Saturday 17th June, 2023

We have two runners this evening at Uttoxeter in Methodtothemagic and Iron Horse with Tom Bellamy riding both.  Methodtothemagic runs in the three mile novices handicap chase and although there are only seven runners it is a competitive contest.  However she has shown ability over fences and she appears in good form at home.

Iron Horse runs in the two and a half mile handicap chase.  He ran well at Leicester before failing to get his landing gear out quickly enough at Chepstow when in contention on his last run.  He is a course and distance winner and hopefully the ground will be safe enough for both horses.

Fine Theatre found the ground on the quick side for him at Worcester on Thursday and we have decided to retire this very handsome thirteen-year-old.  He is a very popular horse in the yard but had complications following a wind op and also pulled a gluteal muscle last year, so things have not gone to plan for him since we purchased him.  However he looks in tremendous form and has the ability to master many other equestrian disciplines in his retirement and we look forward to finding him a lovely home.

Pleased to report that the very talented Lesser (pictured) is back in ridden exercise following an injury last season and hopefully he should be back on the racecourse at the end of the year.  Unbeaten in all four of his races, it is interesting that on his point-to-point debut he beat none other than Corach Rambler into fifth place.

It was great to welcome his part-owners Liz and Pat O’Connor to visit him this week.  They were impressed with how he has strengthened for his enforced break.