to be working but I won't make any final judgement until he runs in it.

James was jocked off his ride at Siddington, he was promised the ride on a horse belonging to Becki Blandford and Tom McFarlane. James had schooled the horse during his lunchtimes on many occassions and was repeatedly promised the ride. This is an appaulling way to treat a young lad trying to get a chance. I wouldn't mind a bit if he hadn't made to effort to go and school the horse. I am repeatly approached by jockeys pre-season about riding out. I always turn their offers down as I simply don't have enough horses for more than 1 jockey. If Sam can't ride a horse for whatever reason I will ask someone else to come and school the horse and they can ride it when Sam can't. Sam is here 2 mornings a week on the promise he gets first refusal of the rides. Whilst both parties remain happy that is the way it stays.

I feel for James as he has been used. Tom McFarlane, a moderate jockey in his riding days should know better if Becki doesn't. It up to James if he schools for them again but I wouldn't, their promises clearly mean nothing.

No rain forecast for next 5 days. Ahgrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

23rd March 2012

Routine canters for all the horses and the babies worked in the school. Verity Bourne was here to see her two fillies, Valley Queen and Bobolini. Bobolini has had some surgery in her knee and I think she is struggling with it. Verity is going to organise for her vet to speak to me and we will take it forward from there. Valley Queen is doing everything nicely and I hope she gives Verity some fun in the summer months. Based on today's weather summer is here, how ridiculous to have temperatures around 17 degrees in March. I think it gets worse ever year as far as training National Hunt horses goes. Last Easter we all headed off to Cornwall for a few days, I was in my shorts and the horses were being tuned out striped. Climate change!!!!

This evening was spent at parents evening and I am pleased that both Tilly and Sholto are doing well at school.

James tells me he may have a ride at Siddington this weekend and if that is the case he'll be representing Cottage Field Stables as we have no runners at all this weekend.

22 March 2012

Chiquilline has been accused by his fan club of dressing like Ena Sharples. Ena Sharples wore her net on her head, Chiquilline wears his over his mouth. It goes over his muzzle and clips on to the noseband. I have no idea how they work but it stops them facing the bridle and pulling. Every horse is different and we won't know how it will or won't help Chiquilline until he runs in it. He's as fit as a fiddle and will only be on tick over before next weekends race. I have known them to be very effective to the point of horses not picking up the bit at all and never getting into the race.

Jonjo and his assistant Guy Upton where here this evening to see the horses. Jonjo looks as if he needs a holiday, he looked exhausted. I would imagine it is a rather nice exhausting feeling though. I am sure he has been bombarded with congratulatory messages and long evenings celebrating. As far as I am concerned The Gold Cup couldn't have been won by a better bloke. His jockey AP is something else. Any young lad will find it hard to match AP in the saddle but he conducts himself in such a professional manner that he is an example to all the jockeys who think they are film stars! I don't think they'll ever be another jockey like him. There is always Sam and James coming through the ranks!

I am totally obsessed with the weather forecasts again and look 100 times a day to see if any rain is coming in. Sadly not in the next 5 days anyway.

21st March 2012

All horses are in good shape. Chiquilline's net arrived today, we'll try him in it tomorrow, the only thing is he doesn't pull at home. However, he'll need to get used to it for race days, only then will we find out if it is going to help his rather weak jockey! Sam is in tomorrow as test pilot.

Tom Malone was here today to see the horses, he was mad about a couple of them. I always like bloodstock agents seeing the horses prior to the sales. They get to see them without all the chaos that goes on on sales days. I also enjoy talking to them as it gives me a much better idea of what their clients are looking for. It is a very good opportunity to pick their brains and learn from them.

Tiqris will probably run in a bumper, there are 2 races I have in mind, Towcester 8th April or Huntington 9th April. He'll be entered in both. I am not afraid of doing this as I genuinely believe in him and have no doubt in my mind he's a bumper horse. The turn of foot he showed after being on his nose at the 2nd last was breathtaking! The critics can say what they like about British p2p's and times of races. I have watched and ridden enough horses to know when one is a bit special. We are faced with an uphill battle promoting British p2p winners. Tom Malone was telling me that almost as soon as a horse has crossed the line in an Irish p2p he receives a "tweet". The same evening he can watch the whole race on their website with a full result of all runners and riders being available too. How an earth is it ever going to change when we are so far behind the Irish boys. The powers that be in Britain introduced races for 4 year olds yet they seem to have overlooked the importance of backing it commercially. I feel that I am ploughing a lone furrow and the British Bloodstock agents don't want to help push British winners either. Can you imagine an Irish or French agent not supporting their own! I can't. Last year we were advised that if we wanted to go to market after winning British p2ps we needed to buy horses with better pedigrees. We took the advise and did so but nothing seems to have changed. If Tiqris won in Ireland as he did on Sunday people would be fighting over him for sums well in excess of £200,000. Tiqris got a lovely picture in The Weekender and some very good words in the report from the meeeting.

For as long as I am supported by my investors I will continue to use British p2p's as a starting ground for some of our young horses.

We are just about to sing happy birthday to Panda who I am told is 4 today. Only by the skin of my teeth did I manage to stop one of her godfathers sending a card with the number 5 on it. I then received a huge amount of verbal greif about knowing the age of every horse in the yard.

20th March 2012

Chiquilline was feeling rather well this morning, he had to leave the other horses on the gallop to do another canter and thought very little of doing so. Trouble Digger is a little stuff after his excertions at Whitfield. He is a big horse who gives it his all and I am sure he strains his muscles more than any other horse, once he'd had a trot up the wood chip he was as free as a bird. We just need some rain for him. Chiquilline will be entered at Maisemore.

Tiqris is bouncing after his run and I think we will look for a bumper for him in a few weeks time, unless someone comes and buys him beforehand. Aiden Murphy was here this afternoon to see the horses and was very complementary about them. Tom Malone is due here tomorrow to see them too.

David Allen rang to book in 3 horses, 2 to be broken and the 3rd to be ridden away again, I broke her last summer. Ben Case rents his yard off Mr Allen and I am fortunate enough to be asked to break all their young horses.

Sholti went to football training and was supported by Tilly and I. Panda went swimming with her mother.

19th March 2012

3mm of rain in Pudlicote last week.

All the horses have come out of yesterday in great shape. The runners just went for a walk and a pick of grass. I am still in disbelief that The Bicester Hunt didn't organise a DVD operator to film the races yesterday. Looking at the results from around the country it was certainly the best attended meeting and I can think of no better track to film a p2p on. If they operated from the centre of the course they'd never be too far away from the action.

Robert Chugg rang at lunchtime to say he was passing by, we met in The kings Head in Bledington for a beef sandwich and a glass of orange! Robert has always been a great help to me and he's always got an amusing story or 2 to tell. He also has many words of wisdom. I have certainly learnt many things from him and I'd have no hesitation in ringing him if I needed some advise.

Sophie has been on a speed awareness course today. Most mornings I see a green flash passing the horses on the road parallel to our gallop as she heads out on the school run. I hope she listened to what she was being told (doubtful I'd say) and that I can expect a much lighter fuel bill from the garage each month. My lorry has a speed restrictor fitted and I am wondering if it is possible to fit one on Sophie cars?

18th March 2012

A mixed bag of results from Whitfield today, Tiqris won the maiden very impressively, he was swinging in behind the leaders 3 out and joined them 2 out, he missed the second last and went down on to his knees. Sam did a fantastic job keeping the partnership intact, once they had picked themselves off the ground Sam shook the reins at him and he took off like an aeroplane, flew the last and won by 8 lengths going away. He is certainly the nicest young horse I've had through the yard and I tip him for the top, I think he is very special. Trouble Digger ran his heart out to finish 4th, he was unlucky in running and was seriously hammpered jumping the cross fence, this took its toll on him, once he got going again it was all a bit too late. I was really proud of him, he tries his heart out and gives it his all. Chiquilline was running away when he unseated Sam at the fence before the ditch, Sam had no chance and it was a harsh UR. It was too far out to say whether he would have won or not but he was still travelling very well.

I have just declined supper as Liz Wills supplied us with sausages and chicken for starters and Tessa Blazey's mother sent us home with the most delicious coffee cake I think I've ever eaten. 3 of us manged to eat 75% of it before we got to Brackley, 5 miles down the road! How spoiling and what great owners I have. Andrew Robertson was also in attendance and he gave us nothing - he is from the north of England though, so he's excused - not his fault really! And to my knowledge he was the only one to have backed Tiqris.

Tilly was in a ballet in Chipping Norton theatre this morning which I sadly missed, they then headed on to a childrens lunch party with entertainers Sharky and George who I am told were out of this world and had the children transfixed.

Below is an extract from the jumping for fun website:

Tigris mad a huge impression. Racing down to 2 out with one upside he was really tanking. For a 4 yo he had jumped really economically but at 2 out sprawled on landing and almost came to a halt, -ride did a great jod staying on board and balanced- and he quickened up like a really good horse, flew the last and could not have been more impressive.
For me can't think of a better 4 yo maiden thats run in a British point.

17th March 2012

Tiqris and Trouble Digger jumped 6 fences this morning, both did it well. All the other had routine canters. Once the riding out was finished I rushed off to Whitfield to walk the course. It is safe ground and as flat as a pancake. Chiquilline and Tiqris will run, I won't mind a bit of rain over night for Trouble Digger, it would help the other 2 also. The fences at Whitfield are as good if not better than some rules courses and if a horse can jump round there he can go anywhere afterwards, Cheltenham included.

Mags O'Toole was here this afternoon to see the sales horses and she was very complimentary about them, as I thought she particularly liked Avidiuss Cassius, Beckhani and Tiqris.

Wales won the grand slam and thankfully my Welsh mates have decided to go pointing in Wales this weekend. England hammered the Irish who simply could not compete up front.

On a sad note Silver Breese is out for the rest of the season and probably next as he has a leg injury. This is particularly sad for James as he won't get to ride him again this year. Hopefully Custers Last Stand will improve from his wind operation and can get him into the winners enclosure.

16th March 2012

Trouble Digger, Chiquilline and Tiqris all had a blow on the all weather. Tomorrow Trigg and Tiqris will pop over a few fences. Once I'd finished the horses David and I took up all the posts in the paddocks as I am re-fencing the 7 acres into 3 larger paddocks. I previously had 8 out there and it just wasn't working anymore, they were all getting chewed up too much.

What a fantastic days racing. I do plenty of work for Jonjo O'Neil and am delighted for him and his team. Everyone says what a great guy he is and I agree, he is very straight forward to work for and it is always a pleasure to have his horses in the yard.

I assisted David with his addiction on Betfair and am happy to report we were very successful! I am sticking to my word and not going to play on it, it is too hard to earn money and on Betfair it is very easy to lose it.

Anthony Stroud came round to look at the horses this evening and was very complementary about them.

If time allows I will try and get to Whitfield tomorrow to walk the course, I will post my thoughts on the ground once mission completed.

15th March 2012

All the weekend runners schooled well this morning. Some classy individuals have been entered in the Intermediate at Whitfield. Rumbavu, who won at Didmarton two weeks ago, is sure to play a huge part. Two on the up are Sheila Crow’s Woodview Prince, who won a Restricted in fine style at Garnons recently and Harbour Court from the Alan Hill yard. I am not afraid of any of them and if Chiquilline is going to be aimed at the Intermediate final in Cheltenham, he has to take on good horses one day. I think I've got him in better shape than ever and they should be fearful of him!

Tomorrow the weekends runners will have a small blow. All the other horses had routine canters this morning. Beckhani has come out of his race well.

David Minton was here to see our stock and was pleased with what he saw. We will aim them all at the Brightwells sale on 18th April at Cheltenham. Anthony Stroud is here tomorrow to see them and I am sure he'll like them too.

I was pleased to see that Jerry McGrath rode his first winner at Cheltenham yesterday; although I would not claim any credit for this, I was one of the first people to give Jerry a chance when he came over from Ireland. He rode a few winners for me and that, by his own admission, helped to get him the job at Nicky Henderson's. Jerry is a lovely man and deserves all the success he gets. He has a great work ethic and works very hard on his fitness. He rarely misses a day in the gym and if he's riding he goes there in the evening.

I had my first and last attempt on Betfair today and am sorry to report that it was a huge failure.

14th March 2012

Beckhani ran a great race to finish 2nd and sadly met a good one of Longsdon's , Beckhani gave him 13 lbs and was beaten 8 lengths. I have various bloodstock agents visiting this week so unless an offer is made he'll go to the Cheltenham sales on 18th April.

Sam is in tomorrow and we'll school the weekends runners, Chiquilline, Trouble Digger and the Midnight Legend 4 year old.

David Black and Carmel are staying for a few days and going to Cheltenham tomorrow to support the charity race being run in aid of Cancer Research. Wendy Normile is riding in it on one of JP McManus horses. Wendy's brother Alan died of cancer aged 36. I knew Alan very well when we all worked in Lambourn together and it's very sad. Alan was married to Lucy Normile who continues to train in Perthshire. I am told Wendy has raised just under 25,000 euros. This is an incredible amount of money to raise for charity and I hope she has a good ride in the race, or even better wins.

13th March 2012

Chiquilline, Midnight Legend 4 year old and Trouble Digger all worked on Mark Rimell 's gallop, I was very pleased with them all. Beckhani has a blow on our all weather and is declared to run at Huntingdon tomorrow, Timmy Murphy rides him. All other horses had routine canters.

Sophie gave me 2 lovely Bay trees for Christmas and I finally got round to retrieving them form her mothers house. I have stood them up in 2 timbre framed pots which where bought for my birthday last year. I'll speak nicely to my mother-in-law and ask her to help me to plant them in their pots. Gardening isn't a strength and I normally managed to kill anything, normally my mowing over it.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Cheltenham on the telly and was delighted for Noel Feily, I don't really know Noel but what I do know of him he is a really decent fella. Hie is one of those people who never walks by without saying hello, a sign of a gentelman in my book. He spends time each Monday night giving lessons to young aspiring jockeys on the equisiser in Oaksey House in Lambourn.

I hope to be postings news on a win tomorrow night!

12 March 2012

1.5 mm rain last week.

Routine canters for most of the horses this morning, I schooled the Midnight Legned horse over 9 fences and James rode upsides me on Custers Last Stand. I was very pleased with his enthusiasm and he's clever with plenty of scope. Custers seems to be showing signs of getting back to his usual self after his wind op. I'll look for a race for him over Easter.

I entered Trouble Digger at the last minute for Whitfield as I think they'll be producing the best ground for a while if the forecasters are right - they say there is no rain about for another month! Tomorrow Chiquilline, Trouble Digger and the Midnight Legend horse will gallop on Mark Rimell's all weather. It isn't a gallop I'd like to train on as I think it is too easy for routine work and you end up having to go too fast on a daily basis to get the work into them, however it is perfect for an away gallop. Our grass is too firm.

We have a number of bloodstock agents visiting us this week en route to Cheltenham. Avidius Cassius, Harris, Beckhani and the Midnight Legend horse will be shown as potential horses to go on and race under rules. As any regular reader will know most of our horses are for sale.

I haven't really absorbed the fact that the festival starts tomorrow as I have been so wrapped up with everything going on in my very small bubble. I am sure the adrenaline will start to pump when I sit down to watch it all. The coverage is fantastic and I really enjoy the visits that have been made to various trainers in the build up to the week. I always learn something from watching them.

Harris has come out if his race in great shape and I don't think we'll run him again at this moment in time. Proximo loose schooled this morning and he'll have a few more days of that to freshen him up after his run.

11th March 2012

Beckhani and Midnight Legend 4 year old did some routine cantering. I would ideally like to get another piece of work into Beckhani before he runs but am fearful of the weather forecast. I'm told that the likelihood of rain in the next 4 weeks is very slim. I wouldn't want to run him on anything worse than good ground. It maybe that we have to run on Wednesday to get a bit of safe ground. I think i'll ring round a few trainers before I declare and see who plans to run and who doesn't. John Ferguson has a very nice horse in the race that has won its last 2.

I enjoyed the England France match and it was a deserved victory. The English boys seem to have a real go about them and it looks as if they are possibly a team to be reckoned with over the next few years. Tom Croft's try was staggering, for a backrow to have his turn of foot was simply class! I've always rated him as a player and his work rate is huge.

I can't bear the thought of the Welsh getting the grand slam, they often fall at the last and I expect them to do the same again - Choke!!!!!!!

The above paragraph is for my Welsh mates who may or may not read this.............

10th March 2012

Harris won the 2mile 4furlong maiden at Larkhill this afternoon, Sam Drinkwater rode him and gave him a great ride. He jumped beautifully and won impressively. He's a horse we've always thought to have plenty of ability, he was too weak to run last year and we've has to be patient this year too. I am now convinced that fast ground is the key to any horse by Beneficial. It was no walk over and there were a few horses in the race with good enough form.

Beckhani and Chiquilline worked on the grass this morning and I was pleased with them both.

Tomorrow i'll be riding out the 4 year old by Midnight Legend and Beckhani. I try not to ride anything on a Sunday if possible but sometimes it is unavoidable and any runners the following week have to be ridden.

Sholto and I will then head off for rugby training. Tilly has a dress rehearsal for her ballet and I'll be entertaining Panda and Shoti - hope they like rugby! I am sure that England play France in the 6nations at some point during the afternoon.

9th March 2012

Proximo ran a very good race, as any follower of my blog will know we are trying to produce horses for the sales. So although we are pleased with him we really need them to finish in the front 3. He was there or there abouts turning into the home straight and was in a good enough position to go and win the race had he been good enough. Andrew Tinkler likes him and says that he's alright, he has suggested that we send him over hurdles and look for a race over 2.5 miles. He said he just gallops and doesn't have a turn of speed. That is now the plan. We'lll see how he comes out of the race and hopefully be able to look for something in 3 weeks time. He has done plenty of loose schooling and jumps very well.

Tomorrow Harris should get his ground at Larkhill, he's by Beneficial and I have concluded rightly or wrongly that horses by Beneficial need fast ground. Beckhani's race at Huntington looks very competitive at entry stage, we'll have to wait and see nearer the time whether or not we run. He will work on the grass tomorrow with Chiquilline.

Tilly wrote some poetry at school today and made all the teachers "well-up". Tilly is only 7 and her mother thinks we've a poet laureate in the making!

8th March 2012

Harris and the Midnight Legend schooled over 9 fences, Sam rode them both and James gave him a lead on Silver and Custers Last Stand. All the young horses here do plenty of loose schooling and know how to jump better than any of the jockeys riding them. There is nothing worse than getting a horse jumping beautifully loose and then seeing it being schooled badly. I like the boys to sit still, give the horses their heads and squeeze them up into the fence, this gives the horses the confidence to go in a jump. If someone is hanging out of their mouths they can't adjust their stride, arch their backs and jump. The horses here see their own strides and don't need any assistance from the saddle.

Once we had finished the yard up this morning I finally got round to completing some paper work that has been building up in my office. I was posted off on the school run as Tilly and Panda went to ballet and Sholti wanted to come to evening stables rater than watch ballet. Tessa Blazey popped in to give Chiquilline a loving pat on the nose.

Tomorrow we are off to Wincanton with Proximo, he doesn't run until 5.30 so we'll get a full mornings work done before we have to leave. It looks a competitive enough race and I fear Pipes and Hobb's unraced horses rather than any of the more exposed ones. Proximo is in great form and the trach wash we took off him on Wednesday was A1.

7th March 2012

All the horses had routine canters and those that went to Lambourn walked and trotted only. Tomorrow Sam is in and we will school Harris and the Midnight Legend 4 year old. Proximo will have a small blow as he is likely to run at Wincanton on Friday, we won't make a decision until 9.30 tomorrow morning when we'll have a bit more of an idea who is likely to be running where. We have Stratford on Monday as an alternative for him.

I have entered Beckhani for a bumper at Huntingdon next Wednesday, not something I really wanted to do when Cheltenham is on but if that is what is right for the horse then that is what will have to happen.

6th March 2012

A successful trip to Lambourn as all the horses worked well. Harris will run at Larkhill on Saturday and should get the ground he wants. I will aim the Midnight Legend 4 year old at Whitfield on the 18th March. Trouble Digger also has a entry at Larkhill but is more likely to go to Siddington later in the month. Chaddesley Corbett really took its toll on him and he seems to be taking his time to come out of the race. He is entiltled to take a while as he'd been off the track for 2 years.

I watched Long Run work this morning and he looked in great shape, I hope he is able to prove all the doubters wrong and beat Kauto Star. Kauto Star is an amazing horse but I have a small connection with the Henderson team and I would be a supporter of all his horses. They tell me that Burton Port shouldn't be overlooked. Sadly, I didn't see Simonsig but he is my banker of the meeting. Anyhow, if Kauto Star does make it after his schooling accident and ends up running a disappointing race they 'll just bleat that he had an interrupted preparation.................it is a real shame that this has happened as it was a rematch the country where so excited about and couldn't wait to see. However, if he wins it will be an incredible performance and one i'd never forget. Only time will tell what will happen. Sholto will have to ask his mother to take him to football next Tuesday as I will be positioning myself firmly in front of Channel 4 and RUK. I don't approve of football anyway but Sholti likes to see his mates.

I always struggle to sleep when we have runners and this week has been exhausting, Cavite Alpha yesterday, Proximo Friday or Monday, trying to plan for this weekend and already worrying about Whitfield. The festival on top is just to much and I get very excited and nervous about it all. Anyone involved in racing that doesn't get excited about the festival should find another job or hobby, it is the best 4 days racing world wide for a National Hunt supporter.

Goose my hunter has gone for a day with the Warwickshire tomorrow, fingers crossed he behaves himself and doesn't come back.

Have had enquires from France and Sweden about Tinkerbell, I think my photos are going global - better get some royalty rights on them, or certainly copyright!

5th March 2012

16mm rain, sleet and snow in Pudlicote last week.

A disappointing day as Cavite Alpha didn't really run much of a race. It is all very well them working over a shorter trip at home and doing it well but racing is so different and it is only on the racecourse that you find out if you have a horse worth keeping or not. Cavite Alpha will now head to the next Ascot Sales and would make a smashing pointer for someone. Timmy Murphy said his wind didn't stop him, he jumped beautifully and needs further.

Charlie wants to produce horses for sale and persevering with average ones doesn't appeal to him or me and makes no commercial sense.

Tomorrow I am taking a few horses to gallop in Lambourn, Sam is going to Ian Williams as he has a ride for him in the NH chase next week at the festival.

Silver seems to have come out of yesterday's excertions well and i'll look for a race for him in a couple or three weeks time.

04 March 2012

Another truly amazing picture of Tinkerbell!

A long day and a wasted trip for Harris to Tweseldown, the heavens opened as the BBC had forecast and the ground cut up so badly we didn't run. After I got 100 metres into walking the track I knew I wouldn't run him. The course was in great shape and the viewing is vastly improved by the felling of a lot of trees. You can see everything you want from the water jump to the post. We ran Silver Breese and the holding ground found his wind out. He looked ever bit the winner 4 fences form home but stopped to nothing shortly afterwards. James had a great spin round and gained more experience of race riding. He asked me where he went wrong and i told him not to worry about that and to ask himself what he learnt. Carly rightly won the best turned out, he looked great with mane and tail plaited. I don't let her plait any other horses as I don't like plaits on racehorses. I also think it winds them up. They are there to race not to be shown! It is a tricky one for horses like Silver Breese as he gets run off his feet on fast ground and can't cope with anything too testing. I think I might tie his tongue down next time but the vet tells me that it won't help.

Harris is now entered for Larkhill next Saturday and we'll see what the entries look like before making a decision as to where we go next with him.

There are only 6 runners in Cavite Alpha's race tomorrow and I'm expecting a big run from him. He has had a wind operation and we haven't found him out at home, however under the pressure of a race it may stop him.

2 March 2012

Cavite Alpha and the 4 year old by Oscar jumped 9 fences. Cavite Alpha was just getting his eye in before Monday, Timmy Murphy has been booked to ride him at Hereford. Proximo has been entered for Wincanton on Friday, hopefully Timmy Murphy will be able to ride him too, he runs in the bumper.

The hot water pump failed in the tack room today, the plumber was called, he replaced it and also discovered that the emersion and the cylinder had also failed. No change out of £800 I expect. The up keep and replacing of equipment is mind blowing, there is always something absorbing funds.

I am pleased to see that there is some rain about over the weekend and that we may have some safe racing ground for a couple more weeks if there is no more on the horizon.

I haven't had a chance to look at the 6 nations rugby fixtures that are on this weekend but I'll be setting Sky Plus if England are playing on Sunday as we'll be at Tweseldown.

1st March 2012

Sam was in this morning, Harris and Silver Breese (correct spelling) schooled over 9 fences, I think Sam learnt a bit more about him and has realised that he really needs to be grabbed hold of.

All the other horses did routine canters, Sam manged to stay on Chiquilline and there was no excitements.

Tim Rootes of Shutford Stud was her to see his two yearling fillies at 11 o'clock. One is by Byron and the other Tefilio. We all think the Tefilio filly could be special, her name is Lunette. Trainers aren't yet decided and Mr Rootes is in no hurry to send them anywhere yet. We've agreed to take stock at the end of May.

I spent the afternoon trying to get invoices out, I keep very accurate records but the vet bills have to be incorporated and various other bits and peices have to be accounted for, it all takes time and is painful.

Anthony Webber (our back man) was here at evening stables, Trouble Digger was rechecked and is in good shape. Harris, Cavite Alpha, Beckhani and Chiquilline all had minor adjustments done to them. Many people I have come across think back men are charlatons, I agree that there maybe a few out there but Anthony is top class and as I ride most of the horses I am able to notice the difference once he has treated them, in my mind it is money well spent.