Martin's Blog

Monday 6th February 2012

Lots of snow over the weekend and so no racing but plenty of family fun and sledging. Freddie and Harry have had a great weekend and Harry is a real dare-devil on the slopes already. Freddie and me have also made a snowman which is now melting along with the rest of the snow thankfully. Let's hope it goes quickly as it is a real pain and although we are able to keep the horses going as we can still canter it makes the rest of life difficult for the team.

No racing tomorrow and not sure what racing will be on for the rest of the week which makes life frustrating and plans are all up in the air for a lot of horses now. I have still made lots of entries for later in the week hoping that the weather warms up, the racecourses thaw and we can get back to normal. What makes life even more frustrating is that lots of horses will now be wanting to run in the same races and we are going to be subject to balloting probably.

It would be great if some bumper fixtures could be put on similar to the all bumper card for National Hunt horses that were put on last season due to the snow that we had then. I haven't heard anything so we'll see.

Saturday 4th February 2012

The weather last night got to a low point of -13 but had 'warmed' to -11 by 5.30am and a few degrees warmer again by 1st lot feeling nearly tropical! 1st & 2nd lot just cantered around the loop and 3rd lot we schooled lots of horses on the old Nicholson gallop which is riding really well and gave them a change from schooling on the loop which we've been doing in the week.

Those that schooled were Benbane Head, Wolf Moon, Hard To Swallow, Court in Session and Champion Court all ridden by Alain, Mark Caswell schooled Total Submission, Barry schooled Brimham Boy and Danny schooled Always Bold.

No racing so a family afternoon which was made far more exciting with the forecasted arrival of snow actually arriving! So Belinda, Freddie, Harry and I all went sledging and then I helped Freddie make a snowman - quality family time and little Harry certainly has no fear judged by his fearless sledging!

Friday 3rd February 2012

Catterick, as feared, didn't survive the overnight frost and is off today which is a shame. Chepstow was off yesterday afternoon and although we've declared four for Wetherby tomorrow, Wetherby only has a 'slim' chance of being on.

-13 for the first few hours here this morning and warming up to -9 by mid morning! Thankfully both our wax all weather loop by the yard and similar surfaced old David Nicholson six furlong gallop both stood up to it and were in use this morning as normal. It is luckily so dry everywhere that we have so far not had much ice around either so using the yard and roads haven't been as treacherous as usual and are fine to ride on.

Sad, but not unexpected, news from back home in Yorkshire this morning was that my Dad's mum passed away in the night. At 93, she'd had a fantastic life but she'd been very poorly for the last few weeks and she's now painfree.

Read today's Stable Talk in the Gloucestershire Echo by clicking HERE.

Thursday 2nd February 2012

- 6 at 5.30am this morning and warming up to only -4 around 9am and not much warmer now. Luckily both all weather gallops standing up to it well even though I did go around our circular loop by the yard at about 10pm last night just to make sure - I needed to give Windsor the dog his last walk of the night so he chased the tractor around the loop instead!

The Duke's old all weather gallop was good enough to use this morning and second lot we schooled plenty over the hurdles and fences on the loop. Those that schooled included Hard To Swallow, Bold Tara, Benbane Head, Total Submission, Mauricetheathlete, Junior Jack, One More Cookie and Court In Session. It is great to be able to keep schooling whilst there is no racing so the horses are still ready to go when the racing is back on.

We've declared Total Submission and The Wicked Kipper for Catterick tomorrow and Federstar for Chepstow. Not sure either have got much chance of being on but we'll see.

Another new horse arrived lated morning, this one from David Thorpe who produced Flementime so well and we look foward to getting going with him.

Today is Head Girl Alice's birthday so Happy Birthday to Alice!

Wednesday 1st February 2012

-2 here at the moment which is a few degrees warmer than it was first thing but it feels much colder due to the wind chill. Another delivery of salt has just arrived to ensure the yard is kept safe for the horses to come in and out. We've been spoilt so far with such a mild winter but with Leicester off today and conditions looking to be this cold for a few days, we may be missing a few fixtures in the next week.

Mark Caswell was in this morning to ride out and, as he is also our Pest Controller, he checked around for signs of any unwanted creature! Mark is riding in the Charity race at Cheltenham during the Paddy Power weekend in November in aid of Greatwood. Such a great charity and if any of you would like to help him reach his target, please sponsor him by clicking www.justgiving.com/mark-caswell7 . Hopefully we may have something ready for him to ride but he does also ride out for Clive Cox & Jamie Osborne, to name but two, and they may have something a bit faster on the flat!

Tuesday 31st January 2012 - Well done Flementime!

Flementime delighted us all yesterday when she won the bumper at Plumpton in good style on her racecourse debut. We've always thought a lot of her as she has done everything effortlessly at home and isn't yet properly 4 years old so it was a great performance. She will probably now be aimed at the Listed Mares' Bumper at Aintree and will be an exciting horse for next year and beyond. Barry Denvir looks after her and has ridden her in most of her work so deserves much of the credit although his girlfriend Vicky Sadler stood in for Barry when he was at the Doncaster Racing School getting his Category B Licence & rode her all that week so she is taking some of the credit too!

David Thorpe (who owns Brimham Boy) sent her to us to sell and the Figjam II Syndicate are the lucky owners but sadly only Greg & Jo Boothright and Tyrone Hanlon were able to be at Plumpton yesterday but the rest no doubt celebrated wherever they were! Tyrone, Alain and myself were joined by Belinda at the Plough for a celebration meal. Alain was also celebrating his 100th winner which is a fantastic achievement.

Monday 30th January 2012

Good luck to Megan and Vicky this morning as they are taking their Driving Theory Tests.

Just one runner today, Flementime in the bumper at Plumpton under Alain Cawley. I'd have preferred to run her later in the week at Towcester but after looking at the weather forecast and speaking to the Clerk of the Course there, Robert Bellamy, I decided the risk wasn't worth taking and she needs a run. Plumpton may be a little sharp for her as she's a big mare who will improve with time but I'm still hopeful of a big run today as she's done nothing wrong at home.

Not many members of her syndicate, Figjam II, can be there today but Tyrone Hanlon and Greg & Jo Boothright are luckily able to be there representing the rest of them.

Although it was bitterly cold this morning there wasn't any frost in the ground and we were able to school quite a few horses over the hurdles and fences on the grass.

Sunday 29th January 2012

Any Currency ran and jumped well yesterday but just couldn't quicken when the rest did from the top of the hill on the final circuit and although he kept going, he was beaten further than I'd have liked. Hard To Swallow ran a great race, staying on well at the end to finish 4th confirming 3 miles is what he needs. His mistakes at the 4th, 3rd and 2nd last probably cost him the race as he was beaten less than 7 lengths and didn't help his cause. Both horses are sound and well today though which is the main thing.

It was a fantastic days racing at Festival Trials Day and one of the highlights was The Giant Bolster winning for the David Bridgwater team under a great ride from Tom Scudamore.

At Uttoxeter Teshali made a mistake at the fourth last hurdle which stopped him in his tracks and any hope of him winning. Charlie Poste sensibly pulled him up. Monty's Revenge jumped really well under Danny Hiskett but just needed his first run back and got very tired in the ground. He definitely needs better ground.

We've already had great feedback from the West Berkshire Racing Club which is always lovely to hear. We really enjoy people coming to see what we have to offer here and especially Racing Clubs.

Saturday 28th January 2012

A busy morning with a group from the West Berkshire Racing Club here to watch the horses work before going on to the races at Cheltenham. They all thoroughly enjoyed themselves especially the bacon sandwiches!

Four runners today, two at Cheltenham and two at Uttoxeter. On the face of it, Any Currency’s appearance in the line-up for the Argento Chase looks mad but the theory behind it is that he loves Cheltenham and will hopefully run a blinder and go up in the weights before the Grand National. We know there are quite a few he won’t be expected to beat!

Hard To Swallow runs in the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle and if he builds on his encouraging run there last time, I see no reason why he shouldn’t be in the shake-up. He looks well and seems in great form. Alain rides both of the Cheltenham runners.

At Uttoxeter it is a big day for the newly formed partnership “Red Socks” who own Monty’s Revenge and are watching him run for the first time under Danny Hiskett claiming 10lbs. Many of you who remember The Duke (David Nicholson) will also remember his famous lucky red socks which he always wore racing and we are hoping some of the luck rubs off on the syndicate. There are still some shares available.

Andrew is in charge at Uttoxeter where we also have Sue Brown’s Teshali who should love the ground and I’m hoping for a big run. Charlie Poste rides.

We were amused when we received Freddie’s Nursery’s weekly email yesterday. They have been working on the theme of Chinese New Year this week and the children had apparently been making wishes under the Banyan Tree. Whilst one child wished for a holiday in Antigua, another had wished for ‘more winners’ – no two guesses to who that was from!!

Friday 27th January 2012

How disappointing. De Forgotten Man was just a little too exhuberant approaching the first fence at Warwick yesterday and took a horrible fall. Luckily both him and Alain got up and Hughie proceeded to have a school around loose. He's understandably a little stiff this morning but nothing more than expected. It was just what we all didn't want to happen though after such a long period off the track and everyone working so hard to get him sound and able to run again.

Thank you so much to everyone who has got in touch via one way or another asking how he is, it is much appreciated and makes you realise how many people outside our immediate team follow and care about our horses.

We had a small covering of snow last night which then froze making surfaces lethal this morning. We switched the horses who were working to 2nd lot so that they could safely get across to our grass gallops which was fine and 1st lot made their way across the fields to our all weather gallop. It is always stunning here on a frosty but sunny morning and Roger Allsop was here to watch his Terimon youngster, who we are on the verge of naming, work and it was great to see him.

Thursday 26th January 2012

Busy schooling morning with Warren in to watch Danny and Ian Popham here to see the team and some racing to Warwick.

We've got one runner, De Forgotten Man, at Warwick and he makes his debut over fences. He is a lovely horse but injured his knee at Plumpton a year ago and is back on the Racecourse thanks to his patient owners Peter & Trish Andrews, the fantastic vets at Newmarket, Peasebrook Equine Clinic and Martin Jones who had him through all of his pre training. Of course my team have done a great job too and he has benefitted from having Magda ride him every day and ensure he goes correctly. He has never looked and behaved so well at home.

Whilst he will come on for the run, he has jumped well at home and should run well. As long as he comes home safely we'll all be happy. Belinda and Freddie have come out for the day too.

Tuesday 24th January 2012

After a frost for most of the night, by the early hours the rain arrived and never stopped so everyone was cold and wet riding out.

Mark Boothright was here first lot to watch Any Currency work ahead of his run at Cheltenham on Saturday. He worked with Hard To Swallow who also heads to Festival Trials Day and is in good order. Others to work were Federstar, Teshali, R Craig, Brimham Boy, Termion gelding and Always Bold.

Congratulations to recently retired Champion Point to Point jockey Richard Burton & his wife Hannah who gave birth to their second daughter on Sunday who they have named Iris.

Not being content with a near daily Blog, I am now on Twitter! If you'd like to follow me my Twitter name is @martinkeighley7

Monday 23rd January 2012 - 30 winners!

Ukrainian Star's win yesterday at Towcester under Alain 'Squeak' Cawley made it 30 winners for the season and the first time we have hit the 30 mark and is an exciting landmark. 'Boris' as he's known at home, was winning his third race on the bounce and galloped and jumped his rivals into submission for the third time running under a great ride from Squeak. He seems to be improving even at the grand age of 9 and we could stick to fences or run him back over hurdles as he's equally good over either.

Bold Tara jumped well on her debut over hurdles and ran well although I was hoping she'd run into a place. She's a nice mare though and should win soon.

This morning we took four galloping to Towcester at the crack of dawn. They were Monty's Revenge (Dave Crosse), Flementine (Squeak), The Wicked Kipper (Danny) and Une Dame D'or (Tom Bellamy) and I couldn't have been more delighted with how they all worked.

A quiet week with no runners until probably Thursday at Warwick but always plenty to do at home.

Sunday 22nd January 2012

All For Free was disappointing yesterday but nothing as yet has come to light so maybe it's a day we just write off.

Two runners at Towcester today. Bold Tara makes her debut over hurdles under Alain Cawley. She was a staying on 4th in a bumper to the well regarded Hazy Tom at Worcester and she jumps well at home so I'm hoping she will run well at a big price.

Head lad Andrew has a runner at Towcester today too. His own horse, Charles Bruce, runs in the Hunter Chase under Ryan Hatch and we wish him and Alice lots of luck.

Ukrainian Star runs over fences having won there last time on Boxing Day. He's bidding to win three on the bounce and will love the ground. Admittedly he's gone up in the weights but I'm still hopeful, with a bit of luck, he'll be able to win again. Alain rides him too.

Belinda, Freddie & Harry are off too the Heythrop Point-to-Point which is at Dunthrop, near Chipping Norton, for the last time which is sad although I'm sure their next site for it will be better ground than Dunthrop which is difficult to maintain however hard they work at it. The hunt are regularly around here and it is an easy but much appreciated gesture to receive a car pass, which we have.

Sadly though I do have to say that both Belinda and myself passed a singular mounted follower yesterday, me on the way to the races and Belinda passed one hacking home. Neither bothered to acknowledge the fact we'd both slowed right down and one was actually far too busy texting! It is so sad as they do themselves no favours and it never ceases to shock & disappoint me.

On a brighter note, we were absolutely delighted for Peter & Trish Andrews, who so sadly lost Busby Berkeley earlier in the week, that Smad Place, who they have in training with Alan King, won so impressively on his seasonal debut at Ascot yesterday. It underlined more than ever the ups and downs of racing and gave them a much deserved reason to celebrate.

Saturday 21st January 2012

No luck at Chepstow yesterday with Conington finding the ground hard work on her first run in over 600 days but I was pleased with her jumping. Mauricetheathlete's owner has been keen to go chasing with him and, after not enjoying point-to-pointing a few seasons ago, he's been schooling really well at home. However, it was not to be as after absolutely flying the first fence, he didn't even try to jump the second and had a horrible fall. Luckily both he and Nick Slatter escapted unscathed and he's a bit sore this morning but none the worse.

Warren Marston was in to watch schooling this morning and watch Danny Hiskett in action who he is coaching as part of a new BHA scheme. Alain schooled Total Submission, Hard To Swallow and De Forgotten Man, Barry schooled Monty's Revenge, Danny schooled Always Bold and Mark Caswell schooled Spring Moon. Although Mark has been hunting recently, he hasn't schooled at speed over fences for quite a while but was as good and stylish as ever. He's been accepted to ride in a flat Charity Race at the Paddy Power Meeting in November at Cheltenham so we'll be seeing more of him and trying to find him something to ride nearer the time too.

Just one runner today but an exciting one. I switched All For Free from the Novices' Handicap Chase at Ascot to the £70,000 BetVictor.com Handicap Chase at the last minute yesterday when I found out that he'd only be 1lb out of the weights insteady of 13lbs. The Novices' chase looked quite a competitive one so, with the later race being a little further in distance, which should suit, and for much more prize money, his owner Rob Aplin and I agreed to have a crack at it. He seems in fantastic form and I think he'll run a big race and be in the shake up. Alice looks after All For Free so she has taken him and Dave Cull, who is always such a huge help, is her right hand man for the day.

Friday 20th January 2012

Two runners today at Chepstow. Conington makes her debut for us having suffered from a tendon injury and being off for over 600 days. She has been unlucky as was nearing her debut in September and managed to injure herself schooling at home so it has been a long and frustrating time. She has a high knee action so should enjoy the ground and she has done plenty of work at home but will probably still come on for the run.

Mauricetheathlete makes his debut over fences having won at Chepstow over hurdles before Christmas. He had an unsuccessful time in the point-to-point field but we are hoping he has grown up now and the galloping track with plenty of time in between his fences should suit. With a clear round he should be in the shake up.

Today's Stable Talk in the Gloucestershire Echo can be read by clicking HERE.

Thursday 19th January 2012

A desperately sad morning for all the team here as tragically Busby Berkeley broke his leg on the gallops. Often life seems so unfair and this is one of those occasions as his owners Peter and Trish Andrews have been so patient with Busby and he was such a lovely imposing horse who we have always held in high regard but has been unlucky with problems. It has hit the whole team especially Magda who looks after him.

Junior Jack was 3rd yesterday and ran and jumped well and can surely win a race soon.

I am delighted to report that Ian Popham's operation to remove the metalwork in his pelvis went well and he was back home yesterday afternoon. He has to go back for an x-ray in a couple of weeks and is hoping to get to Oaksey House as soon as he can.

Wednesday 18th January 2012

Nearly 10 degrees warmer today which was a welcome relief to all the team. All the horses just cantered this morning.

Just one runner today, Junior Jack at Southwell under Danny Hiskett who has ridden a couple of winners for Junior's owners, North Park Farm Racing. A competitive race but Junior seems in good form. He's a horse who I thought was going to be very good before he had a few problems, laterly with his breathing and he was tubed before his last run. His owners have been so patient with him and deserve a bit of luck.

Ian Popham is having his operation today to hopefully remove some metalwork in his pelvis. We all have our fingers crossed that it goes well and having already put in plenty of hours in the swimming pool and getting fit again, he'll be hoping to be able to be out and about again very soon. I'll keep you updated with any news.

Martin Jones, who does a fantastic job pre-training and breaking-in horses (including this week's winner One More Cookie), broke his leg when a youngster kicked him on Monday. Such bad luck for Martin who does such a good job his yard is always full of horses. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Tuesday 17th January 2012 - Win number 29!

One More Cookie had a bit of luck yesterday to win on her debut over hurdles at Plumpton, our first winner for her owner, Rowland Crellin. She jumped well in the main but was well behind the leaders before three out when she sprouted wings and Alain Cawley earnt his riding fee to get her back into contention. When the short priced favourite fell after the last when 4 lengths up, Cookie was just getting into gear and she appeared to leave the 2nd and 3rd standing and flew up to the line.

That was our 29th winner of the season and for the first time took our prize money won past £200,000 which is fantastic and a real credit to the whole team.

Sue Brown was here third lot to watch her horse Teshali on the gallops and discuss race options for him.

The weather had warmed up from about -5 first thing to -2 late morning and it is now hard to believe that we have had the sun out for much of the winter so far. Our all weather loop is still riding well though and I wasn't taking any chances and went around it a few times late last night to ensure it was good enough to school on this morning. Busby Berkeley, Conington, Junior Jack and Bold Tara all schooled.

No runners today and just Junior Jack tomorrow at Southwell if they survive the overnight frost.

Sunday 15th January 2012

Thank you so much for all the emails of support since I shared with you the letter received on Friday about Any Currency, it is unbelieveable to hear the level of support we have. Worryingly though, plenty of texts were from owners admitting it was them!!

With no runners this weekend Belinda and I took the opportunity for a couple of nights away whilst my parents were here looking after Freddie & Harry and the yard was left Andrew, Alice & Stretch's capable hands. As nice as it is to get away, it is always fantastic to get back and we have one runner tomorrow, One More Cookie at Plumpton.

Barry Denvir was at the Northern Racing College last week successfully completing a course to gain his Category B Amateur Licence. He had a great week and received lots of tuition, the highlight probably being quite a bit of time spent with Mick Fitzgerald.

You can read Friday's Stable Talk in the Gloucestershire Echo by clicking HERE.

Friday 13th January 2012

Teshali seemed to handle the ground at Ffos Las on Wednesday but he ran a little too keen with the choke out. He still looked the winner at the second last but being so keen in that ground found him out and he finished 3rd. Still a cracking run though. Federstar was disappointing and was never going in the ground.

A beautiful morning this morning and the horses worked well. Geoff Slatter was here to watch Mauricetheathlete work second lot and pleased us all by arriving with fresh bacon sandwiches which were much appreciated!

I must share a letter I have received today with you. You can't please all of the people all of the time....

Dear Mr Keighley,

I just put money on your donkey Any Currency. That's the same horse, I believe you said ignore last run, this is the same horse who was in a bunched finish at the same track over 3m 5f, stayed on strongly at the end of 4m, (acts on soft), and was 10/1 for the Welsh National.

Then, how does a scum bag like you explain this mule being scrubbed half way into a race over 3m 1/2f?! How would a punter trust anything a t*** like you says when 3m should not have been any problem?

I hope your season goes 'belly up' from now on, why does a low-life like you not have an e-mail address on your website, hence the letter?

PS. I know you are not the only trainer to send out a horse 'well prepared' for big races and flop, you certainly will not be the last, as punters will find out to their cost.

A seriously disgruntled punter.

Firstly I must thank this person for bringing to my attention that the email button on the website isn't working, I will now ensure this is fixed. I wouldn't have known otherwise!

Secondly, we are trying to get Any Currency a higher handicap mark as we want him to be guaranteed a run in the Grand National so, although we were delighted with his run at Sandown, we too were disappointed he didn't win!

Wednesday 11th January 2012

Two runners at Ffos Las today both ridden by Alain Cawley. Teshali runs in the 2m 4f Hurdle and I am hoping he can build on his promising first run for us and be thereabouts today. Federstar is making his debut for me and will come on for the run but he should love the ground so I'm hoping for a decent run from him too.

Happy Birthday to our local landlord, Craig Brown, who runs The Plough at Ford! I think he's only as young as me too!

Alan Lee has written about the yard in today's Times. I'm not sure you can access it online so you may have to go out and buy it!

The bizarre warm weather continues and it is hard to believe it is mid January but the horses aren't complaining and seem to be enjoying a bit of warmth and even occasional sun on their backs!

Monday 9th January 2012

Always Bold was 6th yesterday at Hereford and whilst I was pleased generally with his jumping, I was disappointed with where he finished.

No runners today or tomorrow so a chance to get jobs done in and around the yard. Champion Court and Havingotascoobydo are enjoying a week in the field. They've both had a busy time and I was keen to let them have a complete break and the weather looks like it is going to be kind to us too.

I am often being asked about what Warren is up to these days. He's not sat on a horse since he retired but is still always on the end of the phone if I need to pick his brains!

He has now become a Jockey Coach and has been assigned to both Ian Popham and Danny. This is part of a pilot scheme, funded by the industry, to develop and extend the training and support available to jockeys in the workplace.

The British Horseracing Authority has recently qualified a number of coaches in a UKCC Level 3 Coaching qualification – this represents a huge step forward in the support they are able to give young jockeys in their career development. The coaching will cover all aspects of their development as a Jockey and will include the technical aspect of their race riding as well as issues such as nutrition, fitness and general welfare.

The overall aim of the training is to provide the industry with Jockeys that are fully rounded sportsmen and women who will represent us, our Owners and the Industry successfully.

It sounds a fantastic idea and I am fully supportive of the scheme and also think Warren will be a brilliant coach as he isn't afraid to speak his mind but will also give them confidence when needed too as he looks at the wider picture in situations.

Sunday 8th January 2012

We had a good day at Sandown Park yesterday where all three horses ran really well at without winning. We knew the trip was on the sharp side for all of them but they deserved to take their chance. Belinda's Godmother Anita and husband Andrew were there along with friends Lesley & Mary Spinks so it was a very social day too.

All For Free was absolutely flat out the whole way with his race being run at a serious pace. He jumped for fun, albeit a little careful at times, but he jumps so well it is easy to forget he's still only a novice. He was always going to keep galloping and stay on and that he did getting up to finish 2nd and delight us all as he tries so hard. He'll have one more run before a tilt at The Cheltenham Festival.

Any Currency was next in first time visors and he looked a picture. He too needed further but we hoped to get away with it in soft ground round Sandown and he jumped for fun before hitting his usual flat spot on the final circuit and making life difficult for himself! He stayed on though from what looked like an impossible position to finish 4th. Alain's not convinced the visors did much to help him concentrate as he was still looking around at anything he could! He'll need to go up in the weights to be sure of a run in the Grand National so we'll have a look at where we go next with him.

Finally Havingotascoobydo ran back over hurdles and, as usual, was dropped out to settle him. He cruised past the whole field to take up the running before the 2nd last and went on but just got caught up the run in. I think we were unlucky to bump into a horse who had dropped to a very winable mark but nothingn takes away from the fact that Scooby ran an absolute blinder and his owners were delighted with him. He'll now have a short break in the field with Champion Court.

Just one runner today, Always Bold (Alain Cawley) at Hereford over fences and we hope he will put up a bold show as he seems in good form and jumped well last time.

Saturday 7th January 2012

A big day at Sandown Park today with three lovely horses. All For Free is our first runner and steps up in class after two quick wins last month. He's off a nice light weight and I think Sandown should suit him and he has a massive chance.

Any Currency returns after disappointing in the Welsh National and we are hoping it was just the awful ground that day as all the signs at home look positive. We know he likes Sandown and although the trip is on the short side for him, I think he'll run well.

Havingotascoobydo seems none the worse for his fall at Cheltenham on New Years' Day. Luckily Alain Cawley kept hold of him and led him back so he did less that day than he does at home. Our physio, Maggie Turner, and vet, Jeremy Swan, have checked him over and Helen, who rides him out every day thinks he feels great so he takes his chance. He's back over hurdles for a bit of a confidence boost and although the trip is on the short side for him too, when it is soft at Sandown you need to be able to get further than the actual trip.

We took a few of the horses down the Hinchwick Valley this morning, which they thoroughly enjoy and the rest cantered on the bank behind the yard. Mark Caswell and Miranda Theobald were in this morning as well as Pete Welch, who is our oldest rider outer by quite some time yet comes in most days - he must be feeling keen as Saturday is normally a lie-in day!

Friday 6th January 2012

Brimham Boy was disappointing yesterday and never enjoyed the heavy ground there. He is fine this morning and we’ll make sure he’s come out of it ok and look for another race for him on a course we know he enjoys.

Lots of horses worked this morning and I was particularly pleased with Monty’s Revenge who we are setting up a new syndicate with and there are only a couple of places remaining. Alain Cawley rode him and was also pleased with him. He worked with De Forgotten Man who seems to be getting quite a following as I am regularly being asked when he is making his debut. We are hopeful to get him to the track at the end of this month/early next and I currently couldn’t be happier with him. Others to work included Busby Berkeley and Bold Tara and both look really well in themselves.

Claire Galer was here earlier this week to treat Busby Berkeley and De Forgotten Man and she was delighted with them both.

Well done to Alain for spotting the deliberate mistake in the Blog on New Years’ Day where I got the year wrong – it is now corrected and a cuddly toy is on it's way to him!

Will Kinsey, who trains in Cheshire, had a dream start to his career yesterday at Sedgefield where the first two horses won and the third was a close 3rd. Massive congratulations to Will.

You can read my Stable Talk in today's Gloucestershire Echo by clicking HERE.

Thursday 5th January 2012

Lingfield has passed its early inspection and therefore Brimham Boy runs in the first race, the Conditional Jockey's Chase under Danny Hiskett. I am hopeful of a big run although he looks to be up against it to beat the favourite but you never know!

Another wet and windy night although most of the rain had stopped by 1st lot where we schooled One More Cookie, De Forgotten Man, Federstar, Total Submission, Consult, Havingotascoobydo, Always Bold and Conington. We've made some new hurdles and it was the first time they were jumped today and they were all superb.

All For Free has been declared for the 32 Red Handicap Chase at Sandown on Saturday which was a 48 hour declaration. He seems in good form and I'm hoping Sandown will suit him.

Tuesday 3rd January 2012

What awful weather this morning and I felt very sorry for everyone riding out as it was horrid. Dave Crosse was in for two lots. We worked six horses today - Teshali, All For Free, Federstar, De Forgotten Man, Bold Tara and Monty's Revenge, all up the grass in a group of six and they all worked well. The rest will work tomorrrow.

This season we have switched our horse feed to Dodson & Horrell and couldn't be more delighted with the results. The horses seem to be thriving on it and the results speak for themselves as if they are not winning then they are running well. They look great in their coats and seem to be holding their condition better than ever too. Will Humphries is my main point of contact and he was based in Condicote with The Duke many years ago and was there when Belinda started riding out as a kid (sorry Will!). He rode plenty of winners so knows what the game is about and is always on the end of the phone if I need some nutritional advice.

Mrs Lee-Warner called in this morning to see Bold Tara who is coming along nicely and should be ready to run later this month.

Monday 2nd January 2012 - Champion Court becomes our 6th ever Cheltenham winner!

What a way to start 2012 with Champion Court winning the Grade Two Dipper Chase at Cheltenham yesterday. After being beaten there twice I decided to revert to the tactics that saw him win at Aintree - being far more positive on him. Alain did just that and Champ jumped for fun, loving it out in front and he never really gave me any reason to worry. Landing over the last, Alain lost his whip and tried in vain to catch it but luckily it wasn't needed and Alain pushed him out hands and heels up the hill.

There is no better place to win than Cheltenham especially as it's our local track and it was Alain's first winner there and he seemed to take forever to finish talking to Alice Plunkett live on Channel 4 and then he soaked up all the cheers on the long walk back to the Winners Enclosure. Absolutely fantastic and an amazing way to pass our best ever seasonal total of 27 winners! Thanks for all the texts, emails, phone calls & tweets - I hope I've replied to them all!

It could have all been so different earlier in the week though as my Head Girl Alice found Champion Court sore in his stable and lame. Along with help from my farrier Nick Partridge, Alice has done an amazing job working really hard to get him sound again so it is a big thank you to both of them that he was even at Cheltenham yesterday.

Hard To Swallow ran in the first race and took a few hurdles to get his confidence back after his horror fall at Chepstow two months ago. He really started to enjoy himself though and was travelling better than anything coming down the hill and we were all getting very excited. Lack of a recent run then told though and he tired into 4th place but we were still all delighted with the run and look forward to next time he runs.

Havingotascoobydo was unlucky to fall at the 3rd fence where Alain said he had jumped it well and just pecked on landing and didn't deserve to fall. I'm delighted to report that he is fine this morning although sadly Charlie Longsdon's Hidden Keel broke a leg and had to be destroyed in that race and our thoughts go to everone at Charlie's yard as he was a lovely horse and didn't deserve that.

Alice and Andrew were on duty at Exeter with Typhon De Guye where he ran in the bumper under Dave Crosse. He was desperately disappointing, too bad to be true and although we will get him thoroughly checked out, we are hoping itt was just the ground.

This morning we schooled Manor Court, De Forgotten Man, Brimham Boy, All For Free and Any Currency and they all jumped really well.

Sunday 1st January 2012 - Happy New Year!

No winners yesterday but both horses ran well. Consult & Charlie Poste finished 2nd at Uttoxeter, Consult again running a consistent race and bumping into one too good. At Warwick Junior Jack ran well for Danny Hiskett who did well to keep the partnership together when Junior made a mistake on the final circuit causing Danny to lose his irons. Junior faded close home to finish 4th but we were pleased with the run.

A big day today with three runners at Cheltenham and one at Exeter. Hard To Swallow should appreciate the better ground than Newbury which is why he was pulled out of the Challow Hurdle yesterday. After a bad fall last time he needs a confidence building run and although lots of runners isn’t ideal I’m hoping Alain can keep him out of trouble and let him enjoy himself. He’s in great form and it won’t surprise me at all if he runs a big race.

Champion Court is in a difficult race but is also in good order and I’m hopeful he can go close again. He’ll then have a break after today. Finally at Cheltenham Havingotascoobydo steps up to 2m 5f over fences which should be ideal and although another very competitive race, I’m hopeful. Alain Cawley rides all of the Cheltenham three.

At Exeter Typhon De Guye runs in the bumper and I would love him to go one better than last time when he was mugged close to the line and didn’t have time to respond. Warren Greatrex is very keen on the chances of his horse but Typhon’s in great form and I’m hoping he’ll love the track. Dave Crosse keeps the ride.

It would be great to get a winner on the board on the first day of 2012 so fingers crossed.

Saturday 31st December 2011

Racing is on at Uttoxeter today so Consult goes there under Tuesday's Welsh National winning jockey Charlie Poste who rode the horse before he came to us. He's got a great chance if he goes in the ground.

My other runner is Junior Jack at Warwick in the Handicap Chase under Danny Hiskett taking off an important 10lbs. Junior was too brave at Towcester on Monday and took off too far away at the 5th, landing on it and giving Alain Cawley no chance of staying on. Danny has schooled him at home and I hope they will get on well and if he gets round he too will have a great chance.

The ground change has led to Hard To Swallow becoming a non-runner at Newbury today and he now goes to Cheltenham tomorrow.

A quiet morning where everything just cantered. Extras in to ride out were Deb Butler, Miranda Theobald, Vicky Sadler and Belinda rode out too.

The Boothrights have reported that The Fox's Decree has had a good first night and is having a lovely day in the field which is good news and we hope he continues to put his best foot forward as he'll have a fantastic home there.

Friday 30th December 2011

No runners today but plenty of horses declared for the weekend. We have Consult at Uttoxeter, Junior Jack at Warwick under Danny Hiskett and Hard To Swallow in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury. More about those tomorrow.

Work morning today and still plenty working and looking well. Alain Cawley was in and worked Manor Court and an Oscar 3 year old. Dave Crosse worked Federstar and the Terimon 3 year old.

The Fox's Decree left this morning to join yard sponsor Mark Boothright's wife Nicky as a fun horse which we hope he will enjoy. We own him and with the ground against him until the summer we needed to find somewhere else for him to go as he's costing money being kept in and it's no fun for thoroughbreds being turned out in the field all winter when they are used to 5 star living. We hope he settles in well and they have a lot of fun.

Kate, Mike and Ben Foster-Smith were in mid morning to watch their horse R Craig on the gallops. He's only been here a couple of weeks but seems to have settled in well and I'm really pleased with him.

Very positive news from Ian Popham who had xrays on his pelvis yesterday. He no longer needs crutches and will have an operation on 18th January to hopefully remove the large bar that was inserted in his pelvis.

Thursday 29th December 2011

I was pleased with Teshali yesterday who ran on through beaten horses to finish 3rd at Leicester under Richard Johnson. He jumped well too and I'll have a chat with the owner and see where we go next.

We schooled Hard To Swallow, Manor Court and Junior Jack this morning and all jumped really well. All the rest cantered as it was an easy day today and most have gone out in the field for the afternoon.

Andrew & Louise Jones are calling in at lunchtime and we're all then going to The Plough after we've seen their horses and Freddie has shown them all the toys him and Harry got for Christmas! Our house looks like Toys R Us!

No runners until the weekend where we have entries at Warwick, Uttoxeter, Newbury, Exeter and Cheltenham so could be busy.

Wednesday 28th December 2011

Any Currency looked amazing in the Paddock at Chepstow in the Welsh National yesterday and ran well for a circuit yesterday but then dropped away and made mistakes and Alain pulled him up. Alain felt he 'bounced' and we'll get him fully checked out.

It was great to see Ian Popham at Chepstow with his Dad yesterday. It's his birthday today but the best present he could have is a positive reaction from his specialist tomorrow when he goes back for a check up. Fingers crossed.

Today we ran Teshalie at Leicester, his debut for us having only been with us for a few weeks. He is owned by Sue Brown and as Alain was in Limerick riding today, Richard Johnson took the ride. He gave him a lovely ride and he kept on to finish 3rd and we were pleased with him.

Tuesday 27th December 2011 - 27 winners for the season!

Ukrainain Star was quite brilliant yesterday at Towcester where he absolutely jumped for fun over fences to make all and win by 6 lengths under Alain Cawley. The Racing Post post race report described it as 'complete dominance from an all-the-way winner'. That winner provided us with our 27th winner of the season and equalled our best ever seasonal total!

One More Cookie ran a good race to finish 3rd in the bumper under Danny Hiskett. She's a nice mare and I am looking forward to running her over hurdles.

Junior Jack wasn't quite so lucky. He was running for the first time since he was tubed to help with his breathing and it was his debut over fences too. Having jumped well early on, he took off too far away from the 5th fence and landed on it catapulting Alain out of the saddle. Junior is fine and Alain walked away with just a bruised eye which I'm glad to report looks much better this morning. One very happy person is Freddie as Alain's hat needed replacing after that fall and Freddie is the lucky recipient of his old hat and it has hardly been taken off since!

We were all very disappointed with ATR's coverage though as for some reason they were showing three fixtures in Ireland but weren't covering Towcester. Very disappointing.

A big day at Chepstow today where Any Currency runs in the Welsh National. Usual work rider Helen Diment has been in Devon for Christmas so I've ridden him out the last couple of days and he feels as well as he looks - fantastic! I really couldn't be happier with him. I'm hoping he is bigger and stronger than when he struggled on heavy ground earlier in his career and thought his prep run was brilliant after such a long time off the track. Come on Woody!

Saturday 24th December 2011 - Christmas Eve

A fantastic time was had by all at the yard's Christmas Party at The Plough last night & a few sore heads this morning! Ian Popham joined us too which was great and he is looking really well. He wasn't used to being woken up so early this morning though I'm sure - Freddie has been even louder than usual knowing that Father Christmas isn't far away!

Alain 'Squeak' Cawley dressed up as Father Christmas to ride work first lot and Danny Hiskett wore a reindeer outfit. It's a shame that I can't put pictures on the blog however if you want to follow me on Twitter I am @martinkeighley7 and they are on there. They looked absolutely brilliant!

Helen Diment's husband James came to watch first and second lot and helped Pops look after Freddie & Harry so Belinda could ride out two lots and they both proved very useful babysitters! Extra rider outers today were Mark Caswell 1st lot and Miranda Theobald 2nd lot.

I then took Belinda, Freddie & Harry down for a late breakfast at The Plough (where else?!) and Pops & Squeak joined us too - we all failed to persuade Warrenb> Marston to come in and ride out on Christmas Day though!

We have three declared at Towcester on Boxing Day - Junior Jack, One More Cookie and Ukrainian Star.

No blog tomorrow so I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas!

Friday 23rd December 2011 - Happy Retirement Bertie!

Nearly Christmas Day & excitement mounting in our household & a couple of days left where Freddie can be bribed to be good with the threat of Santa not coming if he's not!

A Jockey Christmas Party last night at The Plough and the chance to catch up with a few old faces too from The Duke days including Xavier Aizpuru, who Belinda also went to school with and is now a successful jockey in America.

Tonight is our yard Christmas Party also at The Plough and no doubt a good time will be had by all - my fantastic Team certainly deserve it.

Current Point-to-Point Champion Jockey and winningmost Amateur Jockey of all time, (& Freddie's Godfather) Richard Burton, has decided to retire from the saddle which is sad but inevitable news. He retires in one piece and undoubtedly had nothing left to prove having won the Cheltenham Foxhunters and the Aintree Foxhunters and we were lucky enough to be there to watch both. He is a true gentleman and with his wife Hannah due to have their second baby shortly it was no doubt the right time to retire in one piece and get out whilst still riding at the top of his game.

Boxing Day declarations this morning so a busy morning and plenty of decisions to be made.

You can read today's STABLE TALK in the Gloucestershire Echo by clicking HERE

Thursday 22nd December 2011 - All For Free makes it 26 winners!

All For Free delighted us all yesterday by winning his second race in 5 days and becoming our 26th winner of the season. Watching the race I was never worried as he always looked to be travelling well, ridden handier than at Ascot and again jumped for fun. He is only a 5 year old so should give his owner Rob Aplin lots more fun days.

Always Bold pleased me with how he jumped over fences but was probably flattered to be 4th due to plenty of carnage in the race which he luckily missed. He will need to be dropped in grade a little to get his head in front over fences but it was good that he seemed to enjoy himself.

I thought we may get away with dropping back in trip with Mauricetheathlete in the testing Ffos Las ground but we didn't although he was still 4th. We'll step him back up again in trip.

No runners now till Boxing Day and absolutely delighted that we have had 26 winners before Christmas - an unbelievable amount and thanks to everyone for all their hard work and support.

Wednesday 21st December 2011

Work morning and Steve Harman was in 2nd lot to watch Typhon De Guye work (he worked really well) and discuss options for him.

Plenty worked this morning and I am delighted with Any Currency who has today been confirmed to run in the Welsh National. Let's hope he makes the cut as I couldn't have him in better shape and he will love the ground there if it's a slog.

Lots of youngsters that have been slowly coming to hand as I don't like them rushed, are pleasing me in their bits of work too. Cue Card's full sister went well this morning and I have a lovely gelding by Oscar, a Terimon gelding and also a mare by Flemensfirth who has been bought by a new syndicate run by Mark Boothright. A mare who hasn't been with me very long called Une Dame d'Or is also going well so there is a lot to look forward to.

A new horse arrived yesterday, a six year old by Presenting called R Craig and he seems to have settled in well overnight. He is owned by Mike & Kate Foster-Smith and has been doing his pre-training with Martin Jones at his Redmarley yard so it was no surprise that he arrived looking really well.

Three runners today. Mauricetheathlete goes to Ffos Las under his usual pilot Nick Slatter. Shorter in distance than ideal but the ground will no doubt make it a test and he should hopefully nearly win.

At Ludlow All For Free runs quickly as he has been put up 12lbs by the Handicapper for his Ascot win. I'm hoping it won't be too soon after that win for him as it is only 5 days but if he is in that sort of form and enjoys Ludlow then he too should go close. Almost Bold runs for the first time for me over fences after a couple of wins over hurdles. He lost his way over fences before he came to us but he has schooled well at home.

Jan Chenery called in mid morning to wish the Team a Happy Christmas and update us on Saffron Lord who is having a lovely break at the Sweeting's stud in Churchill. Another big thank you for all of our owners who have contributed to the ever-increasing Team Christmas fund - so kind and much appreciated.

Do click here to read about us on the Attheraces website. A nice piece about us too in the Weekender today by Steve Taylor.

Monday 19th December 2011

Not a great day on Saturday with Marleno and Caught By Witness running disappointing races at Haydock Park where they were just too bad to be true. We'll get them checked out thoroughly but disappointing for the owners and they added to that disappointment when their car broke down on the way home.

Alain Cawley pulled Benbane Head up with a circuit to go as he thought he'd gone wrong but I am delighted to report he seems none the worse and must have just banged himself. He'll have a break now as he's been on the go for a long time since winning his first of two races this season at Newton Abbot in the summer.

Our Head Girl Alice Reader had a fantastic day yesterday when her point-to-pointer Jacks The Lad won under Ryan Hatch at Whitfield. She rides Jack in her lunchbreak along with Andrew on his point-to-pointer who they keep up in the Village and it was a well deserved success.

No runners for us yesterday so Belinda & I took the boys and we bought our Christmas Tree & it is now up & decorated. Now we just need little hands to keep off it and not pull it down!

Saturday 17th December 2011 - Alfie's win makes it 25 for the season!

A great day at Ascot yesterday. Although I thought it was owner Rob Aplin's birthday a few weeks ago, I was wrong and it was actually yesterday so the plan was to try and have a winner for him on his birthday.

All For Free needed to improve on his last run for us but I hoped that Ascot would suit him and the testing ground certainly played into his favour. He jumped for fun although turning for home looked a little flat footed and as if he may have to settle for minor honours. However, he found another gear and flew past the leaders as if they were stood still, pinged the last and went on to win by 11 lengths! Very exciting and Rob's post race excitement showed what the game is all about - days like that. No doubt a perfect Birthday present for him and All For Free may have to turn out again quickly having won so easily!

We are at two meetings today - Ascot & Haydock Park. They have had not frost overnight at Ascot so I am happy for Benbane Head to make the trip there and I'll have a good walk round & listen to the jockey's opinions on the ground before I make the final decision. He wouldn't want it tacky which it would have been if they'd had frost but hopefully won't mind it soft. He's in great shape and the niggly problems which might have caused him to jump so badly last time have hopefully been sorted. A competitive Saturday Channel 4 Race at Ascot so no walkover but I think he'll put up a bold show.

My two at Haydock are Caught By Witness and Marleno. Witness has had a few niggly problems too which have kept him off the course for over two months but he seems in good form and needs to go someway to repay his owners' patience today. Marleno has been frustrating as he's certainly got an engine and I hope different tactics today may help him settle better. Dave Crosse rides both horses and Haydock is on having survived a couple of inspections. Traffic is always bad on the way there on this day every year so they set off early in the horsebox but it is still taking twice as long as normal. Not ideal.

Yesterday's Stable Talk in the Gloucestershire Echo can be read by clicking HERE.

Friday 16th December 2011

The Team had a great night last night with the first of our two Christmas parties. Linda Welch kindly made us a delicious chilli and we decorated the office and started the party there after evening stables. The presents from the Secret Santa were opened to much amusement and a lot of thought had gone into some especially! We then went on to the Coach & Horses pub at the top of the road for a few games of skittles and Barry & Helen were the winners of 'Killer' but Megan and Vicky deserve a special mention for repeatedly managing to hit the one pin they kept being left with! Good fun was had by all.

This morning the snow we were threatened with didn't emerge although it has tried to snow and rain most of the morning. Sue Brown and son Robbie were here third lot to watch Sue's new horse Teshali and she was pleased with him. She's keen to run him over Christmas sometime so we are looking at all the options.

Off to Ascot for one runner, All For Free, under Alain Cawley. I thought about sending him up overnight as we were threatened with snow but decided against it as was worried he'd be stuck up there in the snow and not able to get back! He needs to improve on his last run but I hope Ascot will suit him and Alain gets on well with him.

A huge thank you to all the owners who have donated to the Staff Christmas Fund. It is much appreciated by us all and thoroughly deserved by team as they work so hard in all weathers and generally still have smiles on their faces!

Thursday 15th December 2011

Slightly warmer this morning which may be more of a sign that snow is on the way? Hope not! Some weather forecasts I watch say we'll have no chance of getting All For Free to Ascot tomorrow and others say he'll get there but won't get home! Neither I hope!

Most of the horses worked yesterday and I am especially pleased with how some of the youngsters are progressing as some had their first pieces of fast work. It is lovely to see them slowly coming along. They'll not be rushed and will let us know how much work they can stand and some will come to hand easier than others.

A cantering day today and Peter & Trish Andrews came in third lot to watch De Forgotten Man canter and he is looking fantastic. Luckily he was very well behaved too. They then went off to Stow to do some Christmas Shopping and I'm sure Peter got Trish something special!

A new horse arrived a couple of days ago called Teshali. He's a lovely grey gelding and has been bought by Sue Brown and will hopefully give her a lot of fun. He seems to have settled straight in.

Great to hear that Choc Thornton's operation has gone well and we wish him a speedy recovery. I heard from Ian Popham yesterday and he is making great progress and has started swimming which is good news and he will now go every day in a bid to get fit again.

Tuesday 13th December 2011

It was a long way to Fakenham yesterday and Pilgrim's Lane could have done without any overnight rain. He ran well for a long way but then dropped away. He's had a long season and has gone home for a well deserved break.

Consult once again ran into one too good. He didn't have much luck in running having jumped the first slowly but kept on nicely and when he jumped the last well we hoped he could get past the McCoy/Jonjo horse. It was not to be and once again he'll probably be put up by the Handicapper for a consistent run without winning. Frustrating so we may well now school him up over fences and send him chasing.

A bitterly cold morning and first lot we endured hailstones, rain, thunder and lightening so Geoff Slatter was a welcome visitor with hot bacon sandwiches straight after 1st lot! He brought a bottle of port too which went down well! Work morning and everything worked well up the grass which was riding really nicely after 20mm of rain last night and about 40mm in the last week.

Monday 12th December 2011 - Ukrainian Star is our 24th winner of the season!

Ukrainain Star was given a good ride by Alain yesterday and scored in good fashion over hurdles at Hereford by 4 lengths. His riding orders were to go home the night before and watch the race when Warren won on him at Hereford and ride him exactly the same. That Alain did and as he made the majority of the running he remained clean whilst the others were absolutely covered in mud - it looked as if he'd only just joined the race in the last few furlongs!

Brimham Boy ran a blinder too but found one too good and finished 2nd. He jumped well and I hope to find a winning opportunity for him soon.

Jimmy Derham was in this morning and he is hoping to be given the all clear by the Jockey Club Doctor very soon as he is mad keen to be back on the racecourse.

Today two horses have made the long drive to Fakenham and Andrew Campbell & Barry are on duty there. Pilgrim's Lane runs in the big chase of the day and is in good form following his disappointing trip to Aintree. Charlie Poste rides him and he will appreciate the good ground.

Consult is my other runner there under Alain Cawley and he's in good form so I'm hoping for a big run from him too. With a bad run it can take 4 hours home so with a winner on board it will no doubt make that journey a sweeter one.

Sunday 11th December 2011

Two good runs by Champion Court and Havingotascoobydo yesterday to both be third and they delighted us all although I'd be lying if I didn't admit to being disappointed one of them didn't win but it's as tough as it gets at Cheltenham and I can't complain.

Champion Court looked a picture and Magda quite rightly won the Best Turned Out with him. Alain settled him really well and slowly crept into contention with ease and was travelling really well when he made an awful mistake at the third last which knocked the stuffing out of him, he went down on his nose and did well to stay on his feet. It took him a while to get back into his stride but he stayed on again then well up the hill. He needs softer ground to be seen at his best and we'll have to see how he is before deciding about whether he turns out again quickly at Kempton on Boxing Day as it may well be a bit too soon.

Havingotascoobydo was a bit keen to start with in behind the others but settled quickly when Alain moved him out wider and jumped better too. He was travelling fantastically well when the two leaders fell in front of him at the 3rd last leaving him just where he didn't want to be, in front. He needs to have a horse to chase so that did him no favours and Alain is sure he'd have nearly won if they hadn't fallen. We'll never know but what we do now is that he needs further and it was a shame he couldn't have had a crack at the big one.

Both horses are sound and well this morning and very pleased with themselves. There is no doubt there is a lot of fun to be had with the pair of them and both sets of owners were delighted.

Ian Popham joined us yesterday and looked really well and was very fast on his crutches! He's got another operation in early January and will then hopefully be back as soon as he can.

Today we have two runners at Hereford and they have each way chances. Brimham Boy runs over fences and is re-united with Danny Hiskett who has had to sit out 12 days after a whip ban and another ban for dropping his hands on Brimham and forfeiting 3rd place at Uttoxeter. Danny will be aiming to repay Brimham's owners faith in him today and he seems in good form.

My other runner is Ukrainian Star who was bitterly disappointing last time so wears blinkers today. They'll need to improve him a lot from that run but he is back over hurdles and is a course and distance winner there so we hope he'll enjoy himself.

On a sad note we lost two horses in the last week who have done a lot for our yard. Rodrigo Gonzales won three times over hurdles (including 24 hours after Freddie was born!) and once over fences. Although fragile and only able to run 16 times for us, he was only out of the first four places 5 times which is some achievement and shows how tough he was. He retired to the hunting field with his old work-rider Lucy Rivers-Bulkeley but had an injury which would have meant he'd not be able to be ridden again, which he'd have hated so the kindest, albeit hard, decision was to put him to sleep.

Another old boy who was very dear to our hearts was Prince Dundee. Not only was he our first winner in the Point-to-Point field, he was Belinda's last winner the day she retired from Pointing and was also our first winner under Rules at Taunton in January 2007. He always had dodgy front tendons but won four races for us and then was lucky enough to be retired to the British Racing School in Newmarket. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there and as he was a bit of a monkey he'd have enjoyed taking advantage & getting the better of any young rider - in the nicest possible way! We were regularly receiving stories from people who'd seen him and we went to see him on his summer holidays in 2010 and he was so happy. Probably inevitably he sustained another tendon injury and as he was 16 years old the vet didn't think it would repair well enough for him to be ridden again. That wouldn't have been for him and again the kindest thing was for him to be put to sleep too.

Two legends, who helped put us on the map and although a very sad week they both had the best 5 star lives they could have lived and we have masses of fantastic memories.

Saturday 10th December 2011 - A big day for us at Cheltenham

I am very excited about running both Champion Court and Havingotascoobydo today at Cheltenham.

Champion Court runs in the second race, the 3m 1f Novices Chase and I can't wait to see him over the fences again. Races at Cheltenham are always so competitive and this one is no different but he is in good order and is partnered by Alain Cawley today for the first time and he knows him well as he rides him out most days at home and has done plenty of schooling on him.

It seems bizarre that Havingotascoobydo was only reserve for the Spinal Research Gold Cup 24 hours, until 9am yesterday morning especially as the powers that be knew that Henrietta Knight had declared Calgary Bay for the race as 2nd preference to a chase at Doncaster as they have an overnight inspection. Surely Scooby could have been declared for the 2 miler at Cheltenham as 2nd preference overnight and kept his first reserve status in the big race until maybe 10am this morning. Then we would have at least had a chance to see if Doncaster was on or not and Scooby would have been on his way to Cheltenham anyway.

Someone pointed out yesterday that it is all because of the bookies that this couldn't have happened which is a shame but many have also said that it could be a blessing and is meant to be and I'm sure Scooby will have his chance in a big one in due course.

Therefore he now drops back to the minimum trip of 2 miles which isn't ideal and it's competitive too but he goes there with a massive chance and I'll be hoping Alain can switch him off and get him jumping well again. A few people have asked why he went wide at the last meeting there but the main thing was to get him concentrating, jump round and then think about winning.

Stable Jockey Ian Popham is coming to support us today and it will be great to see him.

Always Bold was disappointing yesterday at Doncaster. In hindsight he'd had two hard races when he won in soft ground over 3 miles plus and they had obviously taken their toll more than we thought. He looked a picture in the Paddock and seemed better than ever but Alain reported he was beaten passing the post with a circuit to go. We'll freshen him up again now.

Freddie was a fantastic Shepherd yesterday in his Nativity Play - obviously!

Friday 9th December 2011

It's gone 9am and with no non-runners in tomorrow's Gold Cup, sadly Havingotascoobydo doesn't get a run. What a shame he couldn't be reserve until 9am tomorrow when Trainers would have had a chance to see the ground today and decide whether or not it would suit them, seems a ridiculous rule but rules are rules. It gave us another 24 hours of hope/worry! Let's see how many non-runners there are by tomorrow's race - very annoying.

Scooby is declared in the 2 mile Jenny Mould Chase tomorrow so I hope he runs a big race in that. Champion Court runs in the first race tomorrow and is also in great form.

A huge group of people from the Racegoers Club here this morning to watch the horses and meet the team. It's always great to welcome people here and show them what we have to offer and hopefully they enjoyed their morning.

Before racing at Cheltenham it's a big day for Freddie - his debut in his Nursery Nativity Play where he is cast as a Shepherd. Big excitement in the house this morning and two very proud parents amongst lots of other very proud parents at the play no doubt!

Just one runner today, at Doncaster, Always Bold who has won his last two races in a row. Those were at Fontwell but I'm still hopeful Doncaster will suit even though he has a massive weight to carry. Alain Cawley rides.

Do read today's Stable Talk in the Gloucestershire Echo by clicking HERE. There is also a double page on us in the Racing Post Weekender this week if you are interested as it is a good read.

Thursday 8th December 2011

An agonising morning watching Havingotascoobydo get balloted out of The Spinal Research Gold Cup on Saturday at Cheltenham. He's missed the cut by only one and he is first reserve so all is not lost - if any horse is declared a non-runner before 9am tomorrow then he gets a run so fingers crossed. Alternatively he runs in the 2 Mile Chase on Saturday.

Yesterday Dave Crosse and Alain Cawley were in so we schooled Champion Court, Brimham Boy, Havingotascoobydo, and Pilgrims Lane and they all jumped really well.

A quiet morning work wise today but blowing a gale and so windy we've decided not to turn any horses out today which is unusual as they normally go out in all weathers because as long as they are well wrapped up they prefer to be out.

Freddie is practising hard for his debut on stage tomorrow as a Shepherd in his Nursery Nativity Play. Belinda stopped me a few weeks ago whilst promising him I'd not miss it for the world as she reminded me it was a Cheltenham Raceday so the chances are I'll have to hear all about it from his proud Mum!

There is a double paged spread on the yard in the Weekender this week so do get a copy if you are interested. Today's Stable Talk in the Gloucestershire Echo can be viewed by clicking HERE.

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