Friday 11th July, 2025

Great to welcome owners Kate Sissons and John and Julie Tomlinson to the yard this morning to view Idas Boy and Agent Argylle.  Idas Boy’s endeavours over the last year have been well-documented and we look forward to their new purchase Agent Argylle, providing much fun and success in the seasons ahead.

Shibuya Song ran well to finish fourth at Worcester on Monday.  Harry Bannister reported that she travelled well in the first time visor but the opposition quickened away on the turn for home on the quick ground but she stayed on again after the last.  Hopefully the headgear will help her travel better in races on sharper tracks in the future which gives us the option to run her over a longer trip.

Santa Sabina ran a pleasing race to finish fifth in the novices hurdle on the same card.  Harry said she showed greenness on what was only her third run but proved to stay on well up the straight and will hopefully come on for this outing.  Handicap company over further looks to be her future.

I returned from Newmarket sales yesterday without making a purchase due to some possible veterinary issues with a few potential buys – however we will continue the search to add to the string.  It is always good to attend Tattersalls sales to catch up with some of our owners and auctions are always fascinating and one of the greatest free shows on earth as long as you keep your hands down.

I attended Barry Hills’s memorial service on Tuesday which was a ‘who’s who’ of racing over the last half a century.  Barry was a complete one off and has left such a dynasty and so many happy memories as witnessed by his family, many friends and former staff who were all in attendance.  He will be ever fondly remembered.