Monday 2nd January, 2022

Fighting Poet ran pleasingly at Lingfield on Saturday and Shane Kelly thought he would appreciate a step up in trip.  Having matured a lot since we purchased him, I am sure this five-year-old will give the Richard Phillips Racing Syndicate over the coming months.

Although a very wet day, Lingfield looked after us very well in the owners and trainers area and there was certainly a festive atmosphere despite the weather.

Rossbeigh Strand was balloted out of his race at Hereford on Wednesday and he is now entered at Chepstow on Sunday.  His chances have certainly increased thanks to the recent rain and let’s hope we can find him a suitable opportunity.

I had an enjoyable day at Cheltenham yesterday with a record crowd in attendance.  Some wonderful racing and it was great to see owner Dave Mason in the winners enclosure with Hector Javilex, who was wonderfully ridden as ever by Lilly Pinchin.  Lilly rode out for us when she was much younger and it’s great to see her getting the opportunities to show her talent.

Happy New Year to all.