Monday busy day for entries, and I send off two new two year old colts passports to Weatherbys for naming.
Tuesday, Hoofbeats come for a stable visit and video some of the horses on the gallops for their new promotional video involving their horse Procurer. Shares are selling in him and you can visit their website at www.hoofbeats.co.uk for more information. Pearl Noir aka "Charlie" Johnny & myself depart for Beverley. The going is very soft and Charlie does not have the best of draws. He runs his race but finishes mid div. Graham Lee reports he did not like the soft conditions. A crowd of the "Partners" have enjoyed a sociable afternoon, and always are happy to enjoy an outing even if we are not placed, which is refreshing and reassuring. Shares in this four horse syndicate cost just £150 plus vat per month. They are a very sociable crowd, and I can highly recommend becoming involved.
Wednesday I am off to York for a busman's holiday. Tattersalls the sales company have invited Becky and myself to their box at York racecourse. We meet up with friends and breeders Mick & Fiona Denniff, and have a really enjoyable day. Its rare for me to go racing without a runner. Its very relaxing and totally stress free. The box is buzzing and I enjoy meeting and socializing with some really nice people.
Thursday Askaud "AUD" is declared for York. The race is a listed handicap, and looks right up her street. I would have preferred some better ground for her. Freddie Tylicki flies up specially from Newmarket to ride her. She runs a very game race and finishes in sixth place. Happy with her, and a good result as this race was a qualifier for a race on Champions Day at Ascot, which has a very valuable prize. Her racing club owners The Doncaster Racing Club are as ecstatic as ever about her. Everyone enjoys the atmosphere in the owners and trainers bar. The new saddling boxes and pre parade ring, are in use and I have a quick look at the new weighing room complex. The pre parade ring is possibly a little on the small side considering some of the big heritage handicaps staged there, and as the stables open straight onto the walkway I can see a few problems occurring. The winning connections box looks fabulous and has a great position overlooking the course. Threes Grand "Mole" is at Newmarket later, for Robin and Jayne Jackson. Its her first run back and I am hopeful. Unfortunately, another becomes very upset next to her, and she loses a couple of lengths at the start. She comes home safe and is not disgraced. She will be back to winning ways soon.
Friday I have some terrific news that the yard has been sponsored by "Fine Fettle Feeds". They have an array of excellent products including "Happy Tummy" charcoal and "Full Spectrum Herbs" which I can heartily endorse. Please visit their excellent website www.finefettlefeed.com. Becky as organized as ever, is now into Royal Ascot countdown. Badges have been applied for, and so now its onto hats and outfits, invites and picnics. Hopeful we can have a runner or two this year.
Saturday Piceno "Pi" and Six Wives " Wivesy"are at Thirsk. Both have terrible draws. Neither are placed. Frustrating when the draw plays such a vital role on certain courses. I enjoy spending time with the Ontoawinner crowd of owners. They cater for all the needs of all racing enthusiasts. Ownership starts from as little as £250 per year for a share of eight horses including Piceno and Burnhope. Its so affordable. Please visit www.onotawinner.net for more info or contact our office for more info.
Sunday and I withdraw Sir Geoffrey on drying going at Ripon.
Two breeze ready for Monday and I declare for Tuesday. Not a vintage week from winners this week, but our yard continues to attract attention for all the right reasons, and I am very grateful for the support of our owners who appreciate not every week can be a winning one.
Our sincerest condolences go to Jimmy Fortune, family and friends on the sudden and tragic loss of his wife Jan. Our thoughts also with Brian Meehan and his team after the awful accident involving his horsebox, and all those involved in the incident, both human and equine.
Cheers
Scott
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