What a morning, 1.7 inches of rain in last 36 hours. I and all the other staff were soaked to the skin by 6.40 a.m, we pulled out 1st lot at 6.35 a.m. I can't remember being out in rain like it, it was coming off my helmet like water out of a tap. I am told that 2 local gallops have washed away, I just can't imagine how those trainers must feel. I get stressed enough by the fact that the drains around my barn can't cope, nothing in comparison to washed away gallops. Flood warnings seem to in place all over the country and I heard on the radio that we are now going to be blown away by gale force winds. Racing in Fairyhouse has been delayed as the horses are getting frightened from the splash caused by the puddles!!
All the horses are fine, we have not turned them out over the weekend but kept them dry and warm in their stables. Tomorrow I hope to get them all back in the field during the day.
There has been some men renewing the water pipes across the farm for a couple of weeks now. For some amusement I will outline their daily routine for you:
8.45 a.m, arrive on site
9.10 a.m, get out of van, leg stretch and chat followed by
10.00 a.m, tea break
10.45 a.m, start work
12 noon, Lunch
1.15 p.m, (sometimes 1.30 p.m) lunch finished and back to work
2. 15 p.m tea break
3.00 p.m (at the latest) pack up tools
3.15 p.m start van for drive home.
If they work for 4 hours in a day I'd say they've put in a good day, poor chaps must be exhausted. Some mug is paying these lazy b****rs.
Make sure you order your copy of the Racing Post for Wednesday as there will be an article published about Charlie and his horses.
