All but 2 of this years bunch of 3 year olds are now riding around the school, another one will get there today but we'll not be rushing the other as he simply needs to grow in confidence before he comes out of the lunge pen. The Presenting horse we bought in Doncaster is now out and about on the farm as are the 2 that were sent from Goffs. The Derby sale horses will remain in the school for several weeks before they head out and about.
Hopstrings is declared to run tomorrow at Southwell, she has run very well there before yet finds herself up against a couple of horses who look very well handicapped, Jonjo's being the one in particular. Hopstrings, in my opinion is on the wrong side of the handicapper but naturally I like to be proved wrong. She's won one race and was consistently punished for standing in her stable. Handicappers aren't allowed to own horses but perhaps if they did they would have a better understanding of the difficulties trainers are faced with when it comes to the handicap system and placing horses, especially at this time of year.
Sholto and Panda finished school yesterday and Tilly finishes today, 8 weeks of additional stress ahead!
Tim Curtis and Jeremy Barber have been appointed on to the board of the point to point committee, Tim had Billy Biscuit in training with us, I am sure he'll bring plenty to the table. I know Jeremy from my riding days and again, am sure he will be a huge asset. I doubt there was 2 more suitable candidates in the country.
