Tuesday 24th January, 2023

Bluenose Belle is declared at Kempton tomorrow in the 8pm.  Although the trip is slightly shorter than last week when she ran very well, hopefully the pace of the race will suit and once again David Probert takes the ride.  She appears to have come out of the race well and we are hopeful of another competitive run for owner Geoff Lansbury.

Fighting Poet is entered at the same course on Saturday evening in the two-mile handicap.  This will be a step up in trip for him but he ran pleasingly last time at Lingfield and he should give the Richard Phillips Racing Syndicate a competitive run at the weekend.

On Saturday night it was great to co-present the RoR Awards with Clare Balding at the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket.  The evening is a celebration of all the wonderful disciplines ex racehorses go on to enjoy and succeed in following their racing careers.  The adaptability of the thoroughbred is quite extraordinary with each of the winners proving that the racehorse can turn its talent to every equine discipline.

The winner of the ‘Horse of the Year’ was First Fandango.  He was formally trained by Tim Vaughan and now spends his days applying his talents to most equine sports whilst also being a family member.

Sadly Cath Walywn passed away at the weekend.  I’ve been so lucky in my life to come across so many wonderful people in the sport and Cath was top of the tree. Although coming from a privileged background, she would treat everyone equally, whether it be the Queen Mother or a neighbour in the local Lambourn bookmakers.  Helping her brilliant husband Fulke Walwyn throughout his career, she later went on to train following his death and also to own many a good horse in her retirement.

A woman of great faith, humour and energy – she is the last of a long line who history will relate, made an indelible mark on the racing world through their love of Lambourn.  May she rest in peace.