Saturday 10th August, 2023

Shibuya Song (pictured) runs at Bath today in the 7.10pm – a one mile five furlong handicap.  She has run respectably in her last two races at Newbury considering conditions and hopefully she will have an each-way chance today in what looks a competitive division.  Kaiya Fraser rides and takes a valuable five pounds off.

Jump racing begins in earnest again next week and we have both Organdi and Corrany entered up and the predicted drier conditions will suit.  A busy and enjoyable week getting the string going in preparation for stepping up their work next week.  Delighted to have so many young promising horses this season.

I have had an entertaining week having had lunch with several greats in the training profession this week.  I was delighted to attend Barrie Allen’s memorial lunch in Taunton on Tuesday.  Barrie was a brilliant haematologist and friend who was greatly admired by many.  Leading vet Buffy Shirley-Bevan also attended, as did Martin and David Pipe and Philip and Sarah Hobbs for an enjoyable lunch with Barrie’s widow Karen.  There were some wonderful stories told by all and Barrie will be much missed and fondly remembered.

On Wednesday, owner Althea Barclay kindly invited me to join her at a lunch with her great friends Jen Leigh and Barry and Penny Hills.  Barry’s remarkable contribution to racing over seven decades continues and it is always enjoyable to catch up with them all.

Good luck to the England team in the Women’s World Cup final tomorrow.  They set a wonderful example to all.  However it also emphasises the fact that racing is the only major sport where men and women compete together.