Wednesday 13th April, 2022

A productive work morning and it was great to be putting a few of the youngsters through their paces.  Awaiting some rain in order to have runners – hopefully some will come eventually as we are keen to keep a fair few of the string going through May if ground conditions suit.

It was great to watch this year’s Grand National with friends at the Gloucestershire Steeple Chase on Saturday.  Two races were run across cross country fences at Charlie Brook’s local farm and as ever, Charlie organised an entertaining afternoon.

Many of the great and good were in attendance or riding.  Surely the best all round rider in the world is Oisin Murphy who came second in the ‘non-thoroughbred’ race and also had a fair go at the gate jumping.

Not only is he a talented flat jockey, I’m sure he could ride just as well around Cheltenham or Aintree, Olympia or Badminton – whilst I’m sure an Olympic dressage test is not beyond him.  He looks like turning his enforced holiday into a force for good and that evening was off with his uncle Jim Culloty to drive to the Polish border with provisions for Ukraine.  Well done to all those involved in the ‘Racing To Help Ukraine’ effort led by Charlie Mann.

Only C Brooks could get Sir Mark Prescott and J Gosden to be starters for such a day.  Never did I think I would see Sir Mark eating a pizza on a straw bale but life can be full of surprises!

ITV4’s film ‘Against All Odds’ telling the story of Guy Disney’s phenomenal effort from Afghan amputee to winning rider, was both moving and inspirational.  Having known the Disney family for some time, it is no surprise to see such a courageous attitude and it was always pleasing to know that Guy’s first ride was on one of our ex-horses, Noisy Miner.  The programme is definitely worth a watch.