Tuesday 14th February, 2023

Quiet on runners this week as no suitable races or ground conditions for the string. However we have entered Methodtothemagic at Lingfield next week and we also have races for Fighting Poet and Totterdown lined up.  The latter would appreciate some rain, as would the other horses that are ready to run at present.

Remarkable to see good to firm ground at Newbury on Saturday which reminds us all in racing that the climate is changing and racing will have to adapt long term. Despite the weather there was some wonderful racing at both Newbury and Warwick and although Jonbon looked to be in danger at times during his victory, long-term it may well have done him a fair bit of good and I expect the trainer at Seven Barrows will have him tightened up a bit more for the Arkle.

A very pleasing schooling morning with several of the string jumping both hurdles and fences for upcoming targets.

On Friday I attended Cath Walwyn’s funeral in Lambourn.  As previously stated, Cath was a very special person – a unique character full of fun, faith and wisdom.  Having known her for four decades, she made a real impression on many hence the impressive turnout at the service.  Her granddaughter Isobel gave an inspirational tribute to her grandmother, whilst Simon Christian did an excellent job delivering the eulogy.  As with much with Cath, there was great humour and all present could not help but laugh when Simon let us into a little known secret that he once took Cath to the Reading Festival.  Much amusement was present when he said that as ever, Cath joined in enthusiastically with champagne and lobster although Whitesnake was not really her cup of tea.

The church that we were in is a living tribute to Cath’s huge contribution to Lambourn life, as were all those that attended.  May she rest in peace.