I haven't caught up with the results of the individual showjumping at the Olympics but was pleased to see that team GB won a silver in the team event. I saw Tina Gifford speaking on the telly and it sounded as if they were either going to win the silver medal or nothing at all. So a very well done to them.
It has been a manic day here. Once the horses were all done and dusted I had to sit down with my bookkeeper. Paper work is a curse and I have decided that I loath it. My eyes are now stinging and I am off to bed.
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Monday, 30 July 2012
30th July 2012
The horses are all in fine form, a typical Monday morning, a few routine canters for some and flat work for others. We are in tick over mode at the moment and very much looking forward to getting busy again. The yearling sales are all but on us and a few pointers will be back in very soon.
I happened to be passing through the house early evening and caught a glimpse of the equestrian Olympics. I think one fella was from Japan and the other was from Brazil. It was clear from watching these 2 riders that the standard of horsemanship in Europe is the best in the world. I can't say I have watched too much of the Olympics as many events have no interest to me. As the host nation it would be fitting if we could get our medal tally up a little, at least we're off the mark, even if we don't have any golds yet.
James has now moved on as I was unable to give him opportunities to race ride. Having kept two horses for him last year I am not in a position to sponsor anyone. Novice riders and young horses are a dangerous combination. It is so tough for a young lad to get started. I remember seeing Robert Thornton riding in point to points, I was riding at the same time. The first time I saw him riding I knew he would make it as a fully fledged professional jockey, he was outstanding and stood out a mile, the same can not be said for all the young lads trying to make it as jockeys.
I happened to be passing through the house early evening and caught a glimpse of the equestrian Olympics. I think one fella was from Japan and the other was from Brazil. It was clear from watching these 2 riders that the standard of horsemanship in Europe is the best in the world. I can't say I have watched too much of the Olympics as many events have no interest to me. As the host nation it would be fitting if we could get our medal tally up a little, at least we're off the mark, even if we don't have any golds yet.
James has now moved on as I was unable to give him opportunities to race ride. Having kept two horses for him last year I am not in a position to sponsor anyone. Novice riders and young horses are a dangerous combination. It is so tough for a young lad to get started. I remember seeing Robert Thornton riding in point to points, I was riding at the same time. The first time I saw him riding I knew he would make it as a fully fledged professional jockey, he was outstanding and stood out a mile, the same can not be said for all the young lads trying to make it as jockeys.
Saturday, 28 July 2012
28th July 2012
As we all know the Olympics are now officially open. I personally thought the whole opening ceremony was chaotic, I have heard it described as organised chaos and eccentric. I am sure many others have their own feeling on it. All said and done no matter what my views or others are on it, it is was an amazing achievement to organise 10,000 volunteers to put on such a display. Let's hope we get a good tally of gold medals.
I am afraid nothing too exciting is happening with the horses, they are either in pre-training building their fitness before moving onto more strenuous work, hacking up the gallop or learning the ropes in the school. Cestus and Connaught Square are still a good 6 weeks off a racecourse at the earliest.
I am afraid nothing too exciting is happening with the horses, they are either in pre-training building their fitness before moving onto more strenuous work, hacking up the gallop or learning the ropes in the school. Cestus and Connaught Square are still a good 6 weeks off a racecourse at the earliest.
Friday, 27 July 2012
27th July 2012
Another beautiful day. Pretty much a routine day for the horses. They either cantered or went into the school for flat work. All the 3 year old stores are backed and riding around the school and all are doing it well. A few appear to be more forward than others but that is to be expected.
I read that Folkstone and Hereford racecourses will close at the end of 2012, the whole country will be a block of flats soon. It is terrible that these courses are having to close and I suppose it is a sign of the times. Even if they were breaking even I expect that the ruthless business men that own them would be unsatisfied and still close them down. There is no emotion involved with these guys and money is their only focus. I'm sure they need it!
Folkstone is not one of my favourite tracks but I did ride a winner there. I can see how that place struggles. I went there with Cavite Gamma last year and excluding the connections of the horses running the crowd was very poor. We had some fun drives home from Folkstone, in fact we once had a very amusing drive there, on arrival one of our crew who shall remain nameless had to have a nap to sober up before riding! His father always blamed me and once told me he was going to shoot me if I continued to lead his son astray. I assured him that his son took no leading!
Hereford though was a different matter, I went there with Cavite Alpha and there appeared to be a good crowd there. I had plenty of time to people watch and got the feeling that many regulars attended. I feel sad that it is closing, the local crowd reminded me of being at Wincanton and I remember thinking how nice it was.
I read that Folkstone and Hereford racecourses will close at the end of 2012, the whole country will be a block of flats soon. It is terrible that these courses are having to close and I suppose it is a sign of the times. Even if they were breaking even I expect that the ruthless business men that own them would be unsatisfied and still close them down. There is no emotion involved with these guys and money is their only focus. I'm sure they need it!
Folkstone is not one of my favourite tracks but I did ride a winner there. I can see how that place struggles. I went there with Cavite Gamma last year and excluding the connections of the horses running the crowd was very poor. We had some fun drives home from Folkstone, in fact we once had a very amusing drive there, on arrival one of our crew who shall remain nameless had to have a nap to sober up before riding! His father always blamed me and once told me he was going to shoot me if I continued to lead his son astray. I assured him that his son took no leading!
Hereford though was a different matter, I went there with Cavite Alpha and there appeared to be a good crowd there. I had plenty of time to people watch and got the feeling that many regulars attended. I feel sad that it is closing, the local crowd reminded me of being at Wincanton and I remember thinking how nice it was.
Thursday, 26 July 2012
26th July 2012
I had a fantastic day playing golf in Henley. The weather was beautiful and my golf was acceptable. We won the afternoon competition and I payed to my handicap in the morning. I had chances to make birdies but fluffed a shot at the vital moment, if not 2 shots! It didn't matter as I thoroughly enjoyed it and shall now put the clubs away for another year.
A routine day this morning for the horses before getting on with some topping this afternoon.
I have read a little about yesterdays fiasco regarding Paul Moloney and weighing in light. I have no doubt in my mind he could easily lose 1.5lbs in a race if not more. On a day as hot as yesterday it would be very easily done indeed. He also weighed out for the race in question prior to riding in the race beforehand. What I'd be much more interested in is whether or not other jockeys were weighing in over a 1lb light on such a hot day. I do feel for Peter Bowen and his jockey who by all accounts has been punished for a very similar incident. If Paul Moloney was the only jockey on the day to weigh in 1.5lbs light then it would seem strange that he was allowed to keep the race. When watching racing last year I saw jockeys taking on water before races down at the start. In fact, if I remember correctly I think it was Sam Waley Cohen before the Gold Cup. There are all sorts of reasons as to how it could have happen and most would seem very reasonable to me. Whether or not he should have kept the race or not I do not know. It makes the stewards and all other governing bodies look totally inadequate if they can't be consistent across the board. Especially as the Peter Bowen case was in exactly the same circumstances. That I am sure is what has put people's backs up more so than the fact that he kept the race.
When I used to ride a bit it was nothing to shed 5lbs of fluids on a run of 3 miles. I certainly never weighed in light, in fact I once weighed in heavy, 4 lbs I think. I had made the weight but decided to rehydrate after weighting out. It was a very expensive pint or 2 of water at Towcester that day as I think my fine was just short of 300 quid.
A routine day this morning for the horses before getting on with some topping this afternoon.
I have read a little about yesterdays fiasco regarding Paul Moloney and weighing in light. I have no doubt in my mind he could easily lose 1.5lbs in a race if not more. On a day as hot as yesterday it would be very easily done indeed. He also weighed out for the race in question prior to riding in the race beforehand. What I'd be much more interested in is whether or not other jockeys were weighing in over a 1lb light on such a hot day. I do feel for Peter Bowen and his jockey who by all accounts has been punished for a very similar incident. If Paul Moloney was the only jockey on the day to weigh in 1.5lbs light then it would seem strange that he was allowed to keep the race. When watching racing last year I saw jockeys taking on water before races down at the start. In fact, if I remember correctly I think it was Sam Waley Cohen before the Gold Cup. There are all sorts of reasons as to how it could have happen and most would seem very reasonable to me. Whether or not he should have kept the race or not I do not know. It makes the stewards and all other governing bodies look totally inadequate if they can't be consistent across the board. Especially as the Peter Bowen case was in exactly the same circumstances. That I am sure is what has put people's backs up more so than the fact that he kept the race.
When I used to ride a bit it was nothing to shed 5lbs of fluids on a run of 3 miles. I certainly never weighed in light, in fact I once weighed in heavy, 4 lbs I think. I had made the weight but decided to rehydrate after weighting out. It was a very expensive pint or 2 of water at Towcester that day as I think my fine was just short of 300 quid.
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
25th July 2012
An early start, I am off to my godfather golf day in Henley on Thames. He invites about 60 people each year. I don't Tee off until 10.30 a.m.so have been able to ride 2 lots and long rein Ben Case's Shantou geldling. He has settled in fine and we will aim to back him towards the end of next week.
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
24th July 2012
Another beautiful day, I am told that it will only last until the weekend when it will get cooler.
All the horses either cantered or went in the school. The Overbury filly jumped again with James and is doing it all very well, I thought she would never work it out.
Robert Robinson is having his King's Theatre gelding collected later on today, the last thoughts were he would have a break before going into training with John Quinn in Malton. He's worth keeping an eye out for, he's not very big but is all heart.
Robin des Champs and Winged Love gelding had their first canter in the school today and both horses behaved beautifully. I didn't know if I'd end up in Chipping Norton on Robin but he was very good.
The house is very quiet, all the children are swimming at their grandmother's house so I will take the opportunity to catch up with more paper work.
All the horses either cantered or went in the school. The Overbury filly jumped again with James and is doing it all very well, I thought she would never work it out.
Robert Robinson is having his King's Theatre gelding collected later on today, the last thoughts were he would have a break before going into training with John Quinn in Malton. He's worth keeping an eye out for, he's not very big but is all heart.
Robin des Champs and Winged Love gelding had their first canter in the school today and both horses behaved beautifully. I didn't know if I'd end up in Chipping Norton on Robin but he was very good.
The house is very quiet, all the children are swimming at their grandmother's house so I will take the opportunity to catch up with more paper work.
Monday, 23 July 2012
23rd July 2012
What an amazing achievement by Brad Wiggins, the first English man to win the Tour de France, without question one of the most gruelling tests for any sportsman. This achievement will take some passing in British sport. Unless our man can beat Usain Bolt in the 100 Metres nothing any Olympian can achieve will surpass this.
A typical Monday morning in the yard, all horses were ridden before being turned out in the glorious sunshine. Ben Case collected his Definite Article gelding and replaced him with a Shantou gelding to be backed. He has come with a reputation of being sharp so we won't be doing anything in a hurry. I long reined him shortly after he arrived and he seems fine, nothing a bit of time won't sort out. One of the great expressions I once heard was "to give time time."
Once the horses were out in the paddocks we got the mister out for our routine disinfecting, it really is an amazing machine and ever trainer in the country should own one.
My Subaru was dropped in for an MOT, it has now done 160,000 miles. I didn't know quite how it would get on but the news isn't too bad. £500 should see it through. A bearing has gone in the hind wheel and a headlight has failed, I thought it was my eyes failing. I was quoted £230 for the headlight but insisted that he found a second hand one which he has done for £60.00, not a bad days work £170!!! I've to get on my bike now and go and collect it.
A typical Monday morning in the yard, all horses were ridden before being turned out in the glorious sunshine. Ben Case collected his Definite Article gelding and replaced him with a Shantou gelding to be backed. He has come with a reputation of being sharp so we won't be doing anything in a hurry. I long reined him shortly after he arrived and he seems fine, nothing a bit of time won't sort out. One of the great expressions I once heard was "to give time time."
Once the horses were out in the paddocks we got the mister out for our routine disinfecting, it really is an amazing machine and ever trainer in the country should own one.
My Subaru was dropped in for an MOT, it has now done 160,000 miles. I didn't know quite how it would get on but the news isn't too bad. £500 should see it through. A bearing has gone in the hind wheel and a headlight has failed, I thought it was my eyes failing. I was quoted £230 for the headlight but insisted that he found a second hand one which he has done for £60.00, not a bad days work £170!!! I've to get on my bike now and go and collect it.
Saturday, 21 July 2012
21st July 2012
A sunny morning and the horses are all in the field, they were delighted to be allowed back out and we saw plenty of bucking, kicking and general messing about. The forecast is looking good for at least a week, my neighbour has cut a fair bit of hay and I can't imagine it will be much good. The 2nd cut this year is potentially going to be the better quality.
Last nights golf was terrible, I will have to go back to the range before Wednesday otherwise it could all be very embarrassing. I have certainly grown up as not so long ago I would have been angry for days on last nights performance. I now realise it is only a game and it really isn't that important.
All the horses went on the all weather or in the school for flat work. I rode The Robin des Champs horse this morning and I liked him. He is an odd individual and could very easily go the wrong way. James has done a great job backing him and if anyone is going to send him the wrong way it is going to be me and not James.
We've had an Overbury filly for loose schooling over the last 3 weeks. She has finally realised what she has to do and has worked it all out. I've never had such a slow learner, having said that fillies are slower learners than gelding in general. James rode her over some jumps in the school and she was foot perfect.
Jeff Bosley telephoned to see if I'd take a horse for him much later in the year. It is a 2 year old gelding by Lucarno. Next spring his first crop of 3 year olds will be offered in the sales ring, I am told he is tipped for greatness as a sire. It was lovely to speak to Jeff again, I have known him nearly all my life and used to help milk his cows when he farmed in Middle Barton with his brother Eric. I spent many happy days on their farm and it bought back some lovely memories.
Late morning Charlie popped in with a few new members of the syndicate, I don't think I've seen so many black Range Rovers in one place other than on a garage forecourt. It looked as if the Russia mafia had landed!
Last nights golf was terrible, I will have to go back to the range before Wednesday otherwise it could all be very embarrassing. I have certainly grown up as not so long ago I would have been angry for days on last nights performance. I now realise it is only a game and it really isn't that important.
All the horses went on the all weather or in the school for flat work. I rode The Robin des Champs horse this morning and I liked him. He is an odd individual and could very easily go the wrong way. James has done a great job backing him and if anyone is going to send him the wrong way it is going to be me and not James.
We've had an Overbury filly for loose schooling over the last 3 weeks. She has finally realised what she has to do and has worked it all out. I've never had such a slow learner, having said that fillies are slower learners than gelding in general. James rode her over some jumps in the school and she was foot perfect.
Jeff Bosley telephoned to see if I'd take a horse for him much later in the year. It is a 2 year old gelding by Lucarno. Next spring his first crop of 3 year olds will be offered in the sales ring, I am told he is tipped for greatness as a sire. It was lovely to speak to Jeff again, I have known him nearly all my life and used to help milk his cows when he farmed in Middle Barton with his brother Eric. I spent many happy days on their farm and it bought back some lovely memories.
Late morning Charlie popped in with a few new members of the syndicate, I don't think I've seen so many black Range Rovers in one place other than on a garage forecourt. It looked as if the Russia mafia had landed!
Friday, 20 July 2012
20th July 2012
Cestus, Knockdu and Connaught Square went for 2 steady canters on the grass this morning. Connaught Square needs to settle and the other 2 went for a change of scenery as much as anything. To think we couldn't use the grass all last winter and were having to do fast work on the all weathers, now at the end of July the grass is good to soft!
All the others went on the woodchip or into the school. The babies are progressing well and I am happy with them all. I finished the paddocks parts of which are still very wet. The horses are desperate to get out in them again but they'll have to wait another day or 2.
This afternoon has been spent doing paper work whilst keeping an eye on the golf. Tiger Woods is looking dangerous and very much in control of the ball. He is my favourite golfer, he took golf to another level some years back before his mind got distracted onto other things. I hope he has his personal live back on track and can show the world what a great golfer he really is. He has changed his coach and already won 2 tournaments this year. This evening I will try and control the ball too as I am off for 18 holes once evening stables are done and dusted.
All the others went on the woodchip or into the school. The babies are progressing well and I am happy with them all. I finished the paddocks parts of which are still very wet. The horses are desperate to get out in them again but they'll have to wait another day or 2.
This afternoon has been spent doing paper work whilst keeping an eye on the golf. Tiger Woods is looking dangerous and very much in control of the ball. He is my favourite golfer, he took golf to another level some years back before his mind got distracted onto other things. I hope he has his personal live back on track and can show the world what a great golfer he really is. He has changed his coach and already won 2 tournaments this year. This evening I will try and control the ball too as I am off for 18 holes once evening stables are done and dusted.
Thursday, 19 July 2012
19th July 2012
The Winged Love gelding and Robin Des Champs went into the school for the first time and both behaved well, patience has paid off yet again. Robin des Champs is a tricky customer, he isn't dangerous but afraid of himself and those around him, he needs to realise that the world isn't going to end and that no one wants to hurt him. He is typical of a French horse, I have no idea what they do to them but in my experience too many of them are nervous.
All the other horses had routine canters or continued with their flat work in the school. The High Chaparral is now named Cestus. I have reserved the names Sergeant Thunder for the Halling gelding I bought in Doncaster and Major Martin for the Flemensfirth gelding, both horses are named after characters from War Horse. Charlie once bought a strange man here who said it was very important to name horses after strong and successful people. Sergeant Thunder and Major Martin were still standing at the end!
After morning stables I was back at my desk for paper work. Once I seen to evening stables I then went on my tractor and harrowed and rolled some of the paddocks. I will complete them tomorrow if the rain doesn't arrive. I see that sunshine and showers are forecast before we see a huge change in the weather as of Saturday when blazing sunshine is forecast.
I have arranged another round of golf tomorrow evening with Ed Mawle and Mark Hall. I feel more practice is desperately needed before next Wednesday.
All the other horses had routine canters or continued with their flat work in the school. The High Chaparral is now named Cestus. I have reserved the names Sergeant Thunder for the Halling gelding I bought in Doncaster and Major Martin for the Flemensfirth gelding, both horses are named after characters from War Horse. Charlie once bought a strange man here who said it was very important to name horses after strong and successful people. Sergeant Thunder and Major Martin were still standing at the end!
After morning stables I was back at my desk for paper work. Once I seen to evening stables I then went on my tractor and harrowed and rolled some of the paddocks. I will complete them tomorrow if the rain doesn't arrive. I see that sunshine and showers are forecast before we see a huge change in the weather as of Saturday when blazing sunshine is forecast.
I have arranged another round of golf tomorrow evening with Ed Mawle and Mark Hall. I feel more practice is desperately needed before next Wednesday.
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
18th July 2012
More rain!
Tom Campbell was in again to X-Ray a fillies hind joint, it would appear that she is suffering the effects of an old injury and has arthritis in it and various other things appear to have happened inside there. Time will tell if she will make it to the racetrack, it can be medicated at a later stage if she holds up to her pre-training program.
Once the yard was finished I spent a few hours catching up with some paper work before evening stables. I then headed for 18 holes of golf at Burford and played to 18 handicap. Having not played for 2 years I was happy enough with that. It was them to the curry house for a quick supper.
Tom Campbell was in again to X-Ray a fillies hind joint, it would appear that she is suffering the effects of an old injury and has arthritis in it and various other things appear to have happened inside there. Time will tell if she will make it to the racetrack, it can be medicated at a later stage if she holds up to her pre-training program.
Once the yard was finished I spent a few hours catching up with some paper work before evening stables. I then headed for 18 holes of golf at Burford and played to 18 handicap. Having not played for 2 years I was happy enough with that. It was them to the curry house for a quick supper.
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
17th July 2012
Today was the finest day weather wise for a longtime, I choose to keep the horses in as I want to give the paddocks a chance to dry out before I harrow and roll them. If the forecast is correct they'll all be back out by Saturday morning.
High Chaparral gelding and Connaught Square stepped up to 4 canters today and will continue doing 4 for serverals weeks now before starting to do a few pieces of work. All the other horses had routine canters or were excercised in the school. A 3 year old by Kings Theatre has started to jump in the loose school and he is a natural.
Once the horses were finished I took all the children and Sophie to a bike shop, Tilly and Sophie now have new bikes, well, 2nd hand ones anyway. We know of a place near Witney where all the bikes that are collected by the police in Oxford end up, Stuarts Bikes. He has bikes ranging in price form £20.00 to £2,000. He is well worth a visit if you looking for a nice bike that doesn't cost silly money.
It was then back to evening stables before heading to the golf range to hit 25 balls. I am playing in my Godfathers golf day in
Henley on Thames next Wednesdy and have not played a round for 2 years. Many years ago I played plenty of golf and got quite good at it. It is not like riding a bike and practice is essential if you want to be competitive, which of course I do. I have arrange to play a round with a friend on Thursday evening teeing off at 6.30 pm. The 25 balls I hit tonight seemed to stay fairly straight which was very satisfying.
The results from the trach washes were good and there doesn't appear to be anything wrong with the horses. Maybe I am right in thinking it is the effects of the pollen from the Oil Seed Rape.
High Chaparral gelding and Connaught Square stepped up to 4 canters today and will continue doing 4 for serverals weeks now before starting to do a few pieces of work. All the other horses had routine canters or were excercised in the school. A 3 year old by Kings Theatre has started to jump in the loose school and he is a natural.
Once the horses were finished I took all the children and Sophie to a bike shop, Tilly and Sophie now have new bikes, well, 2nd hand ones anyway. We know of a place near Witney where all the bikes that are collected by the police in Oxford end up, Stuarts Bikes. He has bikes ranging in price form £20.00 to £2,000. He is well worth a visit if you looking for a nice bike that doesn't cost silly money.
It was then back to evening stables before heading to the golf range to hit 25 balls. I am playing in my Godfathers golf day in
Henley on Thames next Wednesdy and have not played a round for 2 years. Many years ago I played plenty of golf and got quite good at it. It is not like riding a bike and practice is essential if you want to be competitive, which of course I do. I have arrange to play a round with a friend on Thursday evening teeing off at 6.30 pm. The 25 balls I hit tonight seemed to stay fairly straight which was very satisfying.
The results from the trach washes were good and there doesn't appear to be anything wrong with the horses. Maybe I am right in thinking it is the effects of the pollen from the Oil Seed Rape.
Monday, 16 July 2012
16th July 2012
1.5 inches of rain in Pudlicote last week.
Tom Campbell was in this morning, I have had the odd horse giving the odd cough and I just wanted to trach wash a few. The washes came up very clear and we will wait to see what the lab reports. I have been convinced that it is the effects of the Oil Seed Rape that is grown so widely nowadays. The subsidises to farmers must be huge!! There are no signs of inflammation on their throats, we will just have to sit it out and let them sort themselves out. They are not sick horses, not one of them has had a temperature, all are eating well and feeling well. I will feed the them Garlic Honey for a fortnight and see what results that brings. Training racehorses is stressful as John Gosden made reference to in yesterdays Racing Post. He mentioned watching his string come off the gallops thinking all is well, then a horse goes short and another one coughs! There must be easier ways of making a living but I am sure they are much more boring.
It got to a point at lunchtime today when I couldn't bare to see the horses out in the field looking so miserable in yet more rain. We bought them in and I think they will now stay in until we get some better weather. The fields are trashed and need a chance to recover too.
Tom Campbell was in this morning, I have had the odd horse giving the odd cough and I just wanted to trach wash a few. The washes came up very clear and we will wait to see what the lab reports. I have been convinced that it is the effects of the Oil Seed Rape that is grown so widely nowadays. The subsidises to farmers must be huge!! There are no signs of inflammation on their throats, we will just have to sit it out and let them sort themselves out. They are not sick horses, not one of them has had a temperature, all are eating well and feeling well. I will feed the them Garlic Honey for a fortnight and see what results that brings. Training racehorses is stressful as John Gosden made reference to in yesterdays Racing Post. He mentioned watching his string come off the gallops thinking all is well, then a horse goes short and another one coughs! There must be easier ways of making a living but I am sure they are much more boring.
It got to a point at lunchtime today when I couldn't bare to see the horses out in the field looking so miserable in yet more rain. We bought them in and I think they will now stay in until we get some better weather. The fields are trashed and need a chance to recover too.
Saturday, 14 July 2012
14th July 2012
3 days 4 nights at Center Parcs in Longleat is plenty. The children had a lovely time and I would recommend it for that period of time. We stayed in a small house in the Firs area and it is a great spot. If we went again I would certainly take the time to cycle home for lunch. The restaurants are expensive and the food is poor. The restaurant in The Village Square is by far the best and very acceptable. It is like being in a bubble, tucked away in the forest with no cars and bikes only.
The lads at home have held the fort and have done a great job. This morning was busy, Charlie was here with a few syndicate members looking at the new horses. The Winged Love and Robin des Champs trotted around the lunge pen and behaved beautifully. I sat on the Milan horse that we bought at Doncaster in May for the first time and he has a touch of class. He floats up the gallop and is very exciting, only time will tell!
Rain is boring beyond belief, so far this week we have had over 1.5 of an inch. The Barley outside our house looks very miserable. I am told that the jet stream won't be changing until the end of the month when we can expect summer to start, lets hope it is right, I'd take that at this stage!
If anyone would like to read it, www.racingconnect.com have posted a small feature on me and Richard Phillips.
The lads at home have held the fort and have done a great job. This morning was busy, Charlie was here with a few syndicate members looking at the new horses. The Winged Love and Robin des Champs trotted around the lunge pen and behaved beautifully. I sat on the Milan horse that we bought at Doncaster in May for the first time and he has a touch of class. He floats up the gallop and is very exciting, only time will tell!
Rain is boring beyond belief, so far this week we have had over 1.5 of an inch. The Barley outside our house looks very miserable. I am told that the jet stream won't be changing until the end of the month when we can expect summer to start, lets hope it is right, I'd take that at this stage!
If anyone would like to read it, www.racingconnect.com have posted a small feature on me and Richard Phillips.
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
10th July 2012
We are all at Center Parcs until Friday. We drove down late yesterday afternoon and leave on Friday. I hardly ever go away and it is nice to have sometime with the kids and Sophie even if it is only for a few days. The lads are at home looking after everything and I am lucky to have such a reliable team. Today has been spent riding bikes, swimming, roller skating, laser gun shooting and much much more...........
There will be no blogs now until Saturday.
There will be no blogs now until Saturday.
Monday, 9 July 2012
9th July 2012
1.2 inches of rain in Pudlicote last week.
James and I took the Winged Love gelding and the Robin des Champs into the lunge pen this morning and both horses behaved beautifully. Just goes to show what a little bit of time can do to boost a horses confindence and allow it to build up trust in both the rider and the man on the ground. I keep telling James he has the easy job as any idiot can fall off, the man on the ground is much more important! James does a great job riding the horses away as he is always chilled out with them. He has learnt in avery short space of time not to expect too much from them in the first instance. I told him that his mother and father used to hold his hands out in front of him for weeks teaching him to walk and not to expect the horses to trot round the school perfectly on day 1.
James and I took the Winged Love gelding and the Robin des Champs into the lunge pen this morning and both horses behaved beautifully. Just goes to show what a little bit of time can do to boost a horses confindence and allow it to build up trust in both the rider and the man on the ground. I keep telling James he has the easy job as any idiot can fall off, the man on the ground is much more important! James does a great job riding the horses away as he is always chilled out with them. He has learnt in avery short space of time not to expect too much from them in the first instance. I told him that his mother and father used to hold his hands out in front of him for weeks teaching him to walk and not to expect the horses to trot round the school perfectly on day 1.
Saturday, 7 July 2012
7th July 2012
Torrential rain this morning and another soaking taken by all. Once all the horses were ridden out I went to Kent, I drove a complete circle clockwise on the M25,my sat nav told me the quickest way to the M20 was clockwise from the M40. I have often wondered what the quickest way to the M20 was and decided to obey it. I can now say that travelling anti clockwise from the M40 to the M20 is 20 minuets quicker.
I listened to the women's final on radio 5 and Clare Balding is the most appalling tennis commentator. I think Clare is a fantastic broadcaster and I am never ceased to be amazed by her in depth knowledge of sport.Tennis commentary is not for her! It was much more enjoyable when she slipped off to watch The Eclipse and let the others get on with it. Bonfire trained by her brother ran a shocker. Once she returned she went on to tell anyone listening to the tennis that Radwanska was suffering from a virus and that the weather was clearly not helping her to recover. Perhaps she thought Radwanska was a horses! I don't buy into all this weather nonsense regarding horses and viruses. We had the coldest winter on record a few years back and there was never so many sick horses in the country. It is a convenient excuse for trainers.
I listened to the women's final on radio 5 and Clare Balding is the most appalling tennis commentator. I think Clare is a fantastic broadcaster and I am never ceased to be amazed by her in depth knowledge of sport.Tennis commentary is not for her! It was much more enjoyable when she slipped off to watch The Eclipse and let the others get on with it. Bonfire trained by her brother ran a shocker. Once she returned she went on to tell anyone listening to the tennis that Radwanska was suffering from a virus and that the weather was clearly not helping her to recover. Perhaps she thought Radwanska was a horses! I don't buy into all this weather nonsense regarding horses and viruses. We had the coldest winter on record a few years back and there was never so many sick horses in the country. It is a convenient excuse for trainers.
Friday, 6 July 2012
6th July 2012
I am sick of this weather and so are the horses. Apart from the horses all getting soaked everything seems in order. James is doing a great job riding the 3 year olds and we will sit on Robin des Champs and Winged Loved in the stable tomorrow or on Monday. As of Monday lunchtime I am going away with Sophie and the children for 4 days. I am in no rush with either of the horses as they are both lacking confidence and getting it wrong with either of them could be costly. To me this is the most important stage of a racehorses life, we are setting them up for the rest of their lives and rushing them is bad horsemanship.
I have my wish with the Wimbledon final and I expect Federer to wipe the floor with Murray. I know Murray has beaten him before but I watched a fair bit of both semi finals and Federer played as well as I've ever seen him play. Andy Murray has a very attractive girlfriend which he certainly didn't get on looks.
I have my wish with the Wimbledon final and I expect Federer to wipe the floor with Murray. I know Murray has beaten him before but I watched a fair bit of both semi finals and Federer played as well as I've ever seen him play. Andy Murray has a very attractive girlfriend which he certainly didn't get on looks.
Thursday, 5 July 2012
5th July 2012
A sunny day, the horses were turned out without rugs, how it should be in July! What is going to happen with the hay this year doesn't bare thinking about. The cost of importing it will be crippling for many and the small businesses won't be able to afford it and keep their heads above water. Too many of us work on too tight a margins and it will have to be a cost passed on to the owners should it be a necessity. That is hard in itself as many people work on tight margins in the hope that owners are able to continue their interests. I have enough to worry about at the moment and have avoided ringing my supplier. I am a big customer to him as I also buy all my bedding from him, I would like to think he would have telephoned me if things will be changing. Interestingly, the vets tell me that quality hay/haylage is the most important factor in keeping horses healthy. I test mine continually though out the season and am lucky to have a top class supplier.
James and I continued to make progress with the 3 horses we backed yesterday. I long reined them and then James sat on them in the stable before moving to the lunge pen. All went well and progress reports will follow.
Once the horses were all done and dusted I headed to Newmarket to see someone before turning round and getting back for evening stables.
I am sad to have missed Wimbledon and have had to settle with some of the highlights later in the evening. I do plan to watch Andy Murray if he makes the final. I don't find him personable but am a very patriotic person and will be supporting him madly. Ideally, I'd like a Murray vs Federer final. Federer has to be one of my all time favourite tennis players.
James and I continued to make progress with the 3 horses we backed yesterday. I long reined them and then James sat on them in the stable before moving to the lunge pen. All went well and progress reports will follow.
Once the horses were all done and dusted I headed to Newmarket to see someone before turning round and getting back for evening stables.
I am sad to have missed Wimbledon and have had to settle with some of the highlights later in the evening. I do plan to watch Andy Murray if he makes the final. I don't find him personable but am a very patriotic person and will be supporting him madly. Ideally, I'd like a Murray vs Federer final. Federer has to be one of my all time favourite tennis players.
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
4th July 2012
A busy day, all the horses were exercised. Ben and Sarah Case came to see their Definite Article gelding after which James and I backed a few of the new horses we bought last week. We backed the Darsi, Westerner and, Laveron geldings. I long reined them for 15 or so minuets and then James sat on them in the stable. We will do the same tomorrow and unless there are any unforeseen eventualities we will ride them around the lunge pen too. The Winged Love and Robin des Champs geldings won't be ready for a few more days yet.
Lynda Hounsfield, who is one of the founders of www.racingconnect a new website dedicated to horse racing call to see if I would have a chat about what I do and the industry as a whole. Lynda is trying to make racing more accessible to the man in the street. Anything that can be done to raise the profile of racing and educate people in how the whole business functions has to be a good thing. I then headed off to the vets to get some sedation pastes for turning the new horses out. I like most people have the horses stabled to insure that they have no stable vices for 7 days after the sale.
Christopher Sweeeting rang and asked me to collect a horse that I broke in for him a year ago from his stud. She is a filly by Proclamation and we will get her started back for a while before she goes into training with Kim Bailey. Christopher is a neighbour of mine and someone who I respect. He has supported me from day 1 and has worked hard all his life. He also speaks as he finds which I adhere to too.
Lynda Hounsfield, who is one of the founders of www.racingconnect a new website dedicated to horse racing call to see if I would have a chat about what I do and the industry as a whole. Lynda is trying to make racing more accessible to the man in the street. Anything that can be done to raise the profile of racing and educate people in how the whole business functions has to be a good thing. I then headed off to the vets to get some sedation pastes for turning the new horses out. I like most people have the horses stabled to insure that they have no stable vices for 7 days after the sale.
Christopher Sweeeting rang and asked me to collect a horse that I broke in for him a year ago from his stud. She is a filly by Proclamation and we will get her started back for a while before she goes into training with Kim Bailey. Christopher is a neighbour of mine and someone who I respect. He has supported me from day 1 and has worked hard all his life. He also speaks as he finds which I adhere to too.
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
3rd July 2012
We rode all the horses before I long reined all the babies in full tack. The horses that came from Doncaster are all riding out on the farm now. The Derby Sale horses won't be rushed and I'll just bring them along slowly. The Winged Love and Robin des Champs were a little easier to deal with this morning and I don't think either of them will be problematic given time to get confidence.
Once the yard was finished Simon Sweeting and I went to Leatherhead to the funeral of Darrell Hinds. Darrell and Jerry his son have had horses with me every year since I set the business up. Megastar was one of them and he won the bumper at Liverpool a few years back giving them both great pleasure. It is was lovely service and a large turn out.
Will this rain ever stop, I was told today that it's forecast to be wet until September, if that's the case we'll all need fast ground horses for the winter.
Once the yard was finished Simon Sweeting and I went to Leatherhead to the funeral of Darrell Hinds. Darrell and Jerry his son have had horses with me every year since I set the business up. Megastar was one of them and he won the bumper at Liverpool a few years back giving them both great pleasure. It is was lovely service and a large turn out.
Will this rain ever stop, I was told today that it's forecast to be wet until September, if that's the case we'll all need fast ground horses for the winter.
Monday, 2 July 2012
2nd July 2012
All the Derby horses were rollered and lunged, the Winged Love and Robin des Champs may take a little longer than the others as they both appear to be pretty sharp!
The horses we bought at Doncaster in May all went off around the farm for the first time this morning and they all behaved beautifully. A 3 year old by Ballingary came back in, I broke him and rode him a round for a few moths last summer and he has really benefited from it. He has strengthen up and is a really nice animal. He be aimed at 3 year old bumpers before Christmas, if he isn't ready for that I think he may start in a point to point in the New Year. Like all these things we'll monitor progress as time passes.
I have received various texts telling me I am now a center fold in the Irish Field newspaper. With digital papers now on line I was unable to resist and bought a copy. There is a picture of me in it but I wouldn't go as far to say I was the center fold. Tom Malone ruins any chance of that!
It has poured with rain all day and by lunchtime we decided to bring all the horses in from the paddocks.
Tomorrow Sam is coming in to ride a few out which is a huge help as I am off to a funeral in the afternoon.
The horses we bought at Doncaster in May all went off around the farm for the first time this morning and they all behaved beautifully. A 3 year old by Ballingary came back in, I broke him and rode him a round for a few moths last summer and he has really benefited from it. He has strengthen up and is a really nice animal. He be aimed at 3 year old bumpers before Christmas, if he isn't ready for that I think he may start in a point to point in the New Year. Like all these things we'll monitor progress as time passes.
I have received various texts telling me I am now a center fold in the Irish Field newspaper. With digital papers now on line I was unable to resist and bought a copy. There is a picture of me in it but I wouldn't go as far to say I was the center fold. Tom Malone ruins any chance of that!
It has poured with rain all day and by lunchtime we decided to bring all the horses in from the paddocks.
Tomorrow Sam is coming in to ride a few out which is a huge help as I am off to a funeral in the afternoon.
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