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Richard's Blog
Crystal Swing ran a very promising race in the bumper at Ascot on Saturday. As ever there was very little pace on in the bumper and it was a sprint from the home turn. He travelled very well throughout and once he got out of a pocket, ran on very well in the last furlong to finish third behind the impressive winner. He looks potentially a good horse and we will now go back to Ascot for a bumper on 19 th November.
We went to Compton this morning to work a few horses. Compton is on the Berkshire downs and is proper old turf. It is about an hour from Adlestrop and is a good place to take a young horse to teach them their job. Time For Rupert was there recently and the gallop is used by quite a few trainers to put the edge on their runners.
Made entries for the weekend at Sandown including Pak Jack, Thornton Alice and Amore Mio. I hope the rain comes to Esher .
I had a very enjoyable day at Ascot on Saturday thanks to the hospitality of Bob and Pauline Scott. I stayed for the fireworks which were fantastic and the best I have ever seen. I caught up with Alan King in the Scott's box and delighted to hear that he had to rush back to watch the X Factor.
Tiger Line ran a cracking race yesterday to finish fourth in the handicap hurdle at Huntingdon. Upper Deck got kicked at the start thanks to the favourite and eventual winner. Tiger Line now heads to the sales on Wednesday and we will see how Upper Deck gets over his injury.
Today's horse in focus is Upper Deck. He was purchased as a four year old at Doncaster for owner Charlie Allan. Half brother to several winners, he showed promise in his initial bumper and after getting a handicap mark, has shown potential over a trip by being placed twice for us. He likes top of the ground and has the size and scope to jump a chase fence. He certainly has the ability off his handicap mark to win races over hurdles and fences.
On the way to Uttoxeter to check the ground for Motou to run in the bumper at 5.30pm. Hopefully the ground will be riding safe enough and we can give him more experience before he goes hurdling.
Great Hero ran well yesterday at Fontwell. Taking a good hold all the way round, he travelled like the winner to the straight before lack of match fitness showed. He finished fourth beaten some thirteen lengths and will strip fitter next time and looks a horse to follow. We think fences will bring out the best in him.
As ever an extremely busy morning with lots of visitors including owners Gerard Fahy, Doug Pocock and Saticon's owner Steven Smith. A regular cantering morning in preparation for tomorrow's work morning in front of the Adlestrop Club.
We have declared Crystal Swing for Ascot tomorrow in the bumper in the hope the ground continues to ride on the good side. If it firms up, we will not risk him as he is a horse of great promise.
We have declared both Tiger Line and Upper Deck for Huntingdon on Sunday in the three mile two hurdle. The ground ride is riding good to firm in places which should be ideal - let's hope they both run well.
Today's horse in focus is Tiger Line. Tiger Line was bred by Sue Welch and was sent to us as a four year old. She showed promise in bumpers before being placed on numerous occasions on soft ground. She has shown extreme courage and consistency this summer over extended trips and is hardly ever out of the frame.
She gained a richly deserved win a Newton Abbot and despite a rise in the handicap, has show great resilience to finish second at Fontwell and third at Huntingdon since. She runs at Huntingdon on Sunday and let's hope she continues her good form.
On my way to Fontwell to saddle Great Hero in the 3.30pm. He has top weight but hopefully he will run a good race as he appears in good form at home.
We have declared Motou in the bumper at Uttoxeter tomorrow. The rain is yet to reach the track but if the ground is riding good or softer, we will let him take his chance. He disappointed on very heavy ground last year having shown promise at Warwick but hopefully he shows his original potential.
Sean Quinlan came in to school a few in the outdoor school this morning as the schooling ground is still too firm. Hopefully the rains will continue and we can get some schooling on the grass soon.
Last night I was kindly invited to Joseph's Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham by Sir Peter and Lady Davis. Lady D is a member of the Adlestrop Club, lives locally in Oddington and we share a love of live performance. As ever with seeing a musical, we were singing all the way home.
Today's horse in focus is Thornton Alice. She was purchased at Doncaster May sales last year for a very reasonable £5000. She had previously finished second in her only bumper and continued to show promise last season by winning and finishing second in two novice hurdles at Newcastle .
Following a summers break, this tough daughter of Kayf Tara has strengthened further and will run shortly in a two and a half mile handicap hurdle. She will ultimately get three miles and we look forward to having a successful season with her for her enthusiastic owners.
Just Benny ran an excellent race yesterday at Chepstow. Although taking a tug early on, he then settled behind the leaders and made headway in the straight to look like the winner two out before getting tired. Beaten just over five lengths by the winner, he finished a game third and Richard Johnson reported he thought there were plenty of races to be won with him. He certainly has the size and scope to jump a fence and we are looking forward to a good season with him.
Great Hero is declared for Fontwell tomorrow in the 3.30pm. Although carrying top weight he has been working well at home and has shown promise last season.
A busy work morning as ever with Camilla Henderson, daughter of Nicky, among our work riders. Pleased with the way the horses are performing and looking forward to running them, as long as we continue to have some rain.
Many who know me know that I love quizzes and owner Rick Allen invited me to Chipping Norton Golf Club last night for a General Knowledge quiz. Fortunately, thanks to a great team effort and Rick's sad knowledge of films and television, we were victorious. One of the questions was, ‘in what sport was Susan Brown the first female competitor in 1981?' The answer of course was the boat race. However the team next to us answered ‘mixed singles tennis' which did create amusement.
Today's
horse in focus is Tenor De Guerre. He is a big attractive four
year old gelding that was purchased as a yearling in France
by the New Club Partnership. A half brother to the very decent
Quail, he came to Adlestrop last season for a couple of months
education before being given time to mature. The penny is now
beginning to drop and he looks a horse of great promise and
once he has filled his frame, he looks like a very decent chaser
in the making.
On my way to Chepstow to saddle Just Benny in the 3.10pm. I would have preferred to have run him over two and a half miles rather than three but he did not get a run in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle. Hopefully he will run well but I'm sure he will come on for the race.
Fair Breeze ran a cracker on Friday night at Wolverhampton and was unlucky not to win. She goes to the sales on Thursday and she would be a great buy for a syndicate as she is instant fun, so please let me know if you are interested.
Sad to see Rory Bremner voted off Strictly. I know Rory well enough to know he will hate the rejection however maybe his impersonation of Dunwoody did it for him.
Just listened to Gordon Clarkson commenting on virtual car racing from Daytona Beach . You have never heard the like, if you are ever in a betting shop, I hope you catch him.
Looking for rain as we are making a fair few entries now. Worked a few this morning and many are now ready for a run.
Today's horse in focus is Sun Up. Sun Up was purchased as a yearling at Newmarket sales. Sir Henry Cecil was the under bidder and she is a very athletic attractive mare. She ran well on her debut to finish third in a bumper at Ludlow . However she was in season when disappointing at Huntingdon on her next appearance. Due to a stress fracture, she did not reappear until this August at Hereford when again she showed promise to finish third beaten a length. The form has stood up well since and she has schooled well and will now head for novice hurdles.
Being by the same sire as Giovanna, this daughter of Orpen is at present being syndicated amongst the Dozen Dreamers. There are still a few 1/12 th shares available in her so please do contact us as I am sure she will carry on the success of the purple and white Dozen Dreamers colours.
Off to Wolverhampton tonight for the 9.20pm with Fair Breeze. Hopefully she will like the all weather and the drop in trip before she goes to the sales next week. A morning on routine cantering today with a visit from Martin Newman who has a share in Tiger Line.
Tiger Line has been entered next week and has a date the following week at Ascot sales.
I went to visit owner Steven Smith in hospital in Wimbledon yesterday. Steven had a horrific injury in the summer but luckily has made incredible progress and we are looking forward to Saticon winning the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Looking forward to a busy work morning with Sean Quinlan and Peterjon Carberry coming in to do the honours.
We have made some entries for next week but we need some rain and there doesn't look to be a lot forecast. Let's hope the forecast is wrong.
Today's horse in focus is Stop The Show. Stop The Show was bought at the Brightwells Cheltenham sale as a four year old by David Mason. From the family of the top chase two mile chaser Buck House, he ran well in his debut bumper before winning twice over hurdles at Folkestone and Chepstow. Despite some game efforts, he won his first chase for us last season under Richard Johnson at Plumpton.
Although only just 16hh, he is a brilliant jumper and is still on a handy mark and likes three miles plus with some cut in the ground. Running in The Adlestrop Club colours, he looks sure to have another good season and may run over hurdles as well this winter.
Camilla Murdoch came to see her five year old, Salto D'Albain and four year old by Millenary do some faster work and they are pleasing with their progress. Hopefully Salto will be a Towcester bumper runner before starting his jumping career.
Had a fun time in the Horse & Groom last night despite Barnsy's presence. Jane Lane and Midge Burridge popped in for a glass and they are always great fun. Jane and Midge owned two of the best jumpers we have ever seen in The Mighty Mac and Desert Orchid. The Mighty Mac still holds the two mile course record at Newbury, whilst Dessie was simply remarkable.
We made entries for Just Benny at Tiger Line on Tuesday now that Taunton has been switched to Chepstow. Lets hope we have some rain. We have also entered Phardessa in a handicap hurdle at Haydock on Wednesday in the hope of rain.
Today's horse in focus is Saticon. He was trained by Andre Fabre on the flat in France before he was purchased by Steven Smith and sent to Alan King as a three year old. He was placed in the Fred Winter Juvenile at the Festival and has shown decent form over hurdles on occasions since.
Since he has been with us, we have given him a wind operation which will hopefully aid his performance. It appears as though a step up in trip will suit him and he certainly has the ability to win a decent handicap for us this season. Although not the biggest, he is an athletic type who jumps well and will hopefully go chasing at some stage.
Saticon is a classy addition to our string and there is a 50% share available in him so please don't hesitate to be in touch as he will be ready for the racecourse in November.
A cold sunny morning as many of the horses did faster work. Jack Sherwood, Nicky Henderson 's amateur came in to ride a few. Son of Simon, he has ridden twice for us and been placed each time and hopefully we will give him some opportunities this season.
The clippers are out today as the horses grow their winter coats. Looks as though winter is definitely here as my secretary has turned the heating on.
We had various visitors this morning including Rick Allen, Jeff McCarthy and Lucy Lawson. Lucy is racing manager to Phardessa and came to see her work. Phardessa loves heavy ground, therefore we are praying for rain as she appears in good form.
Celebrated 10 years of my secretary Jo working for me by cooking her, and the ‘chuckle brothers' i.e. Mick Barnes and Eric Painting, dinner last night. Not sure the carrots were fully cooked, however the crumble went down well and the chef was particularly delighted as he had picked the apples from the paddock by the office a few hours earlier. Mick Barnes celebrated Jo's 10 th anniversary by drinking ten bottles of red wine.
A very entertaining article in the Racing Post and Daily Mail today involving a certain W Marston and a certain local owner. If you have not read it, please do get a copy.
Today's horse in focus is Salto D'Albain. He is owned by The Squashed Club, a syndicated headed by William and Camilla Murdoch. He is a five year old French bred by Dark Moondancer and related to some decent sorts. He is 17hh and has a unique action, however he appears to be able to gallop and jump. We are gradually increasing his work and will try him out in a bumper to begin with but he looks the type to go chasing as soon as possible.
Quiz Question
Name
the rider:
It has finally become cold at Adlestrop. A morning of cantering in a chilly wind and clipping starts tomorrow. A busy morning until Gordy Clarkson turned up with some doughnuts.
I went to Plumpton yesterday to help the Moorcroft Rehabilitation Centre. It is always a good day and am pleased to report that they raised more money than ever. It's always good to see so many friends and owners in attendance including the Deals, Turloo Parrett and Paul and Mark Stewart sons of Andy.
The event is run by Tim Fox a former racing accountant with PWC. Tim is well connected and trusted, hence my opening line of “what is the difference between Tim Fox and Liam Fox? You trust Tim Fox's accounts.”
Interesting article from Alistair Down in The Racing Post today re Champions Day. I tend to agree with him. We had a good chat about it in the Horse and Groom on Sunday afternoon. Pleased to report he was drinking apple juice, however some people call it cider.
Today's horse in focus is Rich Buddy. He is a horse of great promise having been placed in the second of his two bumpers last season. Had it not been for the favourite dislodging his jockey and nearly bringing Rich Buddy down, undoubtedly he would have won the race.
Purchased by Aiden Murphy at the Cheltenham Breeze Up Sales, this son of Kayf Tara is a compact type who has strengthened up over the last six months. He is working well and will hopefully be running in a bumper in the beginning of November before taking on a hurdling campaign.
He shows a great attitude for jumping and will undoubtedly jump a chase fence one day. His owner Lizzie Prowting has been a great supporter of the yard and nothing would give us greater pleasure at Adlestrop than to have some winners for her.
Mick's Dancer ran a cracker on Saturday night at Wolverhampton . Unfortunately the Mark Johnston favourite would not lie down in the final furlong and we came a gallant second, a fair way clear of the third. He obviously likes going left handed and has won at Wolverhampton before. We will see what rain turns up before deciding whether he goes hurdling or back on the all weather. However it is great that the horses appear in such good form.
It was a busy work morning on Saturday with a fair few owners in attendance, including Keith and Irene Rogers and the Pocock family.
As for the whip issue, the principle issue is right however it is obviously unworkable at present and the soon they get it sorted the better. Although I have sympathies with the jockeys, they must understand that the use of the whip is partly habit and partly culture. Although I thought Champions Day was a worthy event, I would be interested to see how it would have looked on soft ground with no Frankel.
When it comes to the X Factor, as you know I am an authority. It is the first time I have seen all the acts and my tip for the final must include Misha B and The Risk.
Today's horse in focus is Phardessa who has been a real stalwart of the yard having won over hurdles and fences. A very hard pulling type in her younger days, she has learned to settle and on the whole, she jumps extremely well and adores heavy ground.
If we have a wet winter, I am sure there is a decent handicap chase in her and she showed at Ffos Las last season that there is a good handicap hurdle in her as well. She looks one to follow over three miles and on heavy ground and appears to have retained all her enthusiasm in her recent homework.
Fair Breeze ran very well at Brighton yesterday. She looked like the winner two out and was only hounded out in the last half furlong to be beaten three lengths by the winner. She will now go to the horses in training sales at Newmarket and I am sure she will win more races. I saw Alan Brazil at Brighton . As many will know he is a presenter of Talk Sport and a former footballer. He is always good company and it was nice to catch up with him. He owned the favourite in the race who just finished in front of Fair Breeze.
Mick's Dancer has been declared for Wolverhampton tomorrow night in a competitive race and we will see how he gets on now he is dropped in grade.
This morning we had a visit from some people who had bought a morning on the gallops at a charity auction. As you know, we are always keen to help charities especially as some visitors in the past have foolishly ended up having shares in racehorses.
Unfortunately I will not be at Cheltenham tomorrow as I am too busy in Adlestrop and then travelling to Wolverhampton . I will miss the presentation to the owners of Look Up at Cheltenham . Look Up was an Adlestrop Club horse that has excelled at being a polo pony and has won a ‘Rehabilitation of Racehorses' award. Look Up was given that name because I had to make a decision to save her with a colic operation at Bourton Vale, our local vets. When I visited the hospital, I saw her on the ground and she was just looking up at me and the soft git I am, I went ahead with the expensive operation. Delighted that she has now excelled.
Today's horse in focus is Pak Jack who has been a great servant to the yard. He has a brilliant record around Aintree and has been placed in the Foxhunters, the Topham, the Grand Sefton and the Becher Chase. His best race for us came about following a great run in the Whitbread at Sandown when he was not beaten far for third that day.
He won on his last run for us at Wetherby with Richard Johnson onboard and has not been able to run since because of the firm ground. However he is in tremendous form and we look forward to running him in a handicap chase at the beginning of November before he goes on to the Becher Chase in early December. There is a share available for sale in him so please be in touch if you know of anyone who would be interested.
Just to remind you, the Five To Follow competition is due to start so please get your entries in as soon as possible.
On my way to Brighton to saddle Fair Breeze in the 3pm. If she acts on the course, she should run well. Brighton is a lucky course for us as we won the only listed race on the held there with Averted View, owned by the same owner.
A morning of jumping at Adlestrop with Sean Quinlan, Zack Davidson and Shane O'Keefe doing the honours. We are having to use the outdoor school as there has been no rain on the schooling ground. However it helps keep their eye in and thanks to working with Yogi Breisner for many years, it certainly does them a bit of good when it comes to jumping on the racecourse.
I went round to Barnsy's last night for what he described as a beef dinner. A remarkable culinary performance by Mr Barnes, that reminded me I would rather be buried than cremated.
Today's horse in focus is Mr Tingle. He was purchased as a winning Irish point to pointer at Doncaster May sales as a four year old and has shown promise in bumpers and hurdles. He put up his best performance last season under Peter Carberry when finishing a close third in a void race at Huntingdon. Mr Tingle has suffered from niggly problems in the past including a splint last spring, however these are behind him now and he looks ready to make his seasonal debut towards the end of the month. He will begin over hurdles and will ultimately jump fences over three miles to be seen at his best.
Tiger Line ran a cracker at Huntingdon yesterday. Up in the first three all the way, she took it up going down the back and galloped all the way to the line to be beaten less than two lengths by the winner. She has been running incredibly consistently all summer and has shown great resolution and hopefully we will get another run out of her before she goes to the sales.
A thoroughly constructive work morning at Adlestrop. Certainly building up the speed now and all the horses seem to be responding well. Sean Flanagan who is based with Evan Williams came in to ride work. He has ridden many winners in Ireland and is a keen young man and hopefully we will be able to give him an opportunity in the future.
Despite the fact that he now works in a studio, Gordy Clarkson continues to keep us amused. Never being in better form thanks to the fact he doesn't have to ride out anymore, Gordy told us a funny incident that happened at the SIS studio in Milton Keynes where he is working this week.
Following the fire bell, the staff were asked to converge in the car park. Within seconds an officious woman with a clipboard turned up for the register. Having started in alphabetical order, Clarkson was one of the first to acknowledge his presence. Next on the list came the cry of “Mohammad” – as there was no reply, she shouted the name again, looking down at her clip board one more time, she then said, “sorry, M Hammond.” To fits of laughter the workforce were soon allowed to return.
Today's horse in focus is Motou. He was purchased out of Nicky Henderson's yard as a five year old at Doncaster in 2010. He is owned by the Lansbury family and Jeff McCarthy who were looking for an inexpensive horse to provide fun. Showing promise on his debut bumper run at Warwick , he then got stuck in the mud at Folkestone on his only other run. Strengthened further over the summer, he is working nicely and should be winning races for us over 2 ½ miles or more. He may well start off in another bumper before going novice hurdling and we will try and avoid the very heavy ground.
This handsome bay should be yet another winner for the Lansbury / McCarthy connection as he has the size and scope to jump fences.
On my way to Huntingdon to saddle Tiger Line. We turned her out in the paddock this morning for an hour and she had a good buck and a squeal. She will need to be at the top of her game to get placed today.
A busy morning of stronger cantering before tomorrow's work morning. Owners John Window and Nick and Kath Burgess popped in to see their string of Thornton Alice, King Jack and Mr Tingle go through their paces. We christened the new owners room with a cup of coffee and some shortbread. This is our new facility and has a dangerous amount of alcohol in it.
A big fuss about the new whip rules but on the whole I am behind them. I think the public do not like seeing horses hit and is one of the reasons they don't like horseracing. The new whip rules will mean jockeys will have change, be stronger, get fitter and be better at maths. A hard task but doable. Emphasis is now on horsemanship. I look forward to them dropping their stirrups a few holes.
Today's horse in focus is Mister Newby. A promising five year old that we purchased at the Derby Sales. His mother won many races and has bred three winners from her first three foals. Mister Newby was temperamental as a youngster but has settled down well and although not the biggest, he can gallop and jump. He showed promise on his only bumper run when second at Wetherby in May. He travelled well under Richard Johnson and Richard liked him a great deal. He will start off in another bumper at the beginning of November and will ultimately make a staying hurdler.
Whenever was a bit disappointing yesterday at Goodwood but possibly some give in the ground would slow the race up for him. He will now go hurdling and I am sure he will do well for us this Winter.
At least I had a winner at Goodwood yesterday as I bred Gentle Lord along with David Redvers. He is a full brother to Gentle Guru, our prolific winner and our mare Soft Touch has had five winners from five runners. Gentle Guru goes to the December sales in foal to Sleeping Indian and will make someone a great broodmare.
Saturday morning was an open morning for our owners and it was great to see everyone in good form. Richard Johnson, Sean Quinlan, apprentice Dan Harris all rode work. It was also great to have Peter Carberry and Kieran Shoemark riding as those two great names continue to work within the racing industry.
Peter is a promising conditional jockey and son of the great Tommy. Whilst Kieran is son of Ian and grandson of Bill. Kieran wants to be a flat jockey and as long as he stays off his father's fish and chips, he should make a go of it. Today's horse in focus is Miss Lilly Lewis. A three year old daughter of Sir Harry Lewis out of the winning flat and hurdle mare, Theme Arena. Only small, she is a tough filly who has recently joined us and works nicely. We have the option of either running her on the flat this autumn or putting her in a three year old bumper and the latter may well suit her. Bred by Melissa Chesterman, who breaks in many of our youngsters, she will definitely strengthen up and looks a potential winner in the making.
Most of the string had an easyish morning thanks to hard days work yesterday. It is very autumnal and the coats are beginning to change and it will be time for clipping soon, my least favourite job.
We made an entry for Fair Breeze this morning and hopefully her coat will hang on until next week and the rains won't get to Brighton . As for most of the other horses, they are praying for rain.
Last night I attended an ‘Evening with Falcons' in Adlestrop Village Hall. The evening was fascinating thanks to our speak Geoff Dalton. Geoff works at Batsford Falconry Centre and bought along some birds of prey, including a golden eagle which was held by my secretary. Not the first time she has supported a big bird in Adlestrop Village Hall.
Today's horse in focus is Mick's Dancer who has won four races on the flat. A fine big strong type, we sent him hurdling last year and once on better ground and learning to settle, he showed promise at Huntingdon. He has been running on the flat this summer and should be ready to run over hurdles soon once there is cut in the ground. He has a high enough handicap mark over hurdles but patience should be paid off now that he learned to not rush his jumping.
All smiles on a busy work morning at Adlestrop. Starting to press a few more buttons now with many of the string and there are one or two that are particularly beginning to please.
Visits from owners Camilla Murdoch, Melissa Chesterman and friends. It is always good when owners are present when horses are obviously progressing in the right direction.
This afternoon owner Brian Duckett and I have visited Sue Welch to view Ellis Farm. As a team we have taken on our multiple winning mare Giovanna. Now based with Sue, Giovanna is enjoying her retirement and we are looking forward to finding a husband for her in her new career.
Today's horse in focus is King Jack. King Jack has won bumpers, hurdlers and chases for us since we purchased him as a four year old at Doncaster sales. He ran very well last year being placed each time but was unable to get his head in front. He likes 3 miles with a bit of cut in the ground and sports cheek pieces. He is on a decent handicap mark and is in particularly good form this autumn. He should be ready to run towards the end of October.
A bit of everything going on today in Adlestrop. Visiting owners, schooling horses, starting schools practice – it beats getting bored.
Tiger Line ran a fantastic race on Saturday under Richard Johnson. On a very hot day, she galloped and jumped with great aplomb, only to be passed just after the last. The handicapper has put her up five pounds for this great effort. Somehow the system is not right.
Upper Deck also put up a brave performance to finish third at Huntingdon on Sunday. Sean Quinlan reported that if there had been a stronger pace he would have finished closer but he jumped and travelled well before being outpaced on the far side. Staying on well up the straight, he proved the tongue tie worked and we look forward to getting his head in front soon.
Father Martin travelled and jumped well for a mile but thanks to a few problems, he will now be retired and I am sure he will find a good home.
Shame I didn't do a blog for the Arc as not only did I pick the winner but I told several people beforehand, including the Harveys at Huntingdon. Three year olds win, especially fillies. A double group one winner going into the race, she was a ridiculously big price. Sorry not to mention it earlier.
Today's horse in focus is Just Benny. He is a fine athletic six year old who showed promise over hurdles last season, finishing third at Bangor and fourth at Warwick . Best with a little bit of give in the ground, he stays well and looks every inch a chaser.
Purchased
from Brian Murphy in Ireland who has sold a lot of good horses
to this country, we will start him off in a novice handicap
hurdle this month before considering a chasing campaign.
I am really pleased to announce that Catch has decided to stay with us following her placement and will take on the role of pupil assistant.
Since joining us, Catch has decided that she would like a career in the training profession and during her time with us she will be studying for her trainers diploma.
Catch's responsibilities will include riding out and assisting me in caring for the horses. She will also have a responsibility for marketing activities and will accompany the horses to the racecourse if I am not available. Apparently some owners have already requested that she go racing with their horses, even if I am available.
I am sure you will agree that Catch will be a great asset to the yard. Already there is a great liaison between Jo in the office and Catch in the yard and with such an excellent start to the season, we are all confident that there are exciting times ahead.
Off to Fontwell today to saddle Tiger Line in the 4.50pm with Richard Johnson onboard. Although going up in the handicap for her last win, she should be there or thereabouts today.
Fair
Breeze ran a cracking race at Warwick on Thursday. Given a good
ride by Jack Sherwood, she showed similar form to her victory there on her last appearance on the course and loved the ground.
A busy work morning in the summer heat at Adlestrop. Amazing weather for October and thankfully their coats continue to shine.
Charlie Allen watched first lot with us. His Upper Deck runs tomorrow at Huntingdon, along with Father Martin in the novice hurdle. Hopefully Upper Deck's tongue tie will make a difference and he has an each way chance if it does.
Charlie was here for a great party for Gordy and Jemima Clarkson's wedding. Held at the Coach and Horses at Bourton on the Water, a great evening was had by all and interestingly very few people in the marquee had not been employed by me in the past. It was great catching up with everyone and many laughs were had. Pleased to report Warren Marston did achieve his ambition of watching the rugby in the Plough at Ford this morning in the same suit he wore to the wedding yesterday.
Today's horse in focus is Great Hero who has shown some decent form for us over hurdles. This six year old is a home bred of John and Pat Cantrills and now he has strengthened up, looks a chaser in the making.
Quite keen in his younger days, he has now learned to settle and jumps very well. He showed consistent form last season with places at Hereford and Newbury and will start off in novice handicap hurdles before hopefully going chasing in the New Year.
His handicap mark of 109 is high enough but with a summer break to further strengthen him, he should be up to winning over hurdles for us before Christmas.
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We
popped the string over some poles in the outdoor school this
morning, as the schooling ground is still too firm and all jumped
well. 
Tiger
Line has been declared for Huntingdon tomorrow in the 4.20pm.
It may come a bit quick after her great run at Fontwell, however
she has her ground and trip and despite the five pounds rise
for her last run, she should run well with Richard johnson onboard.
A
while ago I mentioned in my blog that we had become the first
training establishment to offer a place to a BHA graduate. Catch
(Catriona) came to us with a love of horses and a degree in
business psychology. 
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