A very busy day as we are a man down for a few days. Charlie was around to see the horses. He is judging at a show in France next week - that is fatal for his finances as I am sure he will end up coming home with a new horse if not 2! By the look of things Hopstrings is enjoying her holiday with a flock of Jacob sheep and a cob named Murphy. Murphy is a legend, he has accompanied horses of ours to the races and is very handy to have around. On Monday she will come back in as feeding her with her companions isn't that easy. She likes to eat her food slowly, standing with her isn't an option when there is so much going on in the yard.
There is little to report, the horses are all fine apart from those giving the odd cough. The 4 yearlings, one of which is feral have all settled in. The feral one hadn't been to the sales, she met the transporter at the sales complex and made her way here. Yesterday I couldn't get near her, today I can do anything I want with her. I adopted the tactics Captian Radlyffe taught me. Every hour on the hour you go and spend 5 minuets with them, they soon come round and she is now another example of prove it works. The 2 colts were rollered, one of which had clearly experienced it previously, the other hadn't and he threw some shapes. On Monday they will be long rein in full tack and we'll be on them when the time is right.
Tomorrow after morning stables is an office day, I don't see any windows of spare time in the week. Sunday mornings will soon be spent back on the touch line at Stow RFC. Sholto will be playing under 8's. Today I received an email pointing out the rules for this age group. Among other rules there is to be no ripping of the ball or hand offs. We had been working hard on both throughout the summer and he has a fantastic hand off which will clearly be no advantage to him this year. The sooner he starts to play contact rugby the better. Perhaps I won't sport so many bruises.
Saturday, 31 August 2013
Friday, 30 August 2013
30th August 2013
Hopstrings will stay in the paddock for a few days, she is sound this morning and didn't leave a nut in her bowl last night. She is some tough cookie.
All the 3 year olds are cantering away, we have backed off them a bit as a few have been giving the odd cough. Better to get it now than in January or February, the likelihood is we will get another bug of some description at some point in the season - I have learnt it is all part and parcel of the job and youngsters are so much more susceptible to everything than older horses. It doesn't make it any easier to cope with, every time I hear a horse cough it is like someone kicking me in the stomach. No wonder when I jumped on the scales at Bangor I was under 12st fully dressed. What I would have given to be that weight when I was trying to race ride. I'd have had to run miles in a sweat suit to get under 12st striped let alone dressed!
I have just been to the filling station to get some fuel and the guy behind the counter who is a massive racing fan went to Worcester this week, he told me that Pimms was 9 pounds a pint! I would imagine it had more fruit and lemonade in it than Pimms. How they can justify charging that I do not know. It is a absolute disgrace to insult your customers with such charges. Racecourses are always bleating about crowd numbers, this sort of carry on only drives them away. I think they should be held to account for this type of behaviour. If I had ordered it prior to realising the price they would have been told to hang onto it when requesting payment.
All the 3 year olds are cantering away, we have backed off them a bit as a few have been giving the odd cough. Better to get it now than in January or February, the likelihood is we will get another bug of some description at some point in the season - I have learnt it is all part and parcel of the job and youngsters are so much more susceptible to everything than older horses. It doesn't make it any easier to cope with, every time I hear a horse cough it is like someone kicking me in the stomach. No wonder when I jumped on the scales at Bangor I was under 12st fully dressed. What I would have given to be that weight when I was trying to race ride. I'd have had to run miles in a sweat suit to get under 12st striped let alone dressed!
I have just been to the filling station to get some fuel and the guy behind the counter who is a massive racing fan went to Worcester this week, he told me that Pimms was 9 pounds a pint! I would imagine it had more fruit and lemonade in it than Pimms. How they can justify charging that I do not know. It is a absolute disgrace to insult your customers with such charges. Racecourses are always bleating about crowd numbers, this sort of carry on only drives them away. I think they should be held to account for this type of behaviour. If I had ordered it prior to realising the price they would have been told to hang onto it when requesting payment.
Thursday, 29 August 2013
29th August 2013
The less said about Hopstrings race at Fontwell today the better. I do not to tie jockeys down to instructions as they have to ride what they see in front of them. I suggested to Connor that he did his best to make it a true run race. At no point did I suggest that he went flat to the boards from flag fall! Stood in the stands I questioned if he was riding a finish a circuit too early, I am not the only one who had that suspicion. Connor is a young jockey with impeccable manners and a bright future. We all mess things up and in racing we all have days to forget, this is one of them for us. Everything considered she ran her heart out and will now get a few days in the paddock after which we will take stock.
Four yearlings have arrived from Doncaster, the fillies will all go on the walker for a month and into the paddock. The colts will be broken in immediately.
Four yearlings have arrived from Doncaster, the fillies will all go on the walker for a month and into the paddock. The colts will be broken in immediately.
Wednesday, 28 August 2013
28th August 2013
The yearling sales started at Doncaster this week and tomorrow 3 will arrive to be broken-in. In October 6 years ago I had 50 yearlings stabled here, sadly, those days are gone and buying on spec isn't anything like it used to be. Added in to the mix, trainers are down on numbers and out source less. Tattersalls Ireland host their sale in September and I am sure Ralph Beckett will be busy over there. I have been breaking Ralph's sales horses from day one and am very grateful of his on going support. He used to buy 20+ on spec but now it is more like 10 or 12.
Hopstrings has been declared to run at Fontwell tomorrow, it is a bold shout but I'd hate to die wondering! She is bouncing after Monday. However, the race on Monday may have taken its toll. The opportunity tomorrow was too great to resist. Connor Shoemaker will claim 7lbs off her back which I hope will give her every chance of doubling up inside a week.
Tonight I had to go and collect Tilly's pony Toby from her mates house. Toby got loose when Tilly was leading him out of the pen, while I followed in an attempt to catch him, he galloped around the field stuffing his face with grass for 20 minuets . I wasn't amused when I eventually caught up with him and he knew it! To add insult to injury the trailer wasn't hooked up properly and bounced off as I pulled forward. Thank god for trailer brakes - all I needed after a busy day!
Hopstrings has been declared to run at Fontwell tomorrow, it is a bold shout but I'd hate to die wondering! She is bouncing after Monday. However, the race on Monday may have taken its toll. The opportunity tomorrow was too great to resist. Connor Shoemaker will claim 7lbs off her back which I hope will give her every chance of doubling up inside a week.
Tonight I had to go and collect Tilly's pony Toby from her mates house. Toby got loose when Tilly was leading him out of the pen, while I followed in an attempt to catch him, he galloped around the field stuffing his face with grass for 20 minuets . I wasn't amused when I eventually caught up with him and he knew it! To add insult to injury the trailer wasn't hooked up properly and bounced off as I pulled forward. Thank god for trailer brakes - all I needed after a busy day!
Tuesday, 27 August 2013
27th August 2013
Hopstrings was turning herself inside out this morning, as a result we are seriously thinking of running her back at Fontwell on Thursday. I will see how she is in the morning before making a final decision. She'll have a penalty and the likelihood is we will claim off her. Depending on her handicap mark we have a few options should we not go on Thursday. Fontwell on the 8th September, Uttoxeter 11the or 12th September. It will the be holiday time for her.
All is well, Trouble Digger is keeping us all amused with his antics and is very pleased to be back in training. Alice got dislodged this morning, not from Trouble Digger but one of the 3 year olds! It was Emma last week - who will be next!
All is well, Trouble Digger is keeping us all amused with his antics and is very pleased to be back in training. Alice got dislodged this morning, not from Trouble Digger but one of the 3 year olds! It was Emma last week - who will be next!
Monday, 26 August 2013
26th August 2013
Hopstrings didn't disappoint us at Bangor this afternoon, she ran her heart out and Wayne Hutchinson gave her a great ride, she was tapped for toe throughout but stuck at it and ran out a comfortable enough winner. I had my doubts about how she handled Bangor the last time she ran there, Sam Twiston Davis didn't think the track was an issue hence we went back. If anyone hasn't visited Bangor I can highly recommend it. It is in the most glorious setting and manicured beautifully. All the staff are cheerful and the racecourse really looked after us. They laid on free entertainment for the kids, a climbing wall, sumo wrestling (of sorts) and a large obstacle course within a bouncy castle. The kids race card was fantastic, full of quiz's and other important bits and pieces of information about racing and racehorses. As much as I loved my experience at Bangor I haven't changed my opinion on how she handles the track and wouldn't be in a rush to take her back. Wayne Hutchinson agreed with me, a galloping track and a step up in trip would suit her better. We will see how she is a week or 2 before making any plans. She's done us all proud, only finishing out of the money on one occasion in five runs.
I took the opportunity to ask Wayne about Billy Biscuit who is now in training with Alan King. He spoke highly of him. I shall look forward to seeing him run and have always believed he'll win his races.
The final test was a cliff hanger only for bad light to wreck our chances of a 4-0 victory. Today the ruling on bad light has been changed - shutting the door when the horse has bolted comes to mind. I have no doubt England would have managed to get the last 20 odd runs required had play continued. The Aussies were complaining bitterly when they were taken off for bad light earlier in the match only to be pressurising the umpires yesterday evening to stop play! England would have done the same so I guess there is no point in getting up-tight about it. It is the way sport is played and it goes with the territory.
I took the opportunity to ask Wayne about Billy Biscuit who is now in training with Alan King. He spoke highly of him. I shall look forward to seeing him run and have always believed he'll win his races.
The final test was a cliff hanger only for bad light to wreck our chances of a 4-0 victory. Today the ruling on bad light has been changed - shutting the door when the horse has bolted comes to mind. I have no doubt England would have managed to get the last 20 odd runs required had play continued. The Aussies were complaining bitterly when they were taken off for bad light earlier in the match only to be pressurising the umpires yesterday evening to stop play! England would have done the same so I guess there is no point in getting up-tight about it. It is the way sport is played and it goes with the territory.
Saturday, 24 August 2013
24 August 2013
All horses are well, Sam rode 1 lot this morning and Joe 6. The yard is never quiet when Sam is about! I've never heard so much nonsense come out of one person. Sholto suddenly has much more check! Sam and him are partners in crime. He certainly leads Sholto astray.
The children are never too young to start work, there's no such thing as a free lunch in our house.
Once Sam had disappeared I got him back to work. After all the horses were done and dusted we headed off to golf practise.
Friday, 23 August 2013
23 August 2013
Max Ward is squealing again - I've been waiting for that for 5 weeks, he didn't do that well over the summer which was disappointing. He has benefited from light work and plenty of hard feed. Major Martin is feeling well and I hope to run him towards the end of September.
Michael Blanshard was here this evening to look at the Network horse we bought last week, he will be going into training with him as and when. I don't think there is any rush, he's a horse who may well run in a bumper in the Spring but he has a lot of filling out to do. Once he's made up he will be a beautiful looking horse.
The mares novice hurdle at Fontwell has re-opened, only 7 entries by noon today. By tomorrow lunch time we'll know where we are going.
Tilly was in fine form in Oliver this afternoon, thankfully she dances and sings much better than me.
Michael Blanshard was here this evening to look at the Network horse we bought last week, he will be going into training with him as and when. I don't think there is any rush, he's a horse who may well run in a bumper in the Spring but he has a lot of filling out to do. Once he's made up he will be a beautiful looking horse.
The mares novice hurdle at Fontwell has re-opened, only 7 entries by noon today. By tomorrow lunch time we'll know where we are going.
Tilly was in fine form in Oliver this afternoon, thankfully she dances and sings much better than me.
Thursday, 22 August 2013
22 August 2013
Sam had his assistants in the car this morning whilst shouting orders at all of us, Panda managed to stay out of shot. How Sholto put up with that foot in his face I'm not sure. Once they had seen all the horses exercised a game of hide and seek took place around the farm. Sholto was eventually found in an empty water trough by Sam and Panda. Tilly has been in a workshop all week, tomorrow we are off to watch her in Oliver.
Sholto idolises Sam and thinks he's the best jockey riding as he always wins, although, he spends plenty of time telling him he's rubbish!! Sam certainly won't make a ballet dancer with those flat feet.
We sat on the Network horse I bought in Ireland last week, he was foot perfect and is a very nice horse. I have now ridden all the horses we have to re-sell in the Spring. They are a great bunch, we have a lot to look forward to.
We sat on the Network horse I bought in Ireland last week, he was foot perfect and is a very nice horse. I have now ridden all the horses we have to re-sell in the Spring. They are a great bunch, we have a lot to look forward to.
Wednesday, 21 August 2013
21st August 2013
The 2 un-rideable horses from the west country are now riding nicely around the school, I think both had been misunderstood. I have lent over the horse I bought last week and tomorrow someone will be on him. I have mentioned on here before, sales horses are so well prepared theses days they just generally need girthing and riding away, they are bored to death of long reins and lunging.
Many of you may have read an article in the Racing Post about instant blood test results. A product has been developed by Stable Lab giving us a result within 10 minuets. I have invested in some and have already found them to be a very useful tool. Each test when bought in bulk costs 21 pounds. A vet visit is more! If I'm in any doubt about a horses health I can run a test or if a horse is leaving the yard to go into training I can access whether or not it has a bacterial infection or a virus. Previously we have trach washed horses to access there health, that costs 60 odd pounds. However, if the test shows a positive a trach wash is required to find the correct antibiotic. Often horses are low/sick and the outward signs just don't show, they are well in themselves and eating really well but they can still be harbouring a virus. This is a remarkable product, very cost effective and will be a massive aid to us. The guy who developed it will become very rich very soon, I believe they can't make them quick enough to keep up with the demand.
The Aussies have got off to a good start in the final test, sadly, all too much too late, the series and the Ashes are won. Our selectors have made a right hash of the bowling line up. I think I could do better than the 2 debutant's in Woakes and Kerrigan.
Hopstrings has gone up 6 for standing in her box! Thanks AsIam. Hazel Brook who had her first run for Charlie runs tomorrow at Newton Abbot with the champ on board. She is now back in training with Mary Hambro who owns her.
Many of you may have read an article in the Racing Post about instant blood test results. A product has been developed by Stable Lab giving us a result within 10 minuets. I have invested in some and have already found them to be a very useful tool. Each test when bought in bulk costs 21 pounds. A vet visit is more! If I'm in any doubt about a horses health I can run a test or if a horse is leaving the yard to go into training I can access whether or not it has a bacterial infection or a virus. Previously we have trach washed horses to access there health, that costs 60 odd pounds. However, if the test shows a positive a trach wash is required to find the correct antibiotic. Often horses are low/sick and the outward signs just don't show, they are well in themselves and eating really well but they can still be harbouring a virus. This is a remarkable product, very cost effective and will be a massive aid to us. The guy who developed it will become very rich very soon, I believe they can't make them quick enough to keep up with the demand.
The Aussies have got off to a good start in the final test, sadly, all too much too late, the series and the Ashes are won. Our selectors have made a right hash of the bowling line up. I think I could do better than the 2 debutant's in Woakes and Kerrigan.
Hopstrings has gone up 6 for standing in her box! Thanks AsIam. Hazel Brook who had her first run for Charlie runs tomorrow at Newton Abbot with the champ on board. She is now back in training with Mary Hambro who owns her.
Tuesday, 20 August 2013
20th August 2013
Sam and Joe were here this morning helping us out while Alice is on holiday. Joe in the saddle and Sam playing trainers.
Sophie and I have recently bought a farm near Ledbury, we will be staying where we are for the current season before we move next Spring. This afternoon Sophie and I with Sam and Joe all headed off there to meet with the ecologists and the contractors who will be putting in the equestrian facilities. I had routed the gallop previously but have always been very concerned about the gradient of it and not totally happy. This afternoon we have re-routed it and put it on ProMap. It will be 4.25 furlongs in length with a climb of 78 Metres. Paul Nicholls has the same but it climbs 71 Metres. I don't think we can do any better than that and I'm absolutely delighted a solution to my concerns has been found. 10 eyes are better than 2! Sam's input was immensely helpful. We had also encountered problems with dormice, by re-routing the gallop that issue is also resolved. The ecologist is happy and is happy to sign off our proposals without further complications. A huge relief all round to me and the bank manager - you have no idea the size of the bills that the dormice were potentially generating. If I was in to celebrating, tonight would be a big night. Instead, I'll go to bed a happy and relieved man believing I'll have one of the best gallops in the country and one of the most idyllic places in the country to train horses from. We have contracted the arable land out and I will now have my full concentration on the horses for the coming season.
Hopstrings has an entry for Bangor on Monday, at first glance there are 2 horses with higher handicap marks than her, we will see what the entries at Fontwell look like before making any firm plans.
Sophie and I have recently bought a farm near Ledbury, we will be staying where we are for the current season before we move next Spring. This afternoon Sophie and I with Sam and Joe all headed off there to meet with the ecologists and the contractors who will be putting in the equestrian facilities. I had routed the gallop previously but have always been very concerned about the gradient of it and not totally happy. This afternoon we have re-routed it and put it on ProMap. It will be 4.25 furlongs in length with a climb of 78 Metres. Paul Nicholls has the same but it climbs 71 Metres. I don't think we can do any better than that and I'm absolutely delighted a solution to my concerns has been found. 10 eyes are better than 2! Sam's input was immensely helpful. We had also encountered problems with dormice, by re-routing the gallop that issue is also resolved. The ecologist is happy and is happy to sign off our proposals without further complications. A huge relief all round to me and the bank manager - you have no idea the size of the bills that the dormice were potentially generating. If I was in to celebrating, tonight would be a big night. Instead, I'll go to bed a happy and relieved man believing I'll have one of the best gallops in the country and one of the most idyllic places in the country to train horses from. We have contracted the arable land out and I will now have my full concentration on the horses for the coming season.
Hopstrings has an entry for Bangor on Monday, at first glance there are 2 horses with higher handicap marks than her, we will see what the entries at Fontwell look like before making any firm plans.
Monday, 19 August 2013
19th August 2013
As I Am won again today at Worcester, she is a cracking mare and has earned her owner a small fortune over the last month or so. I just hope Hopstrings doesn't get put up in the handicap as a result. Hopstrings is entered for Bangor next Monday and will have entries in a mares and handicap hurdle at Fontwell Thursday week. We will see what the entries are like at Bangor before making a decision where we go. She is well.
All our horses seem to be well in themselves, a few had hind shoes on today so they've seen the last of the paddocks for a while. The dentist was also here this morning, he did Trouble Digger and a couple of others. A happy hour was spent with my Knapsack sprayer this afternoon otherwise it is pretty much routine.
All our horses seem to be well in themselves, a few had hind shoes on today so they've seen the last of the paddocks for a while. The dentist was also here this morning, he did Trouble Digger and a couple of others. A happy hour was spent with my Knapsack sprayer this afternoon otherwise it is pretty much routine.
Saturday, 17 August 2013
17th August 2013
Autumn seems to have arrived, for this evening anyway. I am being pressurised into lighting the fire - not sure its that bad.
Sam and his young brother Jo were in this morning, Sam played trainers driving up the gallop each lot to give instructions, Sholto and Tilly were his assistants 3rd and 4th lots. Panda slept in. Jo rode out 6 lots, he's as good a young rider I've seen for a long time. He has great hands and a very good understanding of horses. Lads like him are to few and far between nowadays. He's been bought along with jumping ponies and had his first couple of rides in P2Ps last season. He's very light and if he has the correct guidance, natural racing brain, work ethic and patience required he has every chance of being a successful jockey. For now, Sam will retain the rides here! His foot is healing well, he's spending time each week in Oaksey House which is a massive help to him.
Alice has now gone on holiday for another week, she needs to rest up as the winter will be busy.
Sam and his young brother Jo were in this morning, Sam played trainers driving up the gallop each lot to give instructions, Sholto and Tilly were his assistants 3rd and 4th lots. Panda slept in. Jo rode out 6 lots, he's as good a young rider I've seen for a long time. He has great hands and a very good understanding of horses. Lads like him are to few and far between nowadays. He's been bought along with jumping ponies and had his first couple of rides in P2Ps last season. He's very light and if he has the correct guidance, natural racing brain, work ethic and patience required he has every chance of being a successful jockey. For now, Sam will retain the rides here! His foot is healing well, he's spending time each week in Oaksey House which is a massive help to him.
Alice has now gone on holiday for another week, she needs to rest up as the winter will be busy.
Friday, 16 August 2013
16th August 2013
I don't normally put hind shoes on horses until we start going to the grass gallop, this year will be different, a few are getting sore feet. I can only put it down to the dry weather as nothing else has changed. I guess they keep each other on the move in the field and that is the root of the problem. Once they are shod behind that is the end of turning them out. I know some people do carry on turning horses out together once they have hind shoes on but I learnt the hard way. Kiss Me Twice got kicked on the elbow and had to have it flushed in amongst other treatment resulting in a £1,000 vet bill. Never again!
Trouble Digger is back and looks as if he's had too many BBQ's and too much beer over the summer, it isn't a bad thing as keeping condition on him isn't always easy. I think I managed him better last year as he held his condition better than the previous season. It's back to the grind stone for him and he'll be ready to run before Christmas. The new horse arrived from Ireland and seems to have settled in well, tomorrow I will start to break him. The 2 horses arrived form the West country yesterday afternoon and one looks to have character! We backed the Yeats filly belonging to Marston Stud this morning and she is sweet. I could have done it sooner but didn't want to run in to any issues before I went away to Ireland.
When I board an aeroplane I am normally sitting in front or behind a screaming baby. Yesterday I wish that were the case. Instead I got some bollocks who decided to read the newspaper to his obviously dyslexic wife. I was somewhat puzzled as she seemed to be happily reading her own. How she didn't slap him I do not know. He certainly wasn't without opinion on all matters ranging from the most popular cheese to have on toast to Russian billionaires paying their wives millions of pounds in divorce settlements, one couple had apparently meet in a factory, this somewhat bewildered him. He told his wife and anyone else who had the misfortune to be in ear shot that water is now perceived to be bad for us. The sodium is imbalanced and the Italians are now listing the ingredients on their mineral water bottles, he even knew what should be done to correct it. More boys wish to become dancers than fire fighters or detectives and he knew why! I won't be getting on a plane for sometime so hopefully I'll have recovered by the time I do. His wife must have some patience, I'm sure she could do better and I didn't have any call for a paper yesterday.
P.S. The screaming baby was 3 rows back.
Trouble Digger is back and looks as if he's had too many BBQ's and too much beer over the summer, it isn't a bad thing as keeping condition on him isn't always easy. I think I managed him better last year as he held his condition better than the previous season. It's back to the grind stone for him and he'll be ready to run before Christmas. The new horse arrived from Ireland and seems to have settled in well, tomorrow I will start to break him. The 2 horses arrived form the West country yesterday afternoon and one looks to have character! We backed the Yeats filly belonging to Marston Stud this morning and she is sweet. I could have done it sooner but didn't want to run in to any issues before I went away to Ireland.
When I board an aeroplane I am normally sitting in front or behind a screaming baby. Yesterday I wish that were the case. Instead I got some bollocks who decided to read the newspaper to his obviously dyslexic wife. I was somewhat puzzled as she seemed to be happily reading her own. How she didn't slap him I do not know. He certainly wasn't without opinion on all matters ranging from the most popular cheese to have on toast to Russian billionaires paying their wives millions of pounds in divorce settlements, one couple had apparently meet in a factory, this somewhat bewildered him. He told his wife and anyone else who had the misfortune to be in ear shot that water is now perceived to be bad for us. The sodium is imbalanced and the Italians are now listing the ingredients on their mineral water bottles, he even knew what should be done to correct it. More boys wish to become dancers than fire fighters or detectives and he knew why! I won't be getting on a plane for sometime so hopefully I'll have recovered by the time I do. His wife must have some patience, I'm sure she could do better and I didn't have any call for a paper yesterday.
P.S. The screaming baby was 3 rows back.
Thursday, 15 August 2013
15th August 2013
I stayed out for the 2 days of the sale as I was very taken by a Malinas horse which was sold late last night, he was a half brother to 4 winners and looked the real deal. Sadly, I was under bidder to Harold Kirk who has bought him for Willie Mullins. I think if I'd have had another bid I would have got him. My bank manager wouldn't have thanked me but I had a third of him sold before he came under the hammer, selling another third of him would have been easy enough but I couldn't have afforded my third had I bid any more. The sale produced fantastic figures which highlights the demand for horses. The next few years I think will be very tough as the supply isn't meeting the demand. I have a romantic idea of buying some foals but fear their prices will be something else.
That's the sale season over for us and now all my concentration will be on training the horses we have bought over the last few months. We've put together a real decent bunch of horses and should they show to have engines they should be accepted well when re offered in the Spring.
Trouble Digger has come back into training today, the kids will be delighted and he'll be spoilt rotten by them. He is stabled outside the house, he gets carrots first thing in the morning and again when they come home from school.
The flat yearling sales start next week in France, it is terrifying where the time goes.
That's the sale season over for us and now all my concentration will be on training the horses we have bought over the last few months. We've put together a real decent bunch of horses and should they show to have engines they should be accepted well when re offered in the Spring.
Trouble Digger has come back into training today, the kids will be delighted and he'll be spoilt rotten by them. He is stabled outside the house, he gets carrots first thing in the morning and again when they come home from school.
The flat yearling sales start next week in France, it is terrifying where the time goes.
Wednesday, 14 August 2013
14 August 2013
I came out to Tattersalls to buy a particular horse and managed to get him for 50,000 Euro, lot 116. He's by Network and will come back to me to be broken-in before he goes into training. He has been bought for a few mates of Charlie's, the plan, I think, is that he will go into training elsewhere. He was in the Derby Sale but went lame, had he of made it into the ring in June he would have made more than 50,000 Euro. Only time will tell but I think he's been well bought. Knight Of Noir full brother went through the ring and made 19,000 Euro. Martin Lynch has a cheap horse.
Trade has remained strong for a nice horses.
Trade has remained strong for a nice horses.
Monday, 12 August 2013
12 August 2013
I'm currently sitting on a comfortable sofa in Heathrow listening to Test Match Special on my iPad, waiting for my flight to Ireland. I am heading out to the Tattersalls August sale. The last 5 Australian wickets have fallen for 13 runs! I think it will finish tonight and delighted I've not got a ticket for tomorrow.
All is well at home, the horses have really settled into their routine. Their work will remain at the same level until the end of the month at which point we'll step it up a little. Hopstrings came out of Bangor feeling a little tired, she certainly isn't showing any ill effects at the moment, last night she was bucking in her stable, this morning she was making some lovely shapes. We'll look for something for her at the end of the month. Major Martin has to start earning his corn and will have his work increased from next week onwards with a view to running at the end of September. The syndicate that own him need to cash him in to pay for the 2 new recruits from Ireland. I think the Milan horse I bought them in the Derby sale is a racehorse and have great expectations for him. He needs time and will be given it.
All is well at home, the horses have really settled into their routine. Their work will remain at the same level until the end of the month at which point we'll step it up a little. Hopstrings came out of Bangor feeling a little tired, she certainly isn't showing any ill effects at the moment, last night she was bucking in her stable, this morning she was making some lovely shapes. We'll look for something for her at the end of the month. Major Martin has to start earning his corn and will have his work increased from next week onwards with a view to running at the end of September. The syndicate that own him need to cash him in to pay for the 2 new recruits from Ireland. I think the Milan horse I bought them in the Derby sale is a racehorse and have great expectations for him. He needs time and will be given it.
Saturday, 10 August 2013
10th August 2013
I sat on the Mahler gelding and the Robin Des Champ ex Lady Mariah this morning and was far from disappointed with either. The Lady Mariah horse is a smasher, lets hope he has the engine to boot! The Mahler horse has a great step to him but still needs to furnish up. I've lots to get out of bed for at some ridiculous hour throughout the winter and am most grateful. Exciting times ahead!
I was flattered today when I received a phone call from a highly respected and successful trainer of point-to-point horses in the west country. He wants me to take on 2 horses that are proving to be difficult. Lets hope I can resolve their issues, they will arrive when I get back from Ireland and we'll get started on them.
This afternoon I took Tilly and Sholto up to the golf course and they hit a few balls, the group lesson was cancelled so I was their coach. Not the best introduction to golf as I expected them to drive the ball straight for 250 yards. Both have good hand eye coordination and will have some great fun playing if they choose to stick at it.
I was flattered today when I received a phone call from a highly respected and successful trainer of point-to-point horses in the west country. He wants me to take on 2 horses that are proving to be difficult. Lets hope I can resolve their issues, they will arrive when I get back from Ireland and we'll get started on them.
This afternoon I took Tilly and Sholto up to the golf course and they hit a few balls, the group lesson was cancelled so I was their coach. Not the best introduction to golf as I expected them to drive the ball straight for 250 yards. Both have good hand eye coordination and will have some great fun playing if they choose to stick at it.
Friday, 9 August 2013
9th August 2013
There is very little to report, the horses are progressing and we are very happy with them.
Englands batting attack has collapse, although they've won the Ashes the series is still important, I feel that some despondency may have crept in. They seem to have lost that fire in their bellies and need to learn to treat win as loses in order to keep up the high standard we have all come to expect from the England cricket team.
Sholto is going for his first golf lesson at Chipping Norton golf club tomorrow afternoon, Tilly may join in too. The kids coaching is fantastic value, 5.00 pounds for a group lesson. He is only 7 so I don't expect him to beat Tiger just yet! Golf I think, is more lucrative than horses.
Englands batting attack has collapse, although they've won the Ashes the series is still important, I feel that some despondency may have crept in. They seem to have lost that fire in their bellies and need to learn to treat win as loses in order to keep up the high standard we have all come to expect from the England cricket team.
Sholto is going for his first golf lesson at Chipping Norton golf club tomorrow afternoon, Tilly may join in too. The kids coaching is fantastic value, 5.00 pounds for a group lesson. He is only 7 so I don't expect him to beat Tiger just yet! Golf I think, is more lucrative than horses.
Thursday, 8 August 2013
8th August 2013
A busy morning rushing around before heading off to work 2 of Mary Hambro's horses at Newbury. Sadly, they have both now gone back to Mary who will train them from here on in. I have told her that both horses should win and if not I will blame her!
My lorry has gone in for its 3 month inspection, another cost that I could seriously do without. Today we took the horses in a little 2 box and it reminded me how much better horses travel herringbone in larger lorries.
Trea Newell and her daughter Rose were her to give Hopstrings a once over, Rose is a chiropractor.
I have sat on nearly all the new horses now and am very happy with the bunch we have. The Robin Des Champ ex Misty Heather (full sister to Rock On Ruby's dam) is my favourite, he gives me some feel hacking up the all weather. The Network floats and he too is on my favourite list. Tomorrow I am going to sit on the remaining ones I am yet to ride. This year I have swapped riders much more regularly than in previous years. Once they are all going nicely no doubt we will all end up sticking to much the same ones. My name is by the 2 aforementioned.
Sophie told me off for being so immature yesterday but Tim Mitchel brings the worse out in me! He always has, although his father always blamed me when we were in trouble. He once told me he would shoot me if I darkened his doorstep again. His father tried to kill me off one morning on the schooling ground. I was told to school a horse named Blakeington, he refused at the hurdle, cocked his jaw and took over an iron 5 bar gate, I saw a nice stride and gave him a kick in the belly eventually pulling him up by steering him into a muck heap. I was in no rush to darken his doorstep again and in fact didn't visit Tim until I knew all the horses were exercised. Sometime after 7 p.m. when the pubs were open.
My lorry has gone in for its 3 month inspection, another cost that I could seriously do without. Today we took the horses in a little 2 box and it reminded me how much better horses travel herringbone in larger lorries.
Trea Newell and her daughter Rose were her to give Hopstrings a once over, Rose is a chiropractor.
I have sat on nearly all the new horses now and am very happy with the bunch we have. The Robin Des Champ ex Misty Heather (full sister to Rock On Ruby's dam) is my favourite, he gives me some feel hacking up the all weather. The Network floats and he too is on my favourite list. Tomorrow I am going to sit on the remaining ones I am yet to ride. This year I have swapped riders much more regularly than in previous years. Once they are all going nicely no doubt we will all end up sticking to much the same ones. My name is by the 2 aforementioned.
Sophie told me off for being so immature yesterday but Tim Mitchel brings the worse out in me! He always has, although his father always blamed me when we were in trouble. He once told me he would shoot me if I darkened his doorstep again. His father tried to kill me off one morning on the schooling ground. I was told to school a horse named Blakeington, he refused at the hurdle, cocked his jaw and took over an iron 5 bar gate, I saw a nice stride and gave him a kick in the belly eventually pulling him up by steering him into a muck heap. I was in no rush to darken his doorstep again and in fact didn't visit Tim until I knew all the horses were exercised. Sometime after 7 p.m. when the pubs were open.
Wednesday, 7 August 2013
07 August 2013
Charlie was in first thing to watch 3 lots out before I headed off to Mike Trickey's memorial service, the turn out was no less than I expected, there must have been getting on for 500 people there. Memorial services are often a great reunion of friends and like minded people. It is always such a shame what happenings bring these reunions together. Tim Mitchell and I found ourselves behaving very immaturely behind 2 very good looking girls in the church, one of which I think Tim knows better than me! He may even know the 2 better than me but couldn't remember!! Mike would have expected nothing else from us and would no doubt have referred to us as stupid buggers! He was a lovely man and I shall always have very fond memories of him. I met up with Michael and Bee Tory and Mouse Barlow on the M5, we all drove down together and caught up. I lived on the Tory's farm for many years, it was great to see them and many others. The Cotswolds certainly turned out in force and were very well represented.
Tuesday, 6 August 2013
6th August 2013
All the horses went for quiet hack canters up the all weather apart from Cross Your Fingers who trotted around the school. Alice took Hope's Wishes to Andrew Balding. The plan for her is to run on the flat, I think she could be a lovely little dual purpose horse and would have my doubts about a flat campaign - only time will tell and she's in a good station!
This afternoon after sorting through more paper work I dug all the schooling fences out of long grass, they will be re stuffed this autumn ready for next winter. I'd love to buy some Easy Fix ones that are zero maintenance, before doing so I'd need to sell a few more horses, they aren't cheap, nor to that matter is re-doing them each year.
Tomorrow, I will ride as many as I can before heading off to Devon to Mike Trickey's memorial service.
This afternoon after sorting through more paper work I dug all the schooling fences out of long grass, they will be re stuffed this autumn ready for next winter. I'd love to buy some Easy Fix ones that are zero maintenance, before doing so I'd need to sell a few more horses, they aren't cheap, nor to that matter is re-doing them each year.
Tomorrow, I will ride as many as I can before heading off to Devon to Mike Trickey's memorial service.
Monday, 5 August 2013
05 August 2013
I'd like to say I'm back from holiday feeling rested and ready for a busy winter. Instead, I'm back from holiday feeling as if I haven't been away. All said and done it was lovely to get away but 1 week isn't long enough to wind down. My phone constantly buzzed and couldn't be ignored. The sun shone and the kids had a lovely time. It was our first experience of Mark Warner holidays, they are fun but active, I didn't appreciate being asked to join in aqua aerobics, volleyball, a triathlon and many other exhausting things when trying to relax. I refrained from telling the organisers of these activities to fuck off as I felt I was quite fit enough. The price to pay for a holiday is 2 days flat to the boards catching up with everything. Yesterday, after morning stable, at the bank managers request, I spent the day strapped to my desk. Hopefully, by the end of the week he won't need to ring me again.
Alice and the guys have done a great job keeping things ticking over here and as expected everything was in tip top shape when I got back. Hopstrings ran a very creditable race at Bangor on Friday. Lets see what the handicapper allots her tomorrow. I think she should be 95 but we fear she may get 100. She won't be rushed back to the track and will be given some time to get over 2 relatively quick races.
Alice took a 2 year old filly back to Overbury Stud this morning, no sooner was the stable empty another horse arrived. We sat on our latest arrival from Ireland in the lunge pen this morning, a 3 year old Robin Des Champ ex Lady Mariah, he was lead out unsold at the Derby Sale and we bought him privately the week before I went away on holiday. He's a gorgeous horse and behaved beautifully, he is owned 50% by the Pudlicote Partnership and an individual owns the other 50%.
Next week I am heading back out to Tatts Ireland August sale in search of another one.
Sam called in with his father and brother this afternoon, Sam's foot is looking more like a foot and he hopes to be back on a horse by the end of September. Sam will be working for me full time next season, he will be a huge asset to the team and we are very much looking forward to having him back.
Alice and the guys have done a great job keeping things ticking over here and as expected everything was in tip top shape when I got back. Hopstrings ran a very creditable race at Bangor on Friday. Lets see what the handicapper allots her tomorrow. I think she should be 95 but we fear she may get 100. She won't be rushed back to the track and will be given some time to get over 2 relatively quick races.
Alice took a 2 year old filly back to Overbury Stud this morning, no sooner was the stable empty another horse arrived. We sat on our latest arrival from Ireland in the lunge pen this morning, a 3 year old Robin Des Champ ex Lady Mariah, he was lead out unsold at the Derby Sale and we bought him privately the week before I went away on holiday. He's a gorgeous horse and behaved beautifully, he is owned 50% by the Pudlicote Partnership and an individual owns the other 50%.
Next week I am heading back out to Tatts Ireland August sale in search of another one.
Sam called in with his father and brother this afternoon, Sam's foot is looking more like a foot and he hopes to be back on a horse by the end of September. Sam will be working for me full time next season, he will be a huge asset to the team and we are very much looking forward to having him back.
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