Monday 20th July, 2026

Elfride lost a bit of confidence early on in her handicap chase at Worcester on Thursday, after which she jumped safely but appears to lack the scope for chasing.  Therefore we will return to hurdles with her if finding some safe ground.  She has shown enough earlier in the year that she will be competitive when conditions are in her favour.

Tomorrow Fighting Poet runs in the mile and three quarters amateur riders handicap at Wolverhampton with Delphi Parkinson onboard claiming seven pounds.  Delphi has ridden Poet a couple of times on the racecourse and hopefully a step up in trip and a change of headgear to cheekpieces will suit him.

Dora Vita is declared in the one mile handicap at Leicester on Wednesday.  She didn’t act around Brighton on her last run but Leicester’s uphill finish could suit her better and Callum Hutchinson takes the ride.

The Adlestrop Club visited the nearby Apple Tree Stud managed by Choc Thornton today.  Thirty Club members viewed the impressive stud along with some well-bred yearlings, mares and foals.  Thanks to Choc, all the staff and owner Paul Dunkley for letting us have such an enjoyable and educational morning.

Sad news that Richard Dunwoody’s mother Gillian, passed away at the age of 94 at the weekend.  Many at Adlestrop would have met Gillian as she attended several of our Club events.  Having known her for over four decades, very few others would have the incredible character, stamina, and strong personality that Gillian showed throughout her life.  I was so pleased to have taken her to Downs House in Epsom last year, to view the yard where George Baker now trains.  Gillian spent much of her younger years at the stables where her father and uncle both trained.  May she rest in peace.