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.