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.