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.
Saturday, 30 November 2013
Friday, 29 November 2013
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.
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.
Thursday, 28 November 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
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.
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.
Monday, 25 November 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, 23 November 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, 20 November 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
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.
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.
Monday, 18 November 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, 16 November 2013
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.......
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.......
Friday, 15 November 2013
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!
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.
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.
Thursday, 14 November 2013
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!
Wednesday, 13 November 2013
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!
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!
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, 9 November 2013
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.
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.
Friday, 8 November 2013
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.
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.
Thursday, 7 November 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, 6 November 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, 5 November 2013
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!
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!
Monday, 4 November 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, 2 November 2013
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.
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.
Friday, 1 November 2013
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.
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.
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