30th April 2012

Over 3 inches of rain in Pudlicote last week. River has burst its banks and the drains at the back of my barn couldn't cope. They have always struggled with flash heavy rainfall. They will be upgraded this summer, perhaps I should put it off until February when the sun shines!

All horses had routine canters this morning. Sam is in tomorrow, Harris, Trouble Digger and Proximo will work on the grass. Trouble Digger is aiming for Maisemore, Proximo Fontwell on Friday and Harris Towcester 14th May.

We have set the barn ready for the steam cleaner which will be working flat out once the horses are exercised.

Cavite Epsilon is coming back in tomorrow after a year off, he is certainly one of my favourite horses. Sam Waley Cohen won on him at Twesledown last year, Sam thought he could have won by 2 fences if he'd have had a bit more racecourse experience. He always impressed us and I think he's a right horse. It is horses like him that help to get me out of bed in the morning.

Charlie and I are going on a day trip to Ireland next week to look at some young horses.

28th April 2012

I think my rain gauge will be overflowing by this time tomorrow and I heard on the radio that Fairford is on flood alter, the forecast tomorrow is horrendous.

All horses had routine canters this morning and all the babies are now riding around the school. The Clodovil filly that came from James Unett is settling down and I think she'll be fine, I hope she learnt something after throwing herself over backwards on Tuesday. She thinks the world is going to end if anyone moves on her back and James is doing a great job in settling her down. She needs 2 things installing into her brain, confidence and confidence!

The steam cleaner has been booked for Tuesday, all the paint arrived yesterday and the spring clean starts in earnest on Tuesday once the horses have all been exercised.

27th April 2012

Another wet miserable morning riding out. Mustn't complain too much as the rain is desperately needed, just wish it had come a month ago.


Cavite Gamma, Proximo and Harris worked on the grass the morning and all went well. Proximo has been entered at Fontwell but the rain needs to stop.


I am a regular reader of Kim Bailey's blog and noted today that someone has stolen his office loo seat. From past experience I imagine Kim has his own idea who has taken it. When I left Captain Radcliffe I worked for Kim for a couple of years. Kim had a old silver Subaru Forester which he occasionally drove up the gallop, the floor was rusted out of the foot well and it was in a poor state of repair. However, it did start and it did get Kim up the gallops. One evening according to Kim the engine was stolen out of it. Now, I just about know where to put oil and water in a car but Kim was convinced that I was the culprit. I have since tried to reassure him it wasn't me, and can only sympathise with the blameless individual Kim points the finger at this time!

I have a coloured pony here to sell for a friend. I have had 4 or 5 people booked in to try her on different occasions over the last month or so; 2 didn't bother to show or contact me, the 3rd I rang to see where she was,. to be informed that she had found a pony over the weekend and the 4th has just texted to say she isn't coming. Tyre kickers are the bane of my life and they should all go to room 101 soonest.

26th April 2012

All horses had routine canters, Sam is in tomorrow and we'll work a few on the grass, we had just under 1 inch of rain in 24 hours.

Tim Rootes was here this morning to see his two fillies. The Byron will head off into training with Hughie Morrison in the next few days and the Tefilio filly will stay here until the end of May, at which time we will take stock.

Tilly went to ballet after school. Poor Sholti got roped into going along too, he announced that he'd rather stick pins in his eyes. Panda and I did evening stables. Panda helped me to check the legs before we fed and harrowed the gallop.

I think Punchestown is my favorite meeting after the Cheltenham festival and sadly the weather has rather literally dampened my enthusiasm for it. It has been a total washout. A lovely horse I had here named Dance Floor King ran there yesterday; if any horse wants fast ground it is him, he was galloping as others through slop! Malt Master has an entry there tomorrow and I note that Nicky Henderson has pulled many of his runners out. I don't think the ground will suit him but one thing is for sure, Nicky Henderson will know better than me and I am sure will do what he thinks is best for the horse.

25th April 2012

The rain first thing was relentless, I haven't looked at my rain gauge as there was some rain overnight and it wouldn't have been a true reflection on how much fell between 6 and 9 a.m, my guess would be 14-15mm.

Once the horses were exercised I took to the office to dry out and caught up on some paper work.

Trouble Digger has been entered for Maisemore and that will be his target.

24th April 2012

Trouble Digger thinks he's a racehorse, he was bouncing this morning. It is incredible how they know they have won, it is yet another example of the importance of giving horses confidence - they thrive on it. There are a few options for him, Cold Harbour, Maisemore and Mollington. I'll chat it through with the owners and Sam, we'll then decide where to aim him. He's not a slow horse and I'm not convinced that he needs a real stayers track like Mollington. If my memory serves me right it is also a bit ridge and furrow along the back and that is something I don't want him galloping over. I have mixed memories of Mollington, it was the first course I completed as a rider and I also broke my collarbone for the first time there!

The yard is quiet enough at the moment, it tends to go quiet at this time of year. It is a breather that we all need. All the stables get steam cleaned, disinfected and painted.

Harris and Cavite Gamma worked on the grass this morning and both horses are well. Typically, the rain has come and we need fast ground for both of those so it is now a case of ticking them over and waiting for the sun to shine.

23rd April 2012

1.1 inch of rain in Pudlciote last week.

A sale without any expectations, pressure, anxiety, aches in every muscle in my body and a constant headache! What a joy Ascot was today.

Cavite Alpha made 1400GBPS and Custers Last Stand 1000GBPS. Alpha was bought by Huntballs owner, if he transforms him into a similar horse to Huntball he should certainly sell his cows and set up as a bloodstock agent. Custers has gone to race in France with Alex Hales through the summer. I have known Alex for a long time and hope that he has some fun with him, at least he'll be able to run over distances of less than 3 mile. I think he'll be grand at 2 miles.

22nd April 2012

Trouble Digger seems to have come out of his race well, he was a little stiff this morning but soon walked the stiffness off. We'll give him a bit of time before making and plans.

Proximo ran a respectable enough race, Timmy Murphy said that he had got it wrong at Towcester and that he does in fact need a trip in excess of 2 miles. We'll see how he comes out of the race and run him again before he heads to Doncaster or the Brightwells May sales. I think he'll be a fun horse for someone, he takes his racing very well and once he's handicapped he'll win his races. Charlie and I do not want to accumulate horses to have in training; that is not the purpose of our plan. In an ideal world we want to run them and sell them.

Tomorrow is another early start as I want to get as many horses exercised as I can before I head off to Ascot sales with Custers Last Stand and Cavite Alpha. The lads will carry on riding out once I've left.

21st April 2012

A great day, Trouble Digger won his maiden at Chaddesley Corbett. I am so pleased for him, he tries his heart out every day and you wouldn't meet a kinder horse. He was 11 seconds faster than the other division which makes it even more satisfying. The last horse I had for the Wills to go pointing with went wrong and never made it to the track, so today's victory is even more sweeter than normal. We'll see how he is in the week and decide what to do next, if some juice stays in the ground I'd certainly be up for letting him take his chance in a restricted.

The race at Wincanton doesn't look too hot on paper tomorrow and I hope Proximo can follow in his stable mates footsteps and get his head in front.

20th April 2012

Proximo and Trouble Digger had a small blow on the all weather this morning. Robert Chugg tells me that the ground at Chaddesley will be good, he has put 1 inch of water on the course. If we get heavy showers over night I could easily see it coming up soft. I don't think that will inconvience us.

Proximo has been declared to run at Wincanton on Sunday, it is the 2nd or 3rd time we've had to declare a horse at the 48 hour stage and can now see why trainers kicked off about 48 hour decs. It really isn't ideal.

I took two 3 year olds over to Mary Hambro's this afternoon, she has a beautiful stud farm with gallops etc. The horses will have a few weeks at grass before we get them back with a view to running them in the autumn. They were 2 horses that just couldn't take it this winter and I am sure that giving them the time will pay off in the end.

18th 19th April 2012

I don't think I've ever felt so tired as I did today, the sales yesterday were full on. The horses started parading at 9 AM and were still being pulled out up to the start of the sale. I have never had such busy horses at a sale. I did say in a previous blog that they were the 3 nicest animals I've taken and they should have been busy.

Tiqris made £90,000, Avidiuss Cassius £85,000 and Beckhani £70,000. The 3 horses were bought for approx £75,000 and you can do the rest.........! No one can grumble at that. Rather ironic that an English p2p winner is heading to race in Ireland. It gives us all hope that if the horse has the pedigree and shows signs of ability, an English p2p is as good a starting place as any for educating young horses.

Tiqris will be trained by Phillip Hobbs, Avidiuss Cassius by Noel Meade and Beckhani by Jonjo O'Neil. I couldn't have wished for any of them to end up with better trainers. I am confident they will all win their races and hopefully we'll be able to sell them a few more in years to come.

Proximo and Cavite Gamma jumped 6 hurdles and Trouble Digger 6 fences, all jumped well. If the ground eases at Wincanton, Proximo will head there, he's in good form as is Trouble Digger who runs on Saturday at Chaddesley Corbett.

This evening Juliet White dropped in to see her Generous filly who is finally growing up and getting the hang of things.

17th April 2012

Proximo and Cavite Gamma jumped 8 hurdles at first light this morning, Trouble Digger and Harris worked on the woodchip. I then raced off to do the sales horses while the lads rode all the others horses. Sam was very pleased with Trouble Digger and I am expecting a very big run from him. I think we will ride him up on the pace on Saturday as he has proven to stay very well.

The sales horses were viewed by all the people one wants them to be seen by and I am sure there will be many more viewings tomorrow and others will be back for a second look. Only time will tell what they all make but I am optimistic they will all sell well. The 3 of them are by far the nicest horses excluding Malt Master that I have taken to any sale.

There has been a lot written in the press about the Grand National - for what it is worth I think as many others do, reducing the size of the fences and eliminating the drop on the inside of Beeches Brook has been counter productive. Everyone is now happy to travel down to Beeches on the inner. The reducing in size of other fences has encouraged more speed into the race and if anything they have probably made the race even more hazardous than before all the changes. The welfare is paramount to the horses and the facilities they have put in place for post race are second to none.

99% of the horses in training live in 5 star accommodation all year round and nobody involved in the sport wants to see horses mistreated in anyway. I have operated an open door policy at the yard since the day I set up the business; anyone of my owners can drop in any time they wish. We all live with these horses every single day of the year and we always want the best for them. I cannot stomach all the animal right activists as they don't know what they are on about. If I am reincarnated I would happily come back as a racehorse.

16th April 2012

A busy day riding out and getting all the grass mowed and strimmed before the forecast downpour. Ant Tory was here this afternoon doing a few teeth. The vet called in for a few routine vaccinations and then after evening stables James and I took the sales horses to Cheltenham. I think they will benefit form being allowed to settle in over night. Otherwise they arrive into the height of activity and then are thrown into their vettings with their eyes popping out of their heads.

Sophie has my supper in the oven so it is a very quick post his evening.

14th 15th April 2012

Tiqris has come out of his race very well, he will now head to Cheltenham sales on Wednesday. I think he was the moral winner and was very disappointed that the jockey didn't hold his position coming out of the back straight. I feel that had he had had him racing sooner he would have won without question. I've watched the race over and over and in my mind he has no excuses, he messed up. I feel sick, sick, sick. It makes one question the alarm clock at 4.30 a.m every morning. Avidius Cassius and Beckhani will also be joining Tiqris at the sale.

Today is going to be spent relaxing and riding with the children.

13th April 2012

Tiqris had a blow and seems in great nick, the bumper has split and he is in the 2nd division at 6.50 pm. I held off booking a jockey as late as possible as we had hoped to get Choc Thornton, typically Alan King's is in the same division so we have booked Matt Griffiths. He is attached to Phillip Hobbs and I have seem him ride a fair bit. He claims 3 and I have always thought he's a good lad. I hope I still feel the same way about him tomorrow evening.

Liverpool never really excites me as much as Cheltenham and I am happy to watch all the replays in the evening. With the Cheltenham festival I program my whole day around the racing.

Liza Wills dropped in this evening to see Trouble Digger, we are due a drop of rain next week and the plan for him is Chaddesley Corbett on Sunday week. I would get as much pleasure out of him winning a race as any other horse in the yard. He is a real trier and that counts for a lot in my book, he deserves a win. He's fit and ready to run his heart out.

My sleep will be intermittent this evening as I am already nervous about tomorrow. It is all self inflicted as I am very fortunate that no one puts me under any pressure. I've played sports all my life and winning is very important to me, I've never signed up to the theory that taking part is all that counts. In horse racing we are so dependant on many factors, the horses ability being the main contributing factor, without the horse we have no chance. I believe in Tiqris we have the horse.

12th April 2012

The difficult filly didn't prove too difficult at all. I think it is another example of the appalling staffing situation within the industry. So few trainers now have lads that are able to understand horses and their idiosyncrasies. A large share of the good kids that have grown up with ponies choose to work in other disciplines of the equine industry. The ones that do choose racing do not want to work for the smaller trainers and head for the larger stables. It is an ever growing concern of mine and the major factor in me not wanting any of my children to take on my business. However, if anyone of them want to I will support them in every way possible.

Tiqris and Trouble Digger cantered again this morning, both were feeling well. Anthony Webber made some minor adjustments to the pair of them and Trouble Digger was back in the pessoa this evening.

Tiqris is almost certain to run at Chepstow on Saturday, I walked the course this afternoon and although it is well worn up the home straight we feel that it is the best option before the sale on Wednesday. Ffos Las has had some criticism for the state of their ground, I am told that it just needs time to bed in. Exeter could end up firm if no more rain comes.

11th April 2012

Tiqris, Trouble Digger and Harris went for a walk and a trot all the others had routine canters. James and I backed 3 babies, 2 of which are easy enough, the 3rd is going to take a bit of time to get that extra bit of confidence.

Sophie has been laid up in bed all day being sick. I have had to be in more than 2 places at once. Tilly was on a woodland day, Sholto had tennis coaching and Panda needed looking after too. Luckily my mother-in-law came to the rescue and helped me out. After tennis Sholto was also sick at which point a horse arrived. A frantic trying day to say the least.

The rain that was forecast didn't arrive, I watched the channel 4 weather last night and they predicted a wash out of an afternoon.

Ben Case collected his horse that had been here for 10 days loose schooling. I did think after 5 days that he would never improve but by the end of it he was jumping much better, a pleasing result.

The report on Chiquillie is that his stomach is expanding by the day.

10th April 2012

Tiqris and Trouble Digger worked well this morning. 71 entries in the bumper at Chepstow, Tiqris isn't in the ballot so he's assured a run. However, I don't want soft ground. He's a good horse and in my book good horses want good ground. I have also entered him at Exeter next Tuesday so with that and Ffos Las on Sunday we have a few options. Harris has come out of race well and we will run him again when the ground is faster before hopefully sending him to the Doncaster May sale.

Custers Last Stand pulled up again yesterday and he has now an entry for Ascot sales on the 23rd April. Ollie, a mate of James took him to Paxford yesterday. This was especially kind of Ollie and James owes him a few pints! Hopefully we'll find a way to get a better horse or 2 for James to ride next year. James has gained valuable experience this year. He rides very well over a fence but needs more experience and to strengthen up his finishing technique. Once he passes his driving test I hope that he is able to get a round a bit more next year and get a few outside rides.

Tomorrow a Clodovil filly arrives that is proving to be difficult, a fun few days maybe in store!!!!!

9th April 2012

Harris didn't disgrace himself and was beaten by two potentially very good horses. Both Alan King and Nicky Henderson think a lot of theirs. I am not too sure what the plan with him will be now but there is every chance he could go to the sales at Cheltenham next week. Timmy Murphy thinks that he wants faster ground, this is something I've said all along. He bounced off the fast ground when he won at Larkhill.

There are a ridiculous number of entries in the bumper at Chepstow, over 70. Ffos las has 37 odd. We'll see what is what before we decide where to send Tiqirs.

8th April 2012

Proximo ran okay, his jumping wasn't as good as I would have liked and he was greener than I would have imagined at his hurdles. Timmy Murphy wasn't to disappointed with him and said he'd win a novice hurdle. He went on to say that 3 hurdles out he was travelling very well, he rooted that and then started to empty. He landed on all 4 feet jumping the last and that cost him a few lengths. Timmy felt that when he tired he didn't concentrate on what he was doing. I'll work on his jumping and depending on how he comes out of the race we may go again with him in 2 or 3 weeks. He generally takes his race well and is a tough horse. I always feel that Timmy's post race thoughts are honest and very helpful.

Harris has been declared to run at Huntingdon tomorrow, the horses with form are relatively well exposed and as always I fear the 1st time outs more than anything. Alan King and Nicky Henderson have 2 of them. Anything from the big yards always generates respect.

7th April 2012

Proximo and Cavite Gamma jumped 10 hurdles, I had only intended to jump a few flights but Proximo was having a right good look around the first couple of times up. Our hurdles are in a very wide open space and the novices can be a bit prone to looking about. Anyhow he finished up jumping as straight as an arrow.

Tiqirs and Trouble Digger worked on Mark Rimells gallop, this dry weather has put our grass out of commission for too long. Both horses really pleased me, they'll be up there again on Tuesday and that will be it for Tiqirs who'll then be freshen up before the weekends race.

This afternoon was spent playing rounders with the children on Granny's lawn before we went off for a walk with the ponies, 2 ponies, 6 dogs, 6 adults and 8 children, my idea of heaven! I was very happy when it was time to go back to evening stables.

I am rather sad and look forward to Britain's Got Talent on Saturday nights and even switch over to ITV2 for Britain's Got More Talent before falling asleep.

6th April 2012

Chiqquilline I am sure is eating his head off as I write, Tess picked him up at evening stables and he's gone for a well earned break.

Proximo has been declared for Towcester on Sunday, there are only 7 runners in the race and he worked well on Tuesday, he'll pop a few hurdles in the morning and that will be him. He's fit and healthy so I'm sure he'll run well. Towcester should suit him if he settles and doesn't get too free down the hill. The hurdles will help to settle him.

I spoke to Tim Long the Clerk of course at Ffos Las this afternoon and he says they will be watering this week, he assured me that they will produce level ground and was honest enough to say that the grass covering isn't a lush one! His target, as I am sure is most COC's is to produce good ground. I personally favour Ffos las for Tiqris as I think the undulations of Chepstow aren't ideal for a inexperienced 4 year old. He will work again tomorrow and we'll go from there, Trouble Digger will join him.

The children have their cousins down for Easter, sadly!! I am working and racing most days so will miss out on the Easter celebrations.

James Unett, a real old mate of mine rang today asking if I could take a filly that is proving difficult. It was great to reminisce about things. We had the most hilarious skiing holiday one year. A team of us went to Meribel, I had never skied before and after several pints of beer took off down a black run. I taught myself very quickly! Charlie Vigors was wiped out by a couple dressed in C&A all in one suits, he wasn't very amused but we thought it was side splitting funny. I digress, the stories are endless and many unprintable. I hope my kids enjoy themselves as much as we all did.

5th April 2012

Proximo and Cavite Gamma jumped 8 hurdles and all the other horses has routine canters. The vet was here to trach wash Tiqris. I was slightly taken back how much he blew on Tuesday and just wanted to make sure he was healthy. I am pleased to report that the wash was as clear as gin! He will have entries at Ffos Las and Chepstow next weekend. The ground at Huntingdon has changed from Firm to Good with Good to Soft patches in 48 hours. I actually don't want anymore rain for Harris on Monday. Towcester which can't be far away as the crow flies is still described as Good Good to Firm. We've hardly had any rain and Huntingdon claim to have had 33.2 MM how they measure the .2 I am not so sure. My rain gauge isn't quite as advanced!

I have finally finished catching up on paper work for the month and it is one less thing to worry about.

Sholto's birthday present finally arrived and I have spent the late afternoon jumping mini show jumps in the garden. I am officially a "mini jumper" and sport the sticker to prove it. He seems to think that I can jump sideways at great speed, which wasn't easy.

4th April 2012

Tigris, Proximo and Harris all walked and trotted this morning. Proximo is Towcester bound and Harris is being aimed at Huntingdon. Tigris is likely to miss Towcester and will be aimed at Ffos Las on Sunday week. I backed right off him after his win at Whitfield and yesterday was his first bit of proper work back. He had what I would describe as a "fitness blow" and I need another week with him.

Anthony Webber was here at lunchtime and went over all the Easter runners, it is amazing how often they need realigning and it is something I have probably been to relaxed about. Having examined a horse Anthony will often walk out of the stable and say there is nothing wrong with him. I have experienced and worked with people that always find a problem with every horse, I generally consider these types to be charlatans.

Valley Queen has now gone off into training with Mark Usher.

We have had 3mm of rain since it arrived and it looks as if we have missed the bulk of it. I watched 2 races form Hereford today and it looked as if it they have had much more than us. I hope that we get plenty more as I am very keen to get another run into Trouble Digger who is feeling really well.

3rd April 2012

Tiqris and Proximo went for an away gallop, both horses worked nicely and will be trach washed on Thurday, after that we'll see where we are before making any final running plans. There seems to be plenty of rain about but we are missing it at present. It is for some reason often the way. I think we miss it more often than we get it. If the forecast is right we are in for a good, welcome soaking tomorrow.

The children have kindly been lent a couple of ponies for the holiday, I haven't had any involvement in arranging this, Sophie and Sholto's godfather have sorted it. I bought Tilly a pony before she could walk and used to lead her around the place in a basket saddle. I then realised that she was in fact too young to start training for pony racing and sold it. I then bought another one who spent more time in the field getting fat than being ridden so I sold that one too. Tilly and Sholto have had a series of lessons now and are able to rise to the trot and really enjoy ponies.

2nd April 2012

0.00 mm of rain in Pudlicote last week.

Chiquilline ate up last night, he has always been a very good doer and I was relieved that he did in fact lick his bowl clean. He had a rough day yesterday and just wasn't himself from flag drop.

Mondays are always busy as the lads work every other weekend from Saturday lunchtime. On Mondays the stables always take a bit more mucking out which slows us up a bit. I always find Mondays productive as I am energised from an extra hour in bed on Sunday morning. I finally got the bay trees in their pots and had a couple of hours catching up on paper work.

Ben Case sent a 2 year old by Kayf Tara over to be broken in and a older horse to have 10 days in the loose school to brush up his jumping.

Tiqris has 45 entries in his bumper at Towcester and 39 at Haydock. The ground at Huntingdon is currently firm and good to firm in places. He won't be going there. Harris may well be though, I think he'll rattle off that ground and Huntingdon would suit him. He's entered and we will see nearer the time. James will have to go to Paxford with Carly and Sophie will go to make sure there is someone there to look after him should he need it.

1st April 2012

Chiquilline showed the signs of 3 runs on fast ground and a busy enough season. Although he won his maiden and restricted with ease he puts so much into his races the effects of which were seen at Maisemore this afternoon? He didn't really jump with any fluency and was beaten turning out of the back for the last time. He also bled. Tessa Blazey who owns him said that she had noticed in a previous race report from Ireland that he had bled before. Next year we will train him from the field as much as possible and make some changes to his diet. He has given us all a couple of great days this year and I feel sorry for the horse that he has finished the season on the back of a poor run. Doctor green is calling and he'll be in lush green field by the end of next week, he deserves it.

There is something quite therapeutic about riding out on Sunday mornings, I really enjoyed riding Tiqris and Proximo this morning. The sun was shining, there was no rush and no one was around to annoy me!

Sholti had his birthday cake at about 7 o'clock this evening and tore into his presents. Granny has bought him a crossbow, the rooks are in no danger but the windows in our cottage maybe.