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!
