Momentous day

I went to Lapland on the weekend, which was good fun.  It was a real winter wonderland – pine forests of deep snow.  We had a late night husky ride (they don’t half motor), a reindeer sleigh ride followed by a trek to meet Santa in a hut in the woods and a snowmobile trek.  The cabin was decent but the …

Supreme team

I went down to Lambourn yesterday and spent the morning with Tom Dascombe.  He’s extended his stable by taking over the stables next door – until recently the home of Paul Blockley.  I had a look at all my horses. There isn’t a lot to report.  All were well.  Marine Boy continues to impress with his physique, as does Max …

Free to a good home

A good day on Sunday with King’s Head doing it nicely.  He needs it G/F or firm and given that he has invariably delivered when he has had his ground I probably should have given him a stronger write up.  He may come out again on the weekend – he has entries on Saturday at Market Rasen and Sunday at Ascot.  Market …

The Prince and the King

A disappointing day yesterday on the track and an expensive one for my account but by no means a disaster. Nicky Nutjob was disappointing, but it’s probably not the end of the world.  He’ll improve plenty for the experience, but he’s not looking like a sharp or early type – he’ll probably be more effective over longer distances when he’s older. …

Stud duty

Jane and I had an excellent day out on Monday when we had a tour of a couple of stud farms in the Newbury area.  We dropped the children off early and I gave the dog a quick walk.  I’d ordered a driver for the day and we left home at around 9:30 – an hour later we met up with Guy …

Fortune favours the Bravery

I have a runner at Aintree tomorrow with Prince Ary getting in to the last race and I think he has a very respectable chance.  It’s his second run back from a wind op, he ran well for a long while last time before he blew up and he may strip a bit fitter this time – he has the right …

Double handed

A busy week, and a difficult one with Jane being ill with flu and me not being able to drive.  I still managed to fit in three visits to the racecourse, and with Cheltenham coming up I’m going to be raced out be the end of next week. On Wednesday I went down to Fontwell, where Betfair were hosting a …

Decisions decisions

Cheltenham approaches and I have a few potential runners, but it brings a few dilemmas.  Currently I have both Mon Michel and Prince Ary declared for the Imperial Cup on Saturday and the County Hurdle on the Friday of Cheltenham, and they could both run in both races.  I also have King’s Head and Hope Road declared in the same …

Mon Michel misses out

A major blow yesterday when Mon Michel coughed and later returned a bad blood test after his final piece of work for the Totesport Trophy.  Everything up to this point had gone right and I thought he had a major chance of picking up the prize, but it wasn’t to be.  He won’t be out for long but it is a real …

Catching Up

A week away and a lot to report. Effingham came nowhere – the vet has found a small fracture which could be the problem.  He’ll be gelded now – should be ok next season. We’ve had a decent offer for Lord Peter Flint which is subject to a vet’s exam – if he passes he’ll be sold.  I’ll update later. …