Monday 2nd May, 2022

No significant rain forecast at present but hopefully some will come along soon and we can have some runners both on the flat and over jumps.  The horses appear in fine form and historically we have always done rather well in May, so fingers crossed for a good start to the new season.

As ever, a delight to take the Adlestrop Club for a visit to Heros Charity at North Farm Stud near Wantage on Friday.  It was wonderful to see former Adlestrop Club horses Master Vintage, Muthabir and Top Set all enjoying their well-deserved retirements.

Master Vintage was ridden in the indoor school by Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Award winner, Dulcie West, as she did some pole work with him.  At 14, he looks in great nick and lovely that his joint breeder Amanda Langdale, was able to be present.  Muthabir is at livery locally to North Farm Stud and was very kindly brought over to be put through his paces for the Club and again looked in great form.

Top Set spends his days now as a companion to North Farm Stud’s teaser and is proving invaluable.  It was great to showcase these well-loved horses in their retirement.  Grace Muir who runs the charity so well, gave Adlestrop Club members an excellent tour, including seeing some of the foals and the students at work.

As a Trustee of the charity, I’m delighted that the Adlestrop Club sponsor the student awards each year and we look forward to helping this wonderful cause for many years to come.  For more details on the wonderful work they do:  www.heroscharity.org.

Like many in racing I was delighted to see James Doyle ride a Classic double this weekend.  I’ve known James since he was a very small boy when he used to ride his pony past Beechdown Farm when I trained near Lambourn.  He admits he often nipped onto the gallop when no one was looking and was always a fantastic rider and delightful human being.   His brilliant victories in the two Classics were well deserved and it is so refreshing to see such exemplary people rising to the top of their profession.  Like many, I look forward to him riding many more for years to come and being an example to all.