Monday 20th May, 2024

Our runners at Uttoxeter on Saturday evening began well with Mattie Ross running a game fourth, only beaten three lengths by the winner in the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle.  Ideally she could probably do with some slower ground as she has plenty of stamina but she is providing a lot of fun for her owners The Zara Syndicate and we look forward to finding another race for her in the coming weeks.

Picanha was warming up into his jumping on his chase debut before unfortunately straining a tendon on the final circuit.  This is immensely disappointing for all, especially his owner Liz Prowting who has been so patient with him – however hopefully he can go on to do another job in the future.

Methodtothemagic travelled and jumped well until three out when she faded and unfortunately she bled again.  We will now change her training routine in order to solve the problem.

At Stratford yesterday Little Big Kev encountered traffic problems turning for home and was a fast finishing fourth in the bumper.  A more galloping track would suit him and he appears to enjoy better ground and looks to have a nice future.  We will look for another bumper for him in a few weeks time.

We have declared The Last Drop in the mares novices hurdle at 7.40pm at Southwell on Wednesday evening.  She showed promise on her debut at Warwick and hopefully she can continue to progress and may have a summer break following this run.

Yesterday morning it was great to welcome many of those who attended our trip to France last year for cheese and wine in the village hall.  Due to a coach malfunction we were unable to have this in France following our visit to Lyon D’Angers last year.   The visit took place to look for a replacement for Organdi who was purchased following a previous French trip.  We were unable to find a suitable horse last year but hopefully an athletic daughter of Jack Hobbs will take her place and it was good to show her to the group yesterday.

The Doncaster Spring Sales take place this week and I look forward to attending with a few owners.  With a few of our star performers retiring we look forward to stocking up with some new talent for the season ahead.