31st December 2013

All the 3 year olds went to the grass and yes, we did get wet again! Tomorrow's forecast is horrendous, I can't wait. I will be riding a couple of lots prior to moving the fences onto fresh ground and then strapping myself to the desk.

The link below gives a little more information on the Heythrop P2P and is a good example of what more and more hunts should be doing to entice a good crowd.

http://cocklebarrowraces.com/

Happy New Year.

30th December 2013

What a morning, any waterproofs that can keep out that amount of rain are worth treble what they sell for, typically Sam has the best leggings money can buy and was the only one with dry legs, his body however was soaked! I stayed relatively dry as did Alice but we had to ring Emma out. There is now lying water in all the tram lines around the farm and the land is now totally saturated. We are getting off lightly when compared to with what I have seen on the news.

The Open Day on Sunday at Cocklebarrow went very well, 5 horses cantered round at a decent pace. It was a very worth while exercise and some slight adjustments to the course will now happen as a result of doing so. It will be a fast and furious track, horses will have to jump and travel to win their races.

Today most horses cantered on the wood-chip, At Work Blue, Singlefarmpayment, Freddy Fox and an unnamed horse by Fruits of Love all schooled. Hopstrings is full of herself and is very pleased to be back in work.

Anthony Webber was here doing the horses backs, many needed tweaks one way or another.

28th December 2013

The Drinkymeister has come out of race in fine fettle. Saint Charles, Rebekah Rabbit, Susie Sheep and Freddy Fox all schooled over the fences, all the other 3 year olds all cantered on the grass and the babies went in the school.

Tomorrow we are taking a couple of older horses up to Cocklebarrow to help with the Open Day. We had planned to take 4 horses but I am just not happy to throw 3 year olds into that environment at this stage of their education. Luke Harvey is going to be there for Attheraces. He will apparently jump a few fences and canter round with a headcam. The weather forecast is good, I can think of no better way of spending a Sunday morning for anyone who wishes to come for a sneak preview. The action starts at 10 a.m and I would encourage you all to come and have a nose. There are many fantastic pubs locally where you can all go for a delicious lunch afterwards. Having walked it last year it is going to be a fantastic racecourse. I believe it will be better than some National Hunt courses, in fact many and can't wait to have a spin around it tomorrow.

27th December 2013

The Drinkymeister finished second, for whatever reasons he got far too far out of his ground on horrendous ground and finished like a train, another 100 yards and he'd have won. That's racing and we all have to accept the good and bad days. If it was easy everyone would be doing it. It was a miserable day at Chaddesley, even so I was surprised how small the crowd was. The weather certainly played its part and I am sure many just choose to stay at home to watch Sprinter Sacre.

We collected Hopstrings on the way home, she looks amazing and has done really well on her holiday. 

This morning we worked Chiquilline and Illicit Illusion. Illicit Illusion did his first bit since his run at Barbury. He will be aimed at Whitfield on 26th January. The others stayed on the woodchip and will be heading to the grass tomorrow.

26th December 2013

Yesterday was certainly amusing. We spent the day with my mother-in-law, brother-in-laws, sister-in-law and 8 children, the eldest being Tilly aged 9. The children behaved better than the adults excluding Sophie and I who didn't, for once have a crossed word. There were tantrums over presents, 2 romote control helicopters, although suppose to be unbreakable broke, one brother-in-law had more wine than his wife out of a particular bottle, a baby scribbled over a newly covered sofa, my brother-in-laws wife didn't like her present from her husband and made it very clear, he then told her that he didn't like his birthday present (which is 29th Dec)  and to finish off, a new CD player was broken by a child forcing the draw to close. All very amusing and I would think typical of many households. The horses were calling shortly after 5 P.M and I had to rush back to them. After which, I spent the evening building an Air Hockey Table and to my surprise I managed it without too much trouble. Thankfully, it is all over for another year and normality resumed today.

Today, without breakfast we finished up a bit earlier than normal. All apart from those that schooled cantered on the wood-chip. Saint Charles, The Drinkymeister, Rebekah Rabbit and Susie Sheep all schooled. The Drinkymeister runs tomorrow at Chaddesley Corbett, Sam will ride him. I am more than likely going to opt for the Non Rules Maiden but he has an entry in the other maiden too.

Charlie was around tonight to see the horses and have a chat, they are really coming to hand now and we have an exciting few moths in prospect.

Hopstrings will be collected from her holiday on the way back for the P2P tomorrow, the kids will be delighted and by all accounts she is ready to do some work.

I felt for Sam TD this afternoon as I thought he had won his race off the bottom bend only to completely miss the last hurdle. Had he jumped it I am not sure who would have won as he didn't seem to lose much momentum but surely it cost him the narrow margin he was beat. Sergeant Thunder was pulled out, I guess they didn't like the ground in spite of him winning for us on the soft.

24th December 2013

All the 3 year olds cantered on the grass, The Drinkymeister and Saint Charles schooled over 9 fences. Sam will be in tomorrow, he and I will be riding out.

The 3 year olds are starting to progress now and a few look exciting, others are more backward.

Sergeant Thunder is declared to run in the bumper at Wincanton on Boxing Day, he won a bumper at Ludlow last year.


Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

23rd December 2013

The rain stayed away for the early part of the morning, but since I've never seen so much, 10 minuets ago I could see out of the office window for it was lashing down so heavily. All the horses cantered on the wood-chip and the babies went in the school. Tomorrow schooling session will wait until later in the week, the ground will be wrecked after 4 or 5 horses and that is no ground to jump babies on. The Drinkymeister and Saint Charles will be the only 2 schooling. The rest will canter on the grass and have an easy day on Wednesday.

Gloucester won 12 - 6  against Worcester, it wasn't a great match but thoroughly enjoyable. I think I have been spoilt watching International rugby and club rugby, certainly at Gloucester is played at a much slower speed. The gulf between club and international rugby is vast.

Sam seems to have done all his Christmas shopping in Anne Summers, Charlotte is a lucky girl. This afternoon he mentioned that he was taking Alice's husband Christmas shopping. Alice could be in for a nice surprise!!

21st December 2013

What a foul morning and thankfully, the shortest day. We cantered 11 horses on the grass and all did it nicely. The horses that worked yesterday had an easy day otherwise apart from getting soaking wet the morning was pretty routine.

This afternoon the kids and I went to Burford Garden Center, had a bit of lunch and bought a few Christmas presents. Tomorrow Sholto and I are going to watch Gloucester play Worcester in Gloucester. Gloucester need to sharpen up and play more dynamic rugby. Last week they looked laboured and played totally uninspired rugby.

More rain forecast next week, Chaddesley Corbett will certainly be on the soft side. It was bottomless last year when Trouble Digger lead from start to finish, lets hope The Drinkymeister does the same.

20th December 2013

2 lots cantered on the wood-chip under moon light, we love full moons. We then took off for away gallops,  Thedrinkymeister and Saint Charles were the only intended workers but Chiquilline asked to come so he went on the lorry too, he just swung through behind the workers and has no doubt in his mind that he is the King! All went well, horses and jockeys had a lovely time.

This evening I've had an hour in the office catching up on paper work, Sophie and the kids went to Derbyshire this afternoon to meet their new cousin who was born a few days ago. They'll be home late so I've having a fry up and heading to bed. 4 A. M starts are too much!

19th December 2013

A long but a good day. Serena Brotherton was here last night on her way to a meeting in Newbury so she rode out 2 lots and Sam was here too. 8 horses cantered on the grass, the rest stayed on the wood-chip and the babies went in the school.

The Heythrop hounds meet at noon which fitted in very nicely for Johnny and I. We had a good charge about, jumped plenty and had a very good look at the new Heythrop P2P course. It looks in fantastic shape and I have no doubt in my mind it will be considered one of the best P2P course in the country.

After hunting it was back to the grind stone, in my absence the lads racked in the sides of the wood-chip gallop, tonight I spent some time levelling it before checking legs, fetching shaving and haylage round to the yard and feeding. Tom Campbell was here this evening for a few routine vaccinations and a chat.

Saint Charles and The Drinkymeister are going for an away gallop tomorrow so its an earlier start than normal.

18th December 2013

Instragramher ran her heart out on ground she would have hated and a trip that was too short, she has guts and that counts for an awful lot in my mind. She is only 3 and I think she'll give her owners some fun in the Spring Summer time if they choose to carry on with her.

All the horses stayed on the wood-chip and 2 schooled. Tomorrow a good few will canter on the grass.

17th December 2013

Tom Weston, James Ridley and James Martin were all here schooling this morning. 12 three year old schooled and I was again treading in. The ground has now opened up and this afternoon I spent 3 hours moving the fences and wings on to fresh ground. Tomorrow Saint Charles and The Drinkymeister will school. Saint Charles, The Drinkymeister and Chiquilline worked on the grass, all worked well. First time through I couldn't resist the temptation and jumped Chiquilline over a few fences. He loved it and thinks he's god at the moment. Yesterday he frog leaped all the way up the woodchip pulling my arms out, thankfully he wasn't quite so fresh this morning.

Tomorrow Instragramher runs in the junior bumper at Newbury, we didn't want the rain and I'm sure she will be a better summer ground horse.

16th December 2013

A routine Monday for the horses.

The entries at Chaddesley Corbett are incredible well over 200, The Drinkymeister will be aimed at one of the maidens.

Sam's younger brother Joe rode his first winner on Sunday at Wadebridge. Sam trained him and his mum and dad owned him. Congratulations to all the Drinkwaters, a real family affair.

Charlie popped in tonight and has named a couple of the fillies, Rebekah Rabbit and Susie Sheep! He is obviously a massive Peppa Pig fan or Scarlet his daughter must be. My kids want to know which horse will be named Pedro Pony. Although Peppa Pig is often on in this house I failed to know any of the names. After supper tonight I now know most! in fact it completely wrecked the viewing of a rugby international earlier in the year when it overrode my recording.

Andy Murray was in my mind the correct winner of Sports Personality Of The Year, Tony McCoy certainly deserved the recognition he got. The only thing that dragged the program down was the fuss that was made over Manchester United.

14th December 2013

Saint Charles, Instragramer, The Drinkymeister and Chiquilline swung through on the grass this morning. God willing, Saint Charles and Chiquilline will head to Cocklebarrow. The others stayed on the woodchip.

The New One certainly looks to have the makings of a Champion Hurdle winner, if he and My Tent Or Yours were to meet beforehand it would surely be a sell out.

Carl Evans has written a piece in Racingplus about the success of British Pointer graduates - quite how he has failed to include Full Shift I am not so sure and will be making sure he knows of my disappointment when I see him next. In fairness to Racingplus they are making a much better fist of reporting on British Point to Points, last year it was appalling. Signing Carl up to write a piece each week is a massive step in the right direction. I have known Carl over 20 years and no one knows the circuit or those involved in it better than him. They still have a way to go to match the Weekender but it appears as if they are really trying and for that we should be grateful, support them and buy the paper. The biggest disappointment to it all is it is published on a Saturday.

13th December 2013

The Drinkymeister and Cecile De Volanges schooled over 12 fences, both horses jumped well. The Drinkymeister will head to Chaddesley Corbett on the Friday after Christmas. The others all cantered on the woodchip.

We sat on the 2 babies that arrived the week before last,, both behaved beautifully and we will now move slowly on with them.

Jane Poulter was here to see Mateka who will soon be heading into training with Roger Charlton.

After lunch I went to see Hopstrings, she looks fantastic and will soon be back here, the kids will be delighted as she and Trouble Digger are their favourites. Sophie will have to put carrots back on the shopping list.

The sales at Cheltenham seem to be the norm. Harold Kirk paid £290,000 for a Scorpion gelding. I am pleased to own a yearling by him -  well he is nearly 2. I always believed he, as a sire, would come good. He will have covered plenty and some very good mares.

12th December 2013

Tessa Blazey dropped by to see Chiquilline, she was most disappointed to hear that he hasn't put a foot out of place since he came back! He will be aimed at a point-to-point somewhere before going Hunter Chasing.

The horses mostly stayed on the woodchip apart from 2 that worked on the grass. Instagramher has been entered to run in a 3 year old fillies bumper at Newbury next Saturday - lets hope the jockey gets beyond the furlong pole!

I watched The Peterborough Chase from Huntingdon this afternoon before getting back to some menial tasks. Barry Geraghty was at his finest, if anyone has ever doubted his ability as one of the best jockeys of any era watch the replay. I thought is was the best ride I've seen anyone give a horse since McCoy won on Witcha Lineman.

10th December 2013

A very busy schooling morning, Tom Weston, James Ridley and James Martin were all here to help. 14 horses schooled over regulation fences and all went well. It was the first time for many of them and they coped very well.

This afternoon was spent with Tim Curtis who very kindly bought me lunch in The Chequers, after which we looked at the Pudlicote Partnership horses. A very pleasurable afternoon before heading back to the grind stone.

9th December 2013

No better way to start the p2p season than with a winner, Illicitt Illusion won in spite of the race only being run over 2.5 mile and on fast but safe ground, he will come on mentally for that and it was just was the doctor ordered for the horse, he jumped from fence to fence and wasn't really ever out of his comfort zone, it will do his confidence the world of good. My target for him is now the Restricted race at Whitfield. He is the type, who, at this moment in time, will need plenty of space between races. Whitfield will be right up his street and it is worth waiting for.  A great result for the Drinkwater family - Sam's mum bought the horse at Doncaster in May and got a roasting when the bill appeared! Yesterday, all was forgiven and by all accounts there was a few sore heads this morning. Tom Weston gave him a smashing ride and carried out his orders to the letter. Tom is almost family as Sam has been going out with his sister (who must be a saint) for a long time. Sam and Charlotte are about to move into a house together. Poor Charlotte, she must be bonkers. Spare a thought for Sam who had to watch from the side lines. Can't split a winning combination now, even if your the owners son!

All the horses went up the woodchip and a couple loose schooled. Tomorrow all the 3 year olds will be schooling over the fences.

What I failed to comment on on Saturday in my blog was the pathetic fences at Aintree. It appeared that the top 3ft or more sits on a bench type frame about 12 inches off the ground. For me the National fences now offer no challenge at all, I didn't notice one horse even peck at Beeches and the riders hardly needed to slip their reins. The race is now a glorified handicap over easier fences than regulation ones. It is ruined and winning it will eventually mean nothing as the challenge no longer exists. Now the fences are as they are I can see the French trainers seriously targeting the big prize on offer. Of course you'll still get fallers, horses fall over hurdles. Shame on the authorities who have bowed far far too much to pressure from animal rights protesters. When an industry is being run by people in the street it is seriously a time to worry. Well that's my rant over but the Grand National is no longer very Grand.

7th December 2013

Illicit Illusion gets us underway with this years point-to-point season tomorrow at Barbury. After a great entry numerically I fear small fields with the fast ground.  He's fit, well and a light framed horse who won't mind the ground, Tom Weston rides.

Everything went on the woodchip this morning and a couple loose schooled.

A great day for Ben Case who scooped a 50K purse at Sandown with  Deep Trouble, he was here to brush up on his jumping and even if I say so myself he was fast and very efficient over his hurdles. Leighton Aspel had the gods looking down on him over the last hurdle, even so it was a remarkable horsemanship. He gave the horse a brilliant ride and I am delighted for Ben and his team, Ben is a big supporter of mine and nearly always has something here for one reason or another.

Baby Run, I suspect nearly had many reaching for the tissues, it was a great shame he ended up in the runners up spot but fought back to the line but sadly, didn't have enough left to get back past the winner. All in all a great days racing.

6th December 2013

A busy day being a man down. Sam has his foot back in a cast and has a hairline fracture in his ankle. It will be in a cast for 1 week only and then he starts the long road back to full recovery. I think a prolonged stay in Oaksey House could be in order if he wants to race ride this side of Easter.

Tom Sidall was here for the 1st time today doing a few teeth, Tom will do all the dentistry work here now as Anthony Tory is too busy and the last guy I used has apparently, chased a lady around the globe.

4 horses worked on the grass, nothing will be working on there again until we get some rain, we will be staying on the woodchip until then, its plenty fast enough.

Having read more about Gerard Butler's case it would appear that he seriously went over the line and it is, I suppose it is only fitting that he has been warned off for 5 years. Some may say it should have been life but in many ways it may as well be. If he decides to train again he will have to start from scratch and will, by many, be labelled.

Our resident Indian barber was in action tonight cutting mine and the farriers apprentice hair, he also gives a mean head massage before creaking necks back into place.

5th December 2013

It has been one of those days. It started very well, we were schooling the babies over the fences and all were doing it nicely considering it was their first time over regulation fences. Sam and I were doing it and all was well until we got on the 5th pair. Sam got a bang on his bad foot and Sophie had to take him to Cheltenham hospital. We hope it is just a nasty knock, there is reportedly, no damage to his pre-existing injury. X-rays were inconclusive due to swelling, it is now in a cast, Sam will be back there tomorrow to see his consultant. Sam is obviously hugely fed up and I am gutted. No matter what the outcome of tomorrow Sam will need more time for his foot to heal properly in order to be race riding fit. Tom Weston will ride his family horse on Sunday. I then got buried on the woodchip by a horse who has a switch, when it is turned on he operates, otherwise he's a grand horse. This evening a pallet of shaving fell off the pallet when I was bring them round to the barn and that just about capped the day.

I think a early night is in order.

4th December 2013

All the horses went on the woodchip, some will take their first steps onto the schooling ground tomorrow. The 2 babies belonging to Johnny and Liz Wills started in the lunge pen, both horses are fine and I foresee no problems with either.

Late morning I set off for another day on Johnny with the Heythrop, we had a great charge around jumped plenty some bigger things than others, one very good set of rails. Johnny is strong and I will sleep well tonight, I normally plan to pack up at 2nd horses but we stayed to the death tonight as we were having fun and Johnny has an away day a week on Saturday with the Cheshire. He will be tested up there, I haven't been up there for a good few years now but the last time I did go we jumped a fair few decent hedges.

Gerard Butler must be pretty sick, I know he's done wrong but to take a young mans livelihood away from him is pretty tough. I don't know what the answer is but I'd have thought banning him for 5 years basically finishes him.

3rd December 2013

It has been a productive day, all the horses stayed on the woodchip as the grass is plenty fast enough. I managed to get into my office late morning and spent until evening stables catching up on paper work.

Trouble Digger has gone home to recover from his tendon injury, his half brother by Grape Tree Road came to be broken-in as did a 2 year old filly by Kayf Tara. Tomorrow they will start the process.

Barbury Castle has attracted very good entries and it looks as if there will be some competitive racing. The ground will be a big concern for many and it could end up with small fields.

1st December 2013

Alice has a sore arse after being unseated at the weekend, apparently, she has a massive bruise on it but thankfully spared us the pleasure of seeing it no matter how many times Sam asked. I suggested that she let Sam rub some Arnica and Witch Hazel gel into it but that was suggested was thrown out too.

All the 3 year olds went up the woodchip before jumping in the school, most are now ready to progress onto the schooling ground and some will get out there this week. Sam managed to break a hinge on a stable door this morning, we won't tell him but it was on borrowed time. This afternoon my friendly man in the garage welded it for me and it is now back in situ. The little Yeats filly that came her to be broken-in and pre-trained left for Paul Webbers this morning and Ginger Fizz, a horse I know well as she did all her pre-training here before going into training with Ben Case a couple of years ago. She has come back for some loose schooling before going hurdling. Ben feels that an intense schooling program will help erase the indecision she shows at the obstacles.

Full Shift won like a good horse at Newcastle on Saturday, they'll be more to come from him. 2 mile would be plenty sharp enough for him. It reminds me of what I've always been told - good horses win over any trip. It was in fact a very good weekend for British point to point horses as I think 4 won either on Friday or Saturday. Sadly, there will be no marketing/advertising of the facts of any sorts unlike the Irish, who, rightly, shove it down our throats. I haven't looked but I am sure there would have plenty of Irish p2p winners behind the 4 English ones over the 2 days and its a great shame no one will help us to promote our p2p winners.

Yesterday we managed to get my trailer back on its feet but sadly, it has a few dents and broken panels as a result of turning over, baler twine and a few cable ties have put it back together until I get a chance to see to it properly. I used a smaller trailer late morning and all afternoon to clear up the mess the yearlings left behind them. They were all on deep litre in temporary stables outside. The place is tidy again. Tilly had a lovely birthday and if anyone is looking to get into a new business I suggest that you buy a pub in this immediate area. We were unable to get a table in any local pub, of which there are many and ended up going to Paxford.

I had planned to spend the evening doing paper work but having been up since 4.30 a.m I've had enough and will attack it tomorrow.

30th November 2013

A good day, to my knowledge no unseated riders! Major Martin will now hopefully get a handicap mark and will stand a chance of winning a race. Full Shift a horse we won with last year before selling to JP won at Newcastle, he won a 2 mile maiden novice hurdle which would have been plenty sharp enough for him. I think there will be more to come from him.

The 2 horses entered at Barbury worked on the grass and both pleased us. Alice is in action tomorrow at Black Forest Lodge . She works bloody hard and deserves to ride a winner, the only down side of that would be she'd want to do it again! I will be linked into the commentary courtesy of my Welsh mates who never fail to attend a point to point every weekend throughout the season and Sam will no doubt be sending pictures. Our farrier told me that she was having a dress rehearsal today. Good luck Alice.

The temporary stables finally got taken down today. On returning from Towcester I started clearing the deep litre bedding out. I filled the trailer, took it round to the muck heap and turned it on its side. Whoops! The neighbour will be round tomorrow to help me get it upright again. I hope he's on parade early as I've a lot to do before taking Tilly, the birthday girl out to lunch.

29th November 2013

Three loose ones today, one of which was the funniest thing I've seen for a long time. Emma was having problems with one horse who was rearing. I swapped with her and hit him, after which he decided to lay down! Prem then got buried by a filly whipping round. Last of all of them all was Sam. Emma and I left the gallop leaving Sam and Prem to do another canter. We had gone 20 yards down the drive only to look round when Sam was heard shouting. He had been thrown over the rails into the stubble turnips "its alright, I'm alive" were the cries, in addition he was giving the drowning signal, arms waving and crossing them over each other. Even the horse stood still in amazement of his antics but I haven't laughed so much for a long time. If it had been on camera we would have been in the money on You've Been Framed!

11 horses went to the grass, 9 cantered and 2 schooled, the rest stayed on the woodchip. Major Martin runs at Towcester tomorrow. As a result I have had to pull out of a days shooting, although highly embarrassing the horses have to come first.

Full Shift runs at Newcastle tomorrow.

28th November 2013

All the 3 year olds cantered on the woodchip before jumping in the school. Most, if not all are willing participants yet some need more of it than others. Sam has done a great job with them all, I just stand on the ground doing the poles keeping him calm. Training Sam not to expect the world too soon is harder than training the horses to jump.

Major Martin will take his chance at Towcester if he gets a run. I am not expecting any great shakes but will be one step closer to getting a handicap mark.

I am one of the few who always backs the Point to Point Authority at Weatherbys when other seem to do nothing but knock them. I have received the hunt Certs for the 2 horses we want to enter for Barbury stating that they are now registered and qualified accordingly, yet they have failed to update their on line entry system. Something that they failed to do last year. Theses organisation who have thankless tasks, at times don't help themselves. Surely, it is very simple to update the on line facility when signing off the hunt certificates. As I had to last year I will have to ring them requesting that they update the system and remove all the horses that they still have listed on my page from last year. After all, I and many others have paid over 80 pounds as an admin charge for each certificate registered. Poor show I feel.

27th November 2013

Johnny jumped from hedge to hedge today in electric fashion. Mrs Wills (Trouble Diggers Owner) claimed she didn't see him, but I know she did and had great pleasure taking the mickey out of his electric manner. The field master told me that the hedges hadn't been jumped in 20 years, I'm not so sure that is the case but Kitebrook hedges are great. Any hunt follower who has driven the Moreton-in-Marsh Chipping Norton road just before Kitebrook looking towards Chastleton will have seen the hedges and thought how lovely they would be to hunt over, they are and speed is your friend as the ditches lie in wait! Plenty of empty saddles today, thankfully not mine. Johnny is electric!!!! and put another few grand on his price tag today. He may have something more substantial in his mouth next time as he certainly takes a grip.

5 horses went to the grass and 1 jumped 6 fences before working. 2 lame horses this morning, we have been taking a different route to the grass and am having to ride along a farm track - it won't happen again as they both have a bruised foot and we will revert to our old route. It is a nuisance but a long way from their hearts and they will soon both be back in full work. Otherwise all is well.

26th November 2013

I was a testing morning, the vet was here to do a few routine checks on horses going into training, passing bugs on will do no one and favours. It all takes time which is at a premium. The results look good and Albert Bridge will now be heading to Emma Lavell subject to the vets approval. I got off to open a gate and the 3 year old I was riding reared up and caught me with a glancing blow to the head with his front leg, thankfully my helmet saved me, he got loose and galloped off, luckily horse and rider weren't hurt. 10 horses went to the grass, 2 schooled over 9 fences.

I managed to repace the broken hurdle this afternoon, Major Martin is number 2 in the ballot at Towcester and there are 31 entries at Plumpton, he has an entry at Southwell on Tuesday and I think that is the more likely venue for him.

Tomorrow, after I've ridden 4 lots I am heading out hunting, I bought a cob to hunt as I had a romantic notion of hunting each Wednesday. Sadly, but thankfully, I am too busy to do such a thing and will now try to sell him. He is electric, will go on point and jump gates off 2 strides.

25th November 2013

All the horses cantered on the woodchip, a few of the more sketchy jumpers jumped in the school afterwards otherwise it was a pretty routine day.

For a couple of weeks I've been meaning to get up in the roof to replace some bulbs that had blown in the strip lights, a fourth one went last week so this afternoon I managed to get to it, the barn is now totally flood lit. A few of the horses had also chewed through the lagging on the water pipes, they too are repaired and we are set for winter. I ran of time and will have to replace the broken hurdle on the schooling ground tomorrow. Next weekend they are all being rebuilt, age and weather has got to them.

Major Martin has been entered for Towcester on Saturday and Plumpton on Monday.  Alice is in action on Sunday and we had planned to get a minibus to Black Forest Lodge to watch her. It is Tilly's birthday so unless Tilly fancies it I guest we won't be there to witness it. My spies will report back on how she fares.

The Ireland vs New Zealand match was brilliant, Sky + is the best thing ever invented. Charlie McCarten is here in the morning so I will be able to  give him plenty of stick. Even I felt sorry for the Irish but the last passage of play by the All Blacks was world class.

23rd November 2103

Apologies for the lack of blog updates over the last 2 days. On Thursday I ran out of time before heading north for a days shooting with Serena Brotherton at Whitwell-on-the-Hill yesterday. After a fantastic day shooting I had a tortuous drive home in the traffic and didn't have any energy left. We shoot 13 wild duck, two of which will be in the oven at the end of the week and about 65 pheasants. Some good and bad shoots from me but a great day.

This morning we took 10 horses to the grass to swing through and schooled the 2 early runners over 9 fences. All went well and the horses appear to be in good shape. I watched the Betfair chase this afternoon and the emotion of Colin Tizzard summed up National Hunt racing perfectly. There are more downs than ups in this game and it takes occasions like the one I witnessed this afternoon to appreciate what it all means. It truly is a great sport. The horses live in 5* hotels, get the best of everything and we all work tirelessly towards the next winner, whether it be at Plumpton on Monday or Haydock on a Saturday afternoon. Who'd want to do anything else.

Sophie has gone away  so I'm on fatherly duties tonight and tomorrow. Sholto has a rugby match so its an early start to see to the horses before setting off. Tilly has gone to sleep at a mates house. Panda and I will be supporting from the touch line before going out to lunch somewhere. I managed to burnt my bacon this afternoon so cooking Sunday lunch might just test me too much.

20th November 2013

What a day! Instgramher got kicked at the start and then there was a mix up between jockey, starter, and starters assistant. Sam TD had the filly checked out by the starters assistant and in doing so ended up a long way behind the others. He then faced the tape and ambled forward thinking the starter would hold the others until he had joined the line. Instead the starter let them go leaving our filly well behind. Sam realised that there was no point in thrashing her to make up the ground and pulled her up almost immediately after she had jumped off. The inquiry concluded that it is the responsibility of the jockey to get the horse in the position he wants and should have joined the others on the tape at greater speed. I see their point,  but would have expected the starter to use some common sense giving the jockey and the filly a chance. Thankfully, you would not meet a nicer guy than Oliver Eaton who owns the filly and he knows that human error was to blame. I personally think the assistant starter, the starter and the jockey all played their part. That's life and we will all move on and forget about it. Consolation was Alice won the best turned out and got 50 quid for all her hard work.

Aiden Murphy kindly invited me to his box for a drink afterwards. I had a quick chat with him, Kim Bailey, Matt Mitchell and Graham Whataley before making a quick exit back to evening stable. There was a lot of shouting of my name coming form the hospitality boxes whilst we were talking in the parade ring. When I looked up I saw a group of people I used to play rugby with at Stow. Thanks guys!

We took 10 horses to the grass this morning and schooled 5 over baby fences in the school. All went well.  We also backed the Danehill Dancer filly and she behaved beautifully. The others cantered on the woodchip.

19th November 2013

All the 3 year olds stayed on the woodchip and will head to the grass tomorrow, a few did enough on the woodchip today, they will school over poles and baby fences in the school. We took the 2 horses that we hope to run at Barbury for an away gallop.

Geoff and Norma Harris were here to have a look round this afternoon with a view to sending a yearling filly and colt here to be broken-in. It has been a day of pillar to post, otherwise there is little to report.

Many trainers moan about race planning, two 3 year old filly bumpers over 1.6 mile programmed with 14 days and then nothing until they are 4, unless of course you want to travel a million miles north. Ridiculous to say the least! The weight of 11 stone at Towcester is also ridiculous, 10st 7lbs would be plenty for any 3 year old filly. If a professional jockey can't do 10st 7lbs they are possibly in the wrong job.

17th November 2013

Most of my weekend was spent in a horsebox. It took us 4 hours to get to Fontwell yesterday as the A34 southbound was closed, the diversion was massive and then we hit more road works. We collected a horse on the way home from Ralph Beckett so it was a 4 hour journey home too. Wetherby Saturday and Fontwell Sunday. Phar Away Island travelled into the race nicely but looked as if he was feeling the effects of 3 quite quick runs. He's gone back to Sam's for a rest now.

Warwick on Wednesday for Instagramher, lets hope the rain stops.

On Saturday evening I sat down to watch the rugby, it was cracking fast game and England really stepped up. The last 20 minuets looks as if it they were going to be fantastic only for Peppa Pig to clash with my recording of it! Thankfully, I was too tired to get angry and sulked off to bed mustering about children and TV controls.

16th November 2013

I wouldn't have predicted the run Major Martin put in today given a thousand chances, he just didn't want to know. At home he jumps straight as a dye and takes on the hurdles. He was backing off them from the start. Peter Carberry, who I thought gave him a smashing ride given what he was faced with said he was just intimidated by the other horses. We can only but this down to the bump he got turning out of the back straight at Chepstow when he did well to stay on his feet and the experience he encountered at Towcester, which incidentally was a bad one.  I am naturally disappointed as if there is one horse in the yard that I've always thought would die for you he was it. We will have to take stock before deciding what we do next.

We took 5 horses to the grass this morning, 3 worked and the other 2 cantered through. Wetherby is a long way from home and it has certainly been a long a disappointing day. Sky + has todays rugby match on - well it better have unless the kids have messed it up. I am now off to console myself in front of the match. The radio hasn't been on in the lorry for fear of hearing the result. The day could pick up yet, or I may go to bed even more fed up!

Lets hope Phar Away Island runs a good race tomorrow, horses and trainers need confidence, at this moment in time we are lacking it.......

15th November 2013

All the 3 year olds jumped in the arena again and did it nicely. The 2 horses aiming for Barbury jumped 12 baby fences and 9 regulation fences. I had the regulation fences rebuilt a few weeks ago and the ditch is like a brick wall, both horses tipped the top and nearly paid the price. I may have to be tweaked.

 My farrier, his apprentices and I have just finished mending the arm on my tractor, well I stood and watched in the cold. They are a great bunch of lads that will always help me out if they can. I am hopeless at repairing things like that. My foot would have come off considerably worse than the tractor had I tried.

Major Martin is declared to run at Wetherby tomorrow so it is an early start and a long way to go. We aren't going into the race with great expectations, he can only improve on his last attempt over hurdles and I think the track will suit him.

Chiquilline returns tomorrow which is exciting, he is reportedly getting a bit above himself!

SIGNIFICANT GAINS AT NOVEMBER NATIONAL HUNT FOAL SALE

At the conclusion of the Tattersalls Ireland November National Hunt Foal Sale on Friday evening, with significant gains across the board, the aggregate for the foals was €7,740,400 up 33%, the average of €12,668 was up 7%, the median was €8,500 up 4% and the clearance rate was 72%. The aggregate represents the highest turnover for the foal category since 2008 with 81 lots achieving €25,000 or more and the highest prices achieved since 2008 for a filly and 2007 for a colt. The star of the sale was the blue blooded Yeats colt out of Scandisk, dam of multiple Champion Hurdle winner; Hurricane Fly from Yellowford Farm who was knocked down for €120,000 on Wednesday to Ben Case.

14th November 2013

15 three year olds jumped in the arena this morning Sam rode them all and I was in charge of the poles. Sam did a great job and all horses jumped brilliantly. Tomorrow they will do the same and then we'll be thinking about making our way out to the schooling ground.

 

 

 

 

 

One very happy filly after her jumping lesson.

 

Major Martin and an unnamed horse who will head to Barbury Castle jumped 9 hurdles, both did well. Derek and Judith Newell were here to see their 2 horses, Cross Your Fingers will now head into training with Ralph Beckett and the unnamed Manduro gelding will be here for sometime yet. He is just starting back having been let down to grow and mature.

 

It is Sophie's birthday today, the children and I clubbed together to buy her an Ipad. We can now say even less to each other and communicate via email whilst sitting in the same room!

13th November 2013

15 three year olds cantered through on the grass, Major Martin and Phar Away Island jumped 9 and 12 hurdles respectively. Sam couldn't get his to jump in a satisfactory manner over 9 so had to jump another 3! Major Martin didn't really miss a beat, I hope he switches on when he runs either at the weekend or on Monday. He will be back over there doing it all again tomorrow as he will be lead horse for one of the babies.

This afternoon I headed off to Overbury Stud to collect a Multiplex filly who will remain in pre-training here for a while. I also saw the 2 horses I bought in Ireland and thankfully, I have no regrets. Sadly, I don't have the land for babies here and they are likely to stay at Overbury until we move. Cecile De Volanges arrived for some loose schooling, she will stay here until we are schooling her over fences before retuning to her owners for the point to point season.

We have run out of oil yet again, it always seems to happen when the frosts arrive! I used to be on a auto fill agreement with the oil company but couldn't ever believe I used the amount they billed me for so I gave it up. As they say, there is a price for everything.

Sholto lost his French test papers that he was supposed to revise off and failed to ask for another set. He still managed to get 75% in the exam today and clearly has his fathers brain!

12 November 2013

I have returned from what I hope to proves a successful trip to Ireland and will have my answer in the Spring of 2015 when the 2 horses I bought are 3 and re-offered as stores. Trade was seriously strong, as it has been all year, any horse that is correct and has a pedigree is making plenty of money. I am looking forward to seeing the foal sale results of today as they generally make much more that yearlings do. There is no recession in the bloodstock world! I underbid on about 6 others, horses that I valued between 10-15K were making 20 K+. Thankfully, I didn't encounter a gob shite in the plane reading his newspaper to his wife. My concern this time was a very elderly gentleman spilling his tea over me, he suffered with server shakes and whilst he fiddled with the tiny milk cartoons it looked pretty likely to happen. Otherwise it was a very pleasant flight home.

All the horses appear to be well and will be heading to the grass tomorrow, Major Martin will school over hurdles with Phar Away Island. Phar Away Island will run on Sunday at Fontwell, Major Martin is in everywhere over the weekend, he won't be going to Fontwell as I don't think he wants heavy ground, he didn't seem to act on it around there in one of his bumper runs. He may go to Weatherby or Uttoxeter on Saturday or Plumpton on Monday.

Today I have filled out the first 2 hunter certificates, they will head off to the owners for signing before being registered with Barbury Castle being the target.

In my absence one of the lads has managed to break the hydraulic arm on my tractor, the 2 horses look even more expensive now and I will have to sell a larger proportion of the 2 horses than I wanted to to pay for the tractor repairs.

9th November 2013

15 three year olds cantered through on the grass gallop, all are progressing nicely. We are well ahead with them and will remain steady away for sometime yet.

An unnamed 4 year old jumped some poles in the arena, he did it nicely and will get plenty more of the same this week.

I am now in Heathrow waiting to get on the plane to Ireland for the yearling and foal sales in Tattersalls.

There is little to report.

8th November 2013

Major Martin and Intergrahmer have come out of yesterday in good shape. Major Martin has entries at Wetherby and Uttoxeter next Saturday, we will take stock on Friday before making any decisions. Being at Towcester yesterday witnessing McCoy's achievement was special and something I will remember forever. Illicit Illusion and a unnamed 4 year old went for an away gallop, both horses worked well and both will have entries at Barbury Castle.

Poor Alice suffered a terrible loss today - Knockdhu, who we gave to her after he slipped his tendon off his hock when winning at Barbury last year had an accident early this morning and had to be put to sleep. Alice rode him in all his work whilst he was here and loved him dearly, she is naturally gutted as we are for her. He was reportedly in great shape and I know Alice had contemplated taking him to Black Forest Lodge.

This afternoon I had to got o the new farm to meet the guy who will draw the landscaping plan for the planners approval. Tomorrow everything will canter on the grass, in the evening I head out to Ireland for the NH yearlings and foal sale.

7th November 2013

To say we were disappointed with Major Martin would be an understatement. What happened is racing and we will just have to go again. His jumping at home has been very accurate and he'd done plenty of it. Sam said he jumped it big and landed in some loose ground which case him to lose his footing unshipping Sam in doing so.

Intergramher ran a very satisfying race and stuck to her task well. She didn't like the ground which wasn't a great surprise for me, she is by Beat All and rule of thumb they like the road. We will see how she comes out of the race and then decide what we do next, she is 3 and has time on her side.

I am now off to harrow the gallop before preparing departure notes for the yearlings that leave tomorrow. A Danehill Dancer filly belonging to Patrick Milmo arrived today and she will be broken-in before going into training with Harry Dunlop.

06 November 2013

I was up at the usual time of 4.45 a.m. and am only just finishing now - well as soon as I've written this. Supper and bath are calling.

The horse had a quiet day on the woodchip after yesterdays trip to the grass except a couple who need more work.

A group of 4 prospective owners were here at lunchtime to see the set-up and discuss the possibility of sending their horse. It was then back to evening stables before preparing departure notes for 11 yearlings which leave tomorrow. It all takes time and is an essential part of the job.

Intergramher has been made favourite for the bumper at Towcester tomorrow, it can only be the booking of Sam Twiston-Davis which seems a crazy way to form a market, however, they don't have a lot else to go on in these type of races. The rain has fallen all day and the ground will certainly be soft!

I've one more job to do in the yard, goodnight.

5th November 2013

13 horses went to the grass this morning, Major Martin schooled over 9 hurdles with Illicit Illusion, both horses jumped well and I am looking forward to running Major Martin on Thursday. He loves his jumping and that is what this game is all about - I expect a big run.

Phar Away Island appears to have come out if yesterday in good form, he had a few hours in the paddock this morning before coming in for his lunch. He will have an entry at Fontwell a week on Sunday but it needs to stop raining the fixture there on Friday is already abandoned due to water logging.

This afternoon I raced to Kitebrook to watch Sholto play in a football match only for everyone to be disappointed as the opposing school didn't show up. You may have thought that schools have some sort of policy in place confirming matched the previous day - sadly not.

After evening stables I am off to Ledbury to sit in on a Parish Council meeting where our planning proposal at our new farm will be discussed. The joys!

4th November 2013

Yesterday was fruitful in the sense that Sam and I got the fences out, wings up and all ready to go. Very satisfying and one less thing to worry about.

Phar Away Island ran a great race today finishing second beaten only a length, we really thought we had found him a winning opportunity and there are no excuses. He isn't very good but he's on a winning mark and we hope to find another race for him as soon as sensibly possible. He came on leaps and bounds for his Fontwell run and it will be very disappointing if we can't win a race with him. His run today gives us confidence going into Thursday with Major Martin and Instagramher although they  have tougher tasks. The horses are well and proved so thins morning, Alice and Prem were rolling around on the ground this morning and I nearly joined in the fun - only fear kept me on!

Ralph Beckett is sending in a lorry on Thursday to take away 11 yearlings and the remainder will leave on Friday. Life will not get any easier as the 3 year olds will have to soon start increasing their workload and some horses are waiting to come in - a great complaint.

2nd November 2013

A busy morning as we were missing Sam who went to Devon for a family wedding of his girlfriends. Well that what he said anyway! The horses all stayed on the woodchip and will get back over on to the grass next week. They are all well forward and I am in no rush with any of them at this stage.

A good result for our rugby team, however, at times they lacked many things. There are a few very exciting players in the squad and with an average age of 24 it is really quite incredible. Had Farrell kicked whit his usual success we would have never been under pressure. The second half was a much better and it looks, (for the benefit of the Welsh readers) as if there is a real chance of making this team up into a world cup winning squad, taking in a Grand Slam en-route!

I watched Harry Topper win the Charlie Hall chase and I think Jason Maguire's ride on him will certainly be a contender as ride of the week. Sam Twiston-Davis couldn't have started his relationship off with Paul Nicholls in any better fashion. Tidal Bay is a horse of a lifetime for Graham Wylie - he has many good ones but I wonder how many will give him the fun Tidal Bay has over the years.

This evening we abandoned the local firework display as the weather is foul, the wind and rain is lashing against our windows. Tomorrow Sam and I are going to put the schooling fences out as it won't be long before we need them, in fact we need them for our Barbury runners immediately.

01 November 2013

November already, I can't believe where the time goes, won't be long before the overdraft gets a kicking for Christmas presents.

Major Martin, Illicit Illusion, Intergramher and 2 unnamed 3 year olds worked on the grass this morning, one of the unnamed 3 year olds did it very well and is an exciting prospect. Major Martin and Intergramher will both run at Towcester on Thursday, the novice hurdle is competitive as one would expect as for the fillies bumper who knows what's in there. Both horses are well.

Ralph Beckett rang this morning and his yearlings will all start to leave next week, the last of them will be gone by Friday. Some he bought on spec, so if anyone is looking for a yearling in training with Ralph I am sure he'd welcome you along to his invitation only Open Day on 10th November for the yearling parade.

The first of the autumn internationals is on tomorrow England v Australia, it doesn't get much better than that, I could spend ever Saturday watching international rugby. Sholto will watch it besides me and the girls will moan that they want cartoons - I know who will win that argument.

31 October 2013

Tom Campbell was here to trach wash next weeks runners, Major Martin and Instagramher. Major Martin will run in the 2.5 mile hurdle race and Instagramher in the 1 mile 5 NH flat race for 3 year old fillies. Major Martin has been in everywhere of late, Wetherby, Exeter, Chepstow and Towcester. The novice hurdles on paper are serious at the moment and I think Towcester may just suit him. The results of the trach washes were great so it is full steam ahead for the pair of them at the moment. Phar Away Island will run at Plumpton on Monday.

Once we had finished riding the older horses, I announced that we would now start riding the 20 odd yearlings currently here. Sam is still lame on his foot but Ussain Bolt would of struggled to lay up with him as he raced to get on the quietest one in the yard. He's not as stupid as he may act at times! Muggings has to ride the lively ones, Sam soon made his excuses and left for a massage on his foot at great speed, I didn't know an Audi A3 could go so fast. There is seldom fighting over yard brushes but when yearlings have to be ridden everyone suddenly wants to sweep the yards. All very amusing if nothing else. They won't be here much longer, rule of thumb, as soon as the horses in training sale is over they leave as quickly as they arrived. By the end of next week there won't be many here. I have a good few stacked up waiting to come in which is great. Sam will be able to back the next bunch as his foot will be feeling so much better after all the massages he has supposedly been having.

Billy Biscuit ran at Startford today and as I expected hated the ground, I was surprised he ran on it and can only imagine owner pressure accounted for his participation. Well, I hope he hated the ground otherwise it was a hugely disappointing effort. He's much better than that I know.

30th October 2013

Major Martin and Phar Away Island jumped 12 hurdles this morning, Major Martin was very accurate and Phar Away Island was hindered by his jockey, I rode Major Martin and Sam was upsides me.

All the others went on the woodchip before we rode all the yearlings around the school, I managed to stay on board today.

The point to point riders certificates are now available for those wishing to ride in the forthcoming season - Alice went for her medical yesterday and will be riding her own horse at Black Forest Lodge. I would love t go and support her but hope to be too busy at home to do so. I will hear all about it, not only from Alice but will have my spy's there. One person is already moaning about the cost of the certificates at 198.91p, I personally think they are cheap as when I was riding over 15 years ago they were 150 odd pounds. With the insurance aspect of it I don't think the cost is over the top. No one likes being ripped off but people must understand that if we want point to pointing to continue we must be willing to pay for it.  It costs 144 pounds to name a horse so how anyone can complain at the cost of riders certificates is beyond me.

29 October 2013

All the horses went on the woodchip, those that had an easy day yesterday were full of themselves and Sam kept adopting the brace position. I think he thought he was taming lions rather than riding a horse. We all stayed on until we started riding the yearlings and yours truly get dropped. It is a sad state of affairs when the oldest man in the yard has to ride the naughty ones.

Phar Away Island has an entry at Plumpton on Monday, the race re-opened so I can't imagine that they'll be many runners. It maybe a winning opportunity for him, he's dropped 4lbs since his run at Fontwell but probably needs to drop another 10lbs to win a race. He has come out of Fontwell in great shape and will school with Major Martin tomorrow. I may hold off and run Major Martin at Towcester on 7th November.

Sophie tells me that more storms are forecast later in the week, tying down my temporary stables may not have been unnecessary, she was box walking all night on Sunday worrying about the Jude, I think she may need some magnesium in her supper.

28th October 2013

We were hit early morning by torrential rain which the drains struggled to cope with, thankfully the winds didn't materialise. Some parts of the country were hit severely and watching the news we were the lucky ones.

Today was a very satisfying one. I had a very good chat with the Irish Equine Center on Friday about yard management. As any regular reader of my blog will know we are always doing our best to keep the stables free of bugs by fogging. Some horses had a day on the walker while we dusted down everything within arms reach off a ladder and fogged all surfaces within the barn. They were very keen to emphasise that it is dust that holds the bugs bacteria. The horses are in relatively good health, but with a yard full of youngsters keeping it that way is paramount to any success we have. Tom Campbell was here to see a lame horse and trach wash one. The result of the trach wash was good.

I spent the afternoon and early evening catching up on paper work, I am off to Ireland in a fortnight looking at foals and yearlings. I didn't want the paper work hanging over me whilst away and much more importantly I need to get my bills out promptly!

Having put in for planning at our new farm I am now being forced to produce drawings coatings another 4,000 pounds having already spent the same amount and more in the first stage.

26th October 2013

Most of the horses went on the woodchip, three 3 year olds went to the grass.

All the yearlings are now riding around the school and behaving themselves beautifully, we have only 1 that has proved to be tricky and he is now behaving himself - he's a bit like Sam and could do with a doctor removing his private parts. I'm sure, should it happen to either of them it would quieten them down!

Major Martin won't run on Monday or Tuesday bit may go to Wetherby on Friday, the race at Wetherby has 50 entries so who knows what may or may not happen at this stage. Many of the novice hurdles of late have had massive entries and have resulted in relatively small fields, I can only presume it is due to the ground. As soon as there is genuine good ground I am sure everyone will want to run. Major Martin has had a small set back, nothing that won't heal within days rather than weeks.

Warnings over storm due to hit England and Wales - this is rather concerning, winds predicted to gust up to 80 mph with 1.6 of an inch of rain on 8 hours. Monday maybe a paper day, taking horses out in 80 mph winds isn't advisable. I hope it doesn't materialise. 

25th October 2013

7 of the 3 year olds and two 4 year olds went to the grass otherwise everything else went up the woodchip. All the yearlings are now riding which makes the morning a bit more manageable. The clippers are now in full swing and the mornings are frantic, I am less stressed now the yearlings are all riding as the pressure is off a little.

Kim Bailey and I have share a similar problem with our white goods - my tumble dryer has given up the ghost and will now have to be replaced. Girth sleeves and stable rubbers are washed daily and theses machines work overtime, it has served me well and has done 8 or 9 years.

The children have been away on pony days for the last 2 days, Tilly is now flat out and the other 2 seem very keen to catch up. Today Panda was unseated galloping! I hope it won't be long before they are riding out, cheap labour is always a bonus. I think Tilly can ride Phar Away Island next week and a few quiet yearlings!

Billy Biscuit isn't declared for tomorrow but has an entry at Wincanton on Sunday, I would have thought that would be much more up his street.

23rd October 2013

The sun shone - what a difference it makes to this job and my humour. Alice told me that yesterday was the warmest day on record in the month of October for sometime, it must have been somewhere near the wettest too!

There was no blog yesterday as my server was down and it was way past my bedtime by the time they got it up and running.

We took most of the 3 year olds to the grass yesterday, they all loved it and are well forward for the time of year. We got soaked on each occasion.

Phar Away Island ran as well if not better than we expected, we'll see how he comes out of the race before deciding what we do next. Major Martin is in at Bangor on Monday and Ffos Las later in the week, Phar Away Island is in there too. I see Billy Biscuit has an entry at Chepstow on Saturday, I'd be very surprised if he runs on heavy ground, Alan King doesn't generally run young horses on heavy ground first time out.

This afternoon I spent a happy hour or 2 putting up traditional flights of hurdles for Major Martin who has only schooled over baby fences. Tomorrow he will jump the hurdles.

It was very pleasing to read in David Pipe's trainer file in the Racing Post that he was more than happy with Vazaro Delafayette run on Saturday. It would appear that the horse still has a fair bit of growing up to do mentally, once he does I am sure he'll show even more promise.

21st October 2013

What a filthy day, it rained heavily for most of it and I think it is a similar forecast for tomorrow. The ground at Fontwell and Worcester will certainly be trying and I will be taking stock before making any decisions on Major Martins participation at Worcester. Our lunge pen is struggling to cope with the rain fall and it is pretty nasty for the yearlings. If we only worked when the weather was kind we'd never get anything done, it is just a case of getting on with it.

Vazaro Delafayette certainly lived up to expectations and ran a fantastic race finishing 3rd at Cheltenham on Saturday. I think it is fair to say he'd have been a very good 2nd had he not been knocked turning in and then bumped all but sideways up the run in. All things considered, I think he has a very bright future.

18th October 2013

We now have 49 horses on the place and they take some looking after, it is silly season and 16 hour days become the norm for a short period of time. For the first time in 9 years I turned a horse away today. As the farm is now under new ownership I just haven't got a spare stable nor the space in another barn to make any. Not something I want to make a habit of.

We took 14 horses to canter through on the grass this morning, the ground is beautiful and the horses loved it. All the others went up the woodchip.

Vazaro Delafayette is declared for the Cheltenham bumper tomorrow. I am certainly hoping for a big run and am very excited about it all, I just hope I not disappointed, by the reports I have heard I don't expect to be. Apparently, he's been working with a couple of the stables stars.

17th October 2013

Major Martin and Phar Away Island jumped 8 hurdles together, both schooled well, we hope to run the pair next Wednesday at Worcester and Fontwell. 41 entries in Major Martin's race so whether or not he'll get a run I don't know at this stage.

Hopstrings had now gone home for a holiday and another 3 yearlings arrived. Tomorrow the 3 year olds will all get back over to the grass gallop, we always try and use it when the weather allows and just go steady away.

It is flat out from flag fall each day now as there is a lot to get through and my tolerance levels get even lower than the normal.

16th October 2013

All the horses cantered on the woodchip this morning and though they were a bit special after their trip to the grass! 4th and 5th lots were soaked to the skin, the rain fell in biblical proportions, the hose wasn't required, just plenty of warm rugs!

4 yearlings arrived from Book 2 Newmarket sales, all will be broken-in before going into training with Ralph Beckett.

Hopstrings is going home tomorrow for a well earned rest, she has done us proud this season and we will certainly miss her.

The children have started half term as of tonight, 7 school days as half term is ridiculous. Only 2 weeks ago they had an extended weekend and have another one in between half term and the end of term. I just don't understand it and am not going to make myself any angrier by trying to phantom it out. What I am paying for I am unsure.

15th October 2013

Morning like this morning make me realise how much I enjoy what I do. We took 13 three year olds to canter through on the grass gallop twice, they were all bunched up and loved it. Although, we have no idea how good or bad they maybe we are able to get a feel off them. I wouldn't have a complaint about any at this stage, the cream will rise to the top as we start to ask more questions - those questions won't be asked for sometime yet but we certainly got a nice feel off more than one or two. The dreams are still very much alive and they are all unbeaten!

Hugh Webster and his wife Liz were here late morning to see their 3 year old by Apple Tree, I know very little about him as a sire but the 2 horses that I have had any dealings with are active and have plenty of size and scope about them.

Sophie and I have acquired a couple of cobs, Johnny and Poppy, we are using them as lead horses to get the kids going on their pony. The problem is the kids are at school and it's dark when they get home. Half term next week so I am sure most afternoons we will be spotted hacking around the countryside like Mr and Mrs Happy-Hacker! Johnny will double up as a lead horse and something I can go hunting on, I am often invited to hunts but either don't have the horse or time. This year I hope to find sometime and I have the horse.

14th October 2013

We have had some desperately needed rain over the last couple of days. Tomorrow, most of the 3 year olds will go to the grass gallop for education only, Major Martin and 2 unnamed 4 year olds will work. Major Martin will run at Worcester a week on Wednesday in a maiden hurdle. Max Ward will head to Ascot sale on 7th November and I would highly recommend him to anyone. He will no doubt be a better 5/6 year old and will give someone much fun. It is our policy to sell after their 4 year old career and that is what we will stick to, otherwise, we are in danger of accumulating too many horses which we simply can't afford to train.

Sam has a very upbeat report from the hospital today, the surgeon says his foot is healed and that the pain he is now suffering is muscular. I can now start to crack the whip and beat him with it for being slow!

12th October 2013

A busy and very wet morning riding out before heading off for an away gallop with a couple. Sam set off in the lorry 10 minuets before me as I had to go and do something afterwards, I arrived at the gallops 40 minuets before Sam who went via god knows where. Sam has only been to the gallop 10 - 12 times before with me so it is understandable that he doesn't yet know the way! He's always been a very slow learner. Both horses worked well and we will keep going forward with the intention of running the filly at Towcester in a few weeks time.

The schooling fences have all been re-built, I didn't get over to see them this afternoon as Sholto, Ben Brain, Simon Sweeting and I went to Gloucester to watch a great match. Gloucester won  27 -22 against Perpignan, the sledging from the fans is quite amusing. I wouldn't want to be referee or a linesman in Gloucester Rugby Club. The scrum halve was told "put the ball in straight Stumpy" on more than one occasion. We are now planning our next trip.

11th October 2013

Hopstrings was squealing and bucking in her stable this morning when I tacked up Major Martin, she is well! That's it for her, she deserves a break and it started today in the paddock. Major Martin and another horse schooled upsides over hurdles. I've a race in mind for Major Martin a week on Wednesday at Worcester, a maiden hurdle over 2.4 mile. All the other horses cantered, the 3 year olds are all taking it well and will just keep progressing quietly.

Tomorrow Sam and I are going for an away gallop with a 3 year old filly who may go for a junior bumper at Towcester in early November, tomorrow will help us to decide.

I am now waiting for an arrival from Book 1 Newmarket sales, he is due in early evening, I don't think it cost 5 Million!

10th October 2013

Hopstrings showed signs of having had enough for the year, she's been on the go for a good while now and has had her last few races in a relatively short period of time. She owes us nothing and has given us all an immense amount of pleasure. I think she got a shocking ride today, she was ridden far too handy and given 6 slaps in 6 strides, I thought jockeys knew better theses days and allowing a horse time to respond was something at the forefront of their minds. By the time Wayne gave up on her the damage was already done. She will now get a well earned rest before she's campaigned for next Spring.

Max Ward seems fine after his run.

A few trips back to  Exeter maybe in order, I met an old friend who has invited me shooting in Devon a week on Saturday. I also ran into David Pipe who told me that Vazaro Delafeyette will have an entry at Cheltenham a week on Saturday. I met Tom Malone who was the under bidder and had had supper with David's headman, he has tipped him as the horse to follow from the yard. They obviously think as much of him as we did. Thank god I can end todays blog on a few positives, the last 2 days have been very trying..............

9th October 2013

Max Ward was forced to make his own running which is always a VERY big ask for any horse let alone a 4 year old. When doing so all one does is set it up for others and that is what he did. However, he was still a huge disappointment. Lets hope Hopstrings can lift the spirits tomorrow. When you put your heart and soul into something as intensely as we do dealing with disappointments isn't easy, in fact it is very difficult. I know there will be many critics slagging the way he was ridden but things aren't always as straight forward as they seem, we did what we thought was best having seen him pull too hard previously at Stratford. He didn't run himself into the ground and on this occasion I don't think it would have mattered how he was ridden, he would still have finished where he did.

8th October 2013

Max Ward is declared to run at Ludlow tomorrow, anything Peter Bowen or Rebecca Curtis run in bumpers is always feared, Evan Williams has a p2p winner in it too. For a small field it is competitive enough.

We will wait to see who is doing what before making a decision on Hopstrings taking part at Exeter on Thursday, I am keen to run her as watered ground, surely, is on the cards for Huntingdon. Trea Newell and her daughter Rose were here today to check her back out. I think Exeter is a very suitable track for her and on paper the race isn't that special.

Sam and I schooled over the hurdles, I rode Major Martin and ended up leading Sam on the lead horse! He told me he hadn't lost it earlier in the week - I question that now! Major Martin will get plenty more of it and as of Thursday night we will be praying for some rain on his behave.

3.6 million was reportedly given for a yearling in Newmarket today!

7th October 2013

Major Martin jumped in the school again this morning with Sam, this afternoon I put the hurdles back up on the schooling ground, tomorrow he will have a few spins over them. All the others cantered.

Max Ward is likely to run at Ludlow on Wednesday and Hopstrings at Exeter on Thursday Sam Twiston Davis will ride them both.

Amalfi Emery, the Network horse we bought in August has now gone into training with Mike Blandshard, he's a gorgeous horse and one worth keeping an eye on. I expect he'll run in a bumper in the Spring.

Only one yearling arrived from Goffs, the trade was incredible and I read that it was up 61% on last years sale.

5th October 2013

Sam schooled Major Martin in the arena this morning, he jumped as we expected and will progress onto the schooling ground next week. Sam was delighted to be back jumping a horse after his accident and assures me he hasn't lost it.

All the other horses are cantering away and taking it well, many have just gone through a growth spurt.

Tomorrow I won't get my extra hour in bed. Max Ward will have to be ridden and horses are arriving from Goffs yearling sale at the crack of dawn. Sholto and I are then heading off to Bristol for a mini rugby tournament.

4th October 2013

Sam was in for 2 lots again, tomorrow Major Martin will school over some jumps in the school, he is electric in the loose school and loves his jumping. He's come out of his race in good shape.

Little to report, all the horses are quietly doing a little bit more and taking it well.

3rd October 2013

Last month haylage and bedding invoice has just landed on my mat 6,000 pounds! That is getting on for 200 pounds a month / horse for forage and bedding alone. No hard feed has been bought, rent paid, no wages, tax, rates etc. Oh why didn't I concentrate at school. Anyhow, moving away from that I'm lucky to be able to do something I enjoy and wouldn't swap it.

Today we certainly made the right call by not declaring for Bangor, after the rain they reported to have had on Tuesday night, I can't believe that for one moment the ground was Good, by race 4 it was officially soft.

The entries for Ludlow are surprisingly low, the bumper looks competitive enough with only 11 entries. Lets hope it stays dry until Thursday night.

Robert Hogg was in for 4 lots this morning. He has joined Fergal O'Brien and is looking for rides in p2p's. Anyone looking for a novice rider this season should get in touch with him through Fergal. He will come in fortnightly to help with the schooling here and accepts that Sam rides ours.

2nd October 2013

Major Martin has come out of his race in one piece and seems very well, I have pencilled in a  maiden novice hurdle at Worcester in 3 weeks time over 2mile 4 furlongs. The ground has gone for Hopstrings and Max Ward tomorrow at Bangor. Max Ward is in another bumper at Ludlow on Wednesday, which I think will suit him better and Hopstrings a 0-105 novice handicap at Exeter next Thursday. There is also a race for Hopstrings at Huntingdon the following week over 3mile 2 furlongs.

Sholto scored the only goal in his tournament yesterday, when I asked how far out he was when he took his shot "I was quite close, maybe a mile away"!!! On Sunday he is playing rugby in Bristol.

Goffs have started their yearling sale today, the prices those horses fetch is mind blowing, a visit to the results page on their website is worth the effort.

01 October 2013

Major Martin was running a cracking race until getting knocked sideways on the home bend, how he managed to stay on all four feet was a miracle alone. That's horse racing and we will have to re-group before looking to send him over hurdles. Everything considered he stuck at it and has guts, we all know guts wins races. He wouldn't have beaten the front 2 but would have been a lot closer. The jockey Gavin Sheehan, is in my opinion tipped for the top. He speaks sense and has a very good brain, something many others don't!

Max Ward is well and we will decide whether or not to declare him in the morning.

30th September 2013

We went to Ben Case's Open Day yesterday, his number of horses in training has increased and he paraded over 30 horses before giving us a fantastic lunch. Ben's Open Day has become an annual event for us and we all stop eating at home on Friday in preparation. We sat with Mr and Mrs Tim Curtis who are now witness to the fact Sophie starves me. It isn't worry and work that keeps me so slender it is starvation! When we got home I had to sit down before I went to evening stables, I felt a bit like a camel after my second helping of Eton mess and chocolate moose. The 3 year olds I rode certainly blew a bit harder this morning.

All the horses are now back cantering away having had a week in the loose school. Major Martin has been declared to run at Chepstow tomorrow in a bumper. It is competitive and there won't be many easy bumpers from here on in. The forecast rain hasn't arrived which won't help him, we are still on a learning curve with him. He ran a very creditable race at Newbury 1st time out and then got very tired in a false run race and bottomless ground at Fontwell. He is well and will certainly try his best. Ideally, he wants some hurdles in front of him and a step up in trip. We will make a decision as to what we do with him after tomorrow. Hopstrings is in a competitive race at Bangor and we will make a final decision on whether or not to run her nearer the time. She is some tough cookie and I can't remember a horse that takes their races like she does. I would have Sulamani high on my list of sires if I wanted a racehorse. Max Ward will certainly take his chance at Bangor if the rain stays away.

28th September 2013

It's a very social weekend, this morning was flat out before we left for lunch just outside Leeds, Andrew Robertson who shares many horses with me held a surprise birthday party for his wife. We had a lovely lunch and a good chat before heading home. Tomorrow we are all off to Ben Cases Open day, the lunch is delicious, last year I think Tilly ate 5 if not 6 puddings!

I am keeping a very close eye on the weather at. Chepstow, they have put some water on it and rain is forecast, Major Martin has an entry in the bumper, it is a hot enough contest, the more rain the better, unless it is soft he won't be getting in the lorry. We want the rain to stay away from Bangor for. Hopstrings and Max Ward. Hopstrings will have to up her game as it is a very competitive novice hurdle on paper. I don't think there is any such thing as an easy bumper and I think Max Ward needs the fast ground to put his best foot forward.

27th September 2013

The horses, bar a couple are jumping with real accuracy and fluency now, they will have a break from it for a while before having another session  later in October, the less accurate ones will have a few more days in there next week. Below is Robin Des Champ ex Granny Grouse, the 3 year old filly we bought at Goffs.

Tilly and Panda were my assistants today as Sholto was at a mates house. A long weekend is taking place after 9 weeks summer holiday - I ask myself!

Our resident barber Kenwar cut mine and Sholto's hair tonight, he is a trained barber in India. He asked me to buy him some hair clippers which I did today in Stow. In India they have hand held clippers, Sholto was test pilot and I insisted that scissors alone were used.

26 September 2013

The horses are all starting to jump with much more accuracy and will have their last day in the loose school tomorrow. We will ride them all on Saturday before loose schooling them again on Monday.

Sam has been staying in Oaksey House the last couple of weeks, he returns on Monday for a couple of lots before going back to Oaksey House for more treatment.

Liz Wills popped in to see Ginge who devoured some mints, Hopstrings got in on the act and managed a few too. This afternoon I have managed to catch up on some paper work which was again mounting up. Christopher Cox from Lycetts was here to go through our insurance policies, something I never enjoy. Otherwise all is well.

The Racing Post has been running a series this week on successful partnerships, today is George Duffield and Sir Mark Prescott. The episode of George thumping Peter Savill is hilarious and a must read if you haven't read George Duffield's autobiography, which incidentally is also a good read.

I have been watching Peaky Blinders, tonight is the 3rd episode and I have been thoroughly enjoying it, tonight they are supposedly at Cheltenham, reports have it that no filming has taken place there so it will be interesting to see where they actually are.

25 September 2013

Today is a sad one. Trouble Digger (Ginge) has gone wrong and will certainly miss this season. Ginge will be sorely missed. He's a favourite of everyone and always keeps us amused with his antics at the bottom of the gallop, even more so when he runs off with a test pilot. He broke down very early on in life and after a prolonged rest recovered to win between the flags and a Hunter Chase at Lingfield last year when he was at the top of his game. Everything he has done has been a bonus but it is still very sad for us all. A decision on his racing career is yet to be decided, it maybe that he comes back to winning ways after 18 months in a big barn. It is even more gutting for his owners John and Liz Wills, we were hoping desperately to win the Hunt Race at the Heythrop P2P which is now held on their land.

This afternoon I went to watch Tilly play in a netball match at Kitebrook, she played very well. We will be working on her shooting as there is certainly room for improvement. She told me the pressure got to her and she was shaking. A good sign in my book as it shows she cares about winning and loosing - she's her father daughter. Panda came to harrow the gallop with me when we got home and told me "girls like money"! I did not take the conversation forward. Sholto is playing football next week and I note there are rain showers forecast so there is every chance it will be cancelled. I have told the headmistress that I've not seen a rusty child yet.

Hopstrings will be targeted at the mares hurdle race at Bangor.

24th September 2013

The loose schooling continues.........................

I have a race in mind for Hopstrings back at Bangor, she will have an entry anyway in the Mares novice hurdle, she's not run a bad race there so my theory that the track doesn't suit her has to be nonsense. It is 2 mile 4 furlong race so she's a course and distance winner although we all think she wants further. There is a nice handicap for her at Huntingdon over 3 mile 2 furlongs 2 weeks later.  I doubt she'll run in both! Max Ward will also have an entry in the bumper at Bangor. It is an Amateur and Conditional jockey bumper. My experience of using claimers is poor, it may come down to the expression of, 2 novices are a bad combination. We'll see anyhow, I am keen to find him good fast ground, I think and pray we'll see a different horse. He hasn't left an oat since he ran and seems to have taken it all very well.

23rd September 2013

Hopstrings ran a cracking race at Uttoxeter yesterday, she gave the winner 18lbs and was beaten a neck! I walked the course and wasn't surprised to see the ground wasn't as described. Good to firm it wasn't, why they watered in the morning is slightly bemusing to say the least. I spoke to a couple of trainers looking for fast ground and they too were bemused. Hopstrings has come out of the race very well, she ran to her handicap mark and hopefully, she'll win one off it. I meet Kim Bailey's right hand man Matt at Uttoxeter and Net Work Rouge has been doing everything very well. Lets hope he lives up to expectations. Seldom a day passes without Sam telling us Net Work Rouge is an aeroplane. We have some really nice horses out there this year and I am in no doubt they'll do well. Selling to the right trainers is important and we sold to all the right ones last year.

This morning we loose schooled fifteen 3 year olds and one 4 year old. There isn't one of them I'd worry about, they all seem to jump very naturally, they will stay in the loose school all week and possibly a few days next week.

21st September 2013

We have had 3 loose horses this week I think, thankfully none that I've been riding - they are very well and I think the feed may have to be cut back for a day or 2!

The going at Uttoxeter is Good and they have watered selective parts down the back. The Going Stick reading would not lead one to believe it is Good ground. Different courses produce different reading depending on the type of soil, length of grass and its root structure. What little experience I have of them I think they are pretty much a waste of time and the old fashion way with an honest COC (if they exist) is the best guide.

Tessa Blazey popped by this afternoon, Chiquilline will be coming back here to go Hunter Chasing, he is a horse we are all very fond of and it will be great to have him back. I am sure he'll win his races. Tess will do as much at home with him as possible and the aim is to bring him here before Christmas.

James Doyle has had a season never to forget on the flat and he's certainly a top class jockey who appears not to have the arrogance many flat jockeys have. Today I got a tip for one that he was riding - it got stuffed!

20th September 2013

Last night was very interesting. Mark Johnson spoke for the  majority of the time and it was great to hear his views on various topics. Although all trainers suffer the same problems, I concluded that training flat horses is far less challenging than training NH horses. Martin and David Pipe were there, the reports on Vazaro Delafayette and Knight Of Noir were encouraging. I sat with Alan King and his team, Billy Biscuit is also pleasing everyone. Vazaro and Billy are expected to run in bumpers in October Knight of Noir is a bit further behind.

Hopstrings has been declared to run at Uttoxeter on Sunday, it isn't a great contest on paper and I think she should go close. I have pencilled in a couple of options for Max Ward in October, he has come out of his race very well and was very bouncy to sit on this morning.

19th September 2013

All horses are well, Trea Newell was here with her daughter Rose to give Hopstrings a check over through her back in preparation for Sundays race at Uttoxeter, they have finally managed to update their going report and it is reportedly Good Good to Firm in places. If this is the case Hopstrings will take her chance, she is really well. Sam Twiston Davis will ride her.

George Thornton and Tracey Poole were here to see their Teofilo filly, she is going really well and will soon be heading into training.

I rushed around like a lunatic this morning so I could spend an hour this afternoon watching Sholto play football at Summerfields. Football is not on my list of favourite sports but Sholto was very keen for me to come and watch. He should be playing hockey this term. Anyhow, I drove to Summerfields to find it had been cancelled due to the weather. I walked around the sports fields and found boys quite happily playing tennis and practising their golf. I don't ever remember matches being cancelled at my prep school and if they were we were sent on a cross country run up to our knees in mud. I just can't make it out and do fear what is becoming of this country, everyone has gone so soft, it is seriously worrying, I am not sure if they, the teachers have gone soft or are just bloody lazy. The matter was made worse as under the new leadership at Kitebrook, only one parent is now the primary contact. They choose Sophie and apparently she received a cancellation email. We are now both primary contacts!!!

18th September 2013

Max Ward seems fine after his run, I am more deflated than him and spent the night and most of today beating myself up. The positive is he has gained valuable experience.  This evening I went to look at our grass which is still too fast to work on.

Uttoxeter have failed to update their ground on Racing Admin since 9.30 on Monday morning, on occasions some racecourses don't help themselves.

Tomorrow I am going to a Racehorse Fitness, Training and Health Evening. Guest speakers are Mark Johnson, Tim Brazil and Kate Allen. Shame it isn't on reading going conditions!

17th September 2013

Max Ward was disappointing and I am kicking myself for running him on that ground. I thought he'd handle it, I walked the course twice and genuinely felt it wasn't that bad, it walked faster than it rode and the ground is the only excuse we can come up with. The winner is above average, however, I would have thought we would have been a bit closer. We will see how he comes out of the race and look for something on a quicker surface - when will we get that, gods knows. We could be racing on bog for the next 5 months with English weather. I am absolutely gutted with todays performance, it is all very well for trainers with plenty of horses to have a disappointing day but for us it is much harder to take. We have very few runners and like to make them count when we do run them. Its a tough game and you just have to pick yourself up and look forward.

16th September 2013

Max Ward is declared to run tomorrow, this afternoon I walked the track, if the rain stays away the ground will be perfect, I personally think it is on the quick side of Good. Hopstrings is entered at Uttoxeter on Sunday in a 0- 100 handicap over 3 miles. The ground there is currently Good to Firm and she seems very well.

There is little to report on the horse front, all is well and their work load will steadily be increased.

14th September 2013

The ground at Stratford is given as Soft, Good to Soft in places, they seem to think the weather front has now passed - the BBC wouldn't agree with that as there is a fair bit of rain forecast for the area tomorrow. We don't want it any worse that Soft. I am a great believer in good horses go on any ground but are even better on their preferred going. He will have a small blow on the woodchip tomorrow.

Ralph must be delighted with Talent, what a shame she didn't get her head in front. He must have a feeling of deja vu after Look Here doing exactly as Talent has done. Won the Oaks and second in The Ledger.

13th September 2013

We finished the stables today, every shaving out, disinfected lower walls and floors and filled with new shavings. A cost reaching somewhere near two thousand pounds, there is much talk about what it costs to keep a horse in training on a particular forum. It isn't just a case of exercising and feeding them, there is much more that goes into keeping horses fit and healthy than many people appreciate. Horses are very labour intensive and it costs lots of money to do the job properly. I always work on the basis that if anyone asks me what I charge the likelihood is I don't want their horses anyway. I'd rather stack shelves in Tesco than have to cut corners due to financial restraints that will have a negative effect on the horses.

Another horse arrived from the West Country yesterday who is proving a bit difficult, I long reined him this morning in full tack and we'll move along quietly as and when I think he's ready for a bit more of a challenge.

The English weather is now likely to keep me awake at night, I don't want too much rain for Stratford, the ground is currently Good and by race day on Tuesday considering the forecast it will surely be on the Soft side. I think Max Ward is a good ground horse.  The rain has come in time for Talent, it would be great for my mate Ralph Beckett if she can win the St Ledger tomorrow.

Sholto got hit on the head by a drain pipe at school this morning. Apparently they were looking at metals for their science lesson. The teacher touched it and down it came hitting him on the head before bouncing off the ground and hitting another lad on the leg. He seems fine and the drain pipe has a dent in it! 

12th September 2013

What looked like being a damp old day turned out to be beautiful on the weather front. We made a fair indent in getting the stables cleaned out and disinfected. Tomorrow we should wrap it up. It was all hands on deck, if Sam worked as hard physically as he does verbally we could all have gone home and left him at it, he'd have had it all done in no time.

Max Ward is in a competitive race on paper at Stratford next Tuesday, many respected trainers have runners, AP on one for Rebecca Curtis and Phillip Hobbs has one in it that hasn't run before and it appears that Warren Greatrex has sold Chalk It Down to JP.

11th September 2013

Major Martin and Max Ward have come out of their gallops in good shape, the rain has been failing all afternoon, it remains fairly wet through the weekend, I don't want too much more of it for Max Ward as I think he will put his best foot forward on good ground.

Our afternoon/evening was spoilt by the sodding rain, 15 overs were bowled before the rain arrived at that was that. England I am sure wanted it to continue as they lost 3 wickets pretty quickly and Jonathon Trott was doing his bit to impersonate Boycott! The bowling looked pretty quick form where we were sat.

Tomorrow we will ride a few lots before emptying all the stables of shavings before disinfecting the floors and lower walls which are untouchable when bedding is in the stable. We will the re-fill them with new, a costly exercise but one that needs to be carried out.

10th September 2013

A typical morning in the sense that the horses are all doing routine canters. Alice and I went off late morning with Max Ward and Major Martin. Both horses worked as expected. Max Ward will have an entry at Stratford next Tuesday, whether or not he fulfils that commitment will depend on how he comes out of todays gallop. He has to start somewhere and Stratford is as good a place as any. Major Martin will need rain between now and 1st October if he is to head to Chepstow. There is also a race on that card for Hopstrings and she won't want the rain. The likelihood is one of them will get their preferred ground. The weather has turned and is now very autumnal, a few are starting to go in their coats already. Last September was very warm in comparison to this year.

England lost the first one day match against the Australians tomorrow evening Tom Campbell, our vet, Simon and Christopher Sweeting and I are all heading off to Edgbaston to watch England make it 1 all!