Wednesday 22nd April, 2026

The ground was drying up pretty quickly at Ffos Las yesterday and it was on the easy side of good at best.

Smile Back ran very well to be fourth in the three mile handicap hurdle, beaten under six lengths by the winner.  She is a tough mare who will make a nice chaser next season.

Hidden Target was not suited by the drying ground and the fast run race first time over three miles.  Gavin Sheehan thought the leaders would come back to him but they didn’t on the going.  He jumped well but failed to trouble the leaders and would benefit from slower conditions and chase fences in the future and he did win the ‘best turned out’.

Neeps And Tatties ran a pleasing fourth in the handicap hurdle considering the ground change.  According to Tom Bellamy she is a winner waiting to happen, however taking out hurdles in the straight due to low sun did not play to her strengths.  She looks teed up to have plenty of opportunities over hurdles and fences next season.

We withdrew Swift Jet from the handicap chase as the ground was definitely slower when winning at Doncaster over hurdles in March.  With very little rain forecast, they may all need to go on their summer holidays now but there is plenty to look forward to with each of them.

It was great to welcome the Cheltenham and Three Counties Racing Club to the yard yesterday morning before setting off to the races.  Thirty members joined us on the gallops and round the yard following refreshments and we are always pleased to support racing clubs, as they contain great ambassadors for the sport.