Tuesday 19th December, 2023

Sun Tracker appeared to pull a bit too hard stepping up in trip at Chelmsford on Thursday evening and we will now drop him back in distance for his next race in the hope that he settles better.

Mattie Ross and Lizzie Rey both ran with credit at Doncaster on Friday.  Mattie came to challenge in the straight before getting a little tired after the second last which is understandable having been off the course for so long.  Whilst Lizzie Rey was a bit green over the first few jumps before staying on up the straight to show that she will appreciate more experience and a step up in trip.  We look forward to them giving their syndicates some fun in the coming months.

Sheila Nash was never in her comfort zone off a fast pace at Doncaster the following day but once again stayed on in the straight and all things considered, ran well enough given that ground conditions were far from ideal.

At Hereford Shibuya Song was a bit too brave at the third and unfortunately unseated Finn Lambert before enjoying galloping around the course with the others.  We will hopefully find another race for her soon and I am sure she will have learned from the experience.

It was great to welcome Grace Muir and her fellow owners involved in Valuable Asset and Beechwoodpark Lady this morning.  Both home-breds have shown promise and will at some point return to North Farm Stud for a break before returning to Adlestrop in the spring.

It is a great achievement for Frankie Dettori to be in the last six of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year this evening.  Although it is safe to say he will be an unlikely winner, the Italian has been a remarkable addition to horseracing and the wider sporting world for three decades.

There are few people who have made a greater contribution in promoting the sport and although he will spend the twilight of his career in America, tonight will be an opportunity to celebrate a great sporting personality who has flair and skill few others have.