All the horses stayed on the wood-chip this morning, I am "filling them up" as next week there will be some away gallops - well, swinging canters. We are keen to capitalise on the current ground conditions and it is all great experience to get the youngsters in the lorry and away for something different. They also have plenty of time to think about it afterwards as the 3 year olds are still some way off racing. Sam will be here at some point on Monday and we will school some of the pre-Christmas runners.
Any doubts I had about Trouble Digger's well being were soon squashed this morning as I watched him tank up the all weather with him in complete control of his jockey. He took the jockey for a ride rather than the jockey taking him. I never worry about older horses doing such a thing and actually think it does them no harm at all, it is important horses are happy in their work and if that means taking the piss out of one or two riders on the odd occasion then so be it. Had it of happened on one of the youngsters the chances are that someone would have been in Heathrow tonight looking for a flight to India or Ukraine.
What an amazing days racing, some real talent coming through the ranks, sadly, they the lions share of it seems to be in Somerset. It gets a bit boring listening to Paul Nicholls by Christmas. As I am now a firm watcher of ATR and RUK their program is so full of races from all meeting I won't have to listen to him quite so much. We all know he is a brilliant trainer and handles the quality horses amazingly. Sam works full time for Hilary Parrot and has played a huge part with Wayward Prince, I was delighted for him that he ran so well in The Charlie Hall, finishing second behind a very good horse indeed. All credit goes to Sam.
The first 3 Hunters Certificates were sent off to the owners this morning for signing - pressure builds by the day. The day I don't get wound up by the anticipation of it all will be the day I quit. Sadly, for my staff I show my fear and worry by roaring at them for any imperfections. All bar Alice have now been here for 3-5 years and know me too well. Dogs and bites come to mind! Alice is a god send, she knows her job and is a huge asset to the team.
