Our 100% strike rate of runners to winners this season came to an end this afternoon when Trouble Digger finished 2nd at Larkhill. Louis held his hands up immediately and said he should have won, I agree, he was motionless between the 3rd and 2nd last when he should have been getting himself into a winning position. He asked him to quicken coming round the final bend and made up a minimum of 6 lengths from the 2nd last to the line, he was only beaten by a short margin. I don't know the official winning distance but it wasn't a lot, perhaps a length at most. Young lads need a chance, it was extremely kind of the Wills' to give him that chance. The horse is there for another day and wouldn't have blown a candle out. Louis is a good lad who rides well, when he gets his chances he needs to execute them to progress. It is tough to tie lads down to too many instructions, they need to ride what they see in front of them and familiarising themselves with the horse they are riding is paramount. Had he known the horse better he may well have got him rolling sooner. Should anyone be looking for a novice rider I would have no hesitation in recommending him on today's performance, there is no substitute for experience and that is only gained by opportunities.
This morning, we rode out in snow for the guts of it, all horses had routine canters and a few loose schooled. Frankenstorm is entered at Barbury Castle next weekend, I'd like the rain to stay away which looks unlikely.
