Tuesday 3rd December, 2024

Elfride has been declared in the 12.28pm at Ludlow tomorrow.  We were pleased with her previous run at Chepstow following a break and hopefully she will have come on for that race.  Harry Atkins takes the ride who is a promising conditional jockey and has ridden her before.  Harry started his racing career here at Adlestrop and we look forward to he and Elfride having a good run tomorrow.

Mostly Mozart (pictured) was a pleasing fourth in the novice race at Wolverhampton last night.  A son of Nathaniel, he has strengthened up for a break and showed plenty of promise for his enthusiastic owner Adam Jeavons.  We look forward to finding another race for him in the next few weeks and he looks like rewarding everyone’s patience.

Delighted to attend both the Sir Peter O’Sullevan and the HWPA Awards recently.  John Francome was the very worthy winner of the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Award this year.  It would be fair to say that John is not one for such fuss and attention but never has an award been more deserved as he is truly one of the kindest and most supportive people and a credit to both his family and the sport.

Attendees were treated to a classic Rory Bremner performance after lunch and he at least is one who is thankful for the return of President Trump.

The HWPA Awards are always an excellent opportunity for racing to come together and reward those who have achieved so much in the last twelve months and beyond.  This year’s ‘Clive Graham Racing Writer of the Year’ went to Patrick Mullins who along with J Oaksey and M Armytage has the ability not only to ride in a race but also convey it onto paper.  I know P Mullins was genuine in saying that winning it was better than any Grade 1 winner he had ridden.  Next year’s award will be in the memory of Alastair Down who was Patrick’s mentor and journalistic hero and A Down would have been mightily proud yesterday.

‘The George Ennor Trophy for Outstanding Achievement’ went to none other than Robert Cooper.  The recently retired broadcaster was unaware of the award until opening the provided glossy brochure some minutes before the announcement, therefore Sir Robert had no time to prepare a victory speech.  Fear not, his interview with Oli Bell was classic Cooper and his dry wit, relaxed charm and self-deprecation led to a hilarious exchange between the two.

He will be much missed on our tv screens however we are delighted that he is able to return as quiz master for our Adlestrop Club Question of Sport Quiz next month.  Book your places soon!