Friday 16th May, 2025

We have declared Shibuya Song in the 2.50pm at Stratford on Sunday – a three miles two furlong mares handicap hurdle.  Although only five runners there are one or two with good recent form but she has run well on the course in the past.  Finn Lambert rides claiming five pounds, a claim he has returned to following a change in the rule – and hopefully she will run another competitive race having placed on her return run at Huntingdon.

We have Fighting Poet, Lizzie Rey and The Last Drop entered next week and will make decisions over the weekend whether they take their chances.

Sun Tracker disappointed on his first turf race for us at Chepstow and didn’t appear to cope with the firmish ground.  He is a charming horse who has had his problems in training and we will now look for another career for him as he has a good temperament and a good jump in him.

Rachael Blackmore announced her retirement this week and has had many deserved plaudits since.  Her attitude, intelligence, work ethic, tactical prowess and talent has led her to be the most successful female jumps rider in history.  Having won all the top prizes Rachael has brilliantly brought to focus the fact that whatever your background or sex, you can make it to the very top of your profession and I am sure she will be responsible for continuing the rise in success of female jockeys under both codes.

Looking forward to going to Goffs Sales next week where we have bought many decent horses in the past.  Hopefully we will return with some more young talent to be trained here in Adlestrop.