Anyone who has experienced working the sales will know how hard it is, there are 500 horses to get through. Some of course will be of no interest on paper and they can be eliminated at an early stage. However there are many that need to be viewed and it takes time. I started looking at horses at 8.30 this morning and have made a dent in day 1 horses. Tomorrow I need to finish day 1's horses before moving on to day 2's. I have learnt that you can not pitch up at the sales expecting to buy horses successfully if you haven't done your homework and planned correctly. Although it is a long slog and hard work it is also great fun and very enjoyable. There are some wonderful characters in the bloodstock world who all have a story to tell.
I was saddened and shocked to hear about Cambell Gillies, he was a rider I had seen and always thought what a talent he was. His death, reportedly in a swimming accident in Corfu is a tragedy and my thoughts go out to his family. He was only 21 years old and certainly had a very bright and successful career in front of him.
