Chiquilline ran too bad for it to be true, on Friday I couldn't hold one side of him on the wood-chip. We will be carrying out some tests tomorrow in the hope of finding something a miss. There were obviously no outward signs prior to the race of any sickness but it won't be the first time that a horse has gone into a race in what was perceived to be in fine form only for it to trach wash filthy the following day. I read our champion trainer experiencing a similar thing with one of his grade 1 horses a couple of months ago. The last horse I sent racing that didn't travel a yard was Proximo at Exeter 3 seasons ago. The following day his trach wash was filthy having been perfect 3 days prior to the run. To say I was disappointed yesterday would be an understatement. We will re-group and hope for happier times ahead with him.
Sam and I were up before the sparrows this morning as we took 2 horses for an away gallop. We will be starting early all week in the hope of enjoying Cheltenham as much as possible, the horses have to come first and the work still has to be done. Many races look even more competitive than usual, I think we are in for a real treat this week. Enjoy!
