Martin's Blog

Thursday 24th July 2008

I fed Cheeky Lad first this morning and checked his legs, as I always do with them all, and all was fine and we were looking forward to a day at Uttoxeter. I was alarmed later on this morning when we went in to get him ready to leave for the races and he had quite obviously struck into his leg - most probably when rolling. We had Tim Galer in the yard and I got him to look at Cheeky and he scanned his tendon and, although it confirmed that the tendon was fine, he wasn't happy enough for him to run as there was some bruising. Therefore we unfortunately had to make the decision not to run him as you can never risk running them if there is any doubt into their well being. Sue Troughton, his owner, was understandably disappointed, but thinks the world of Cheeky, like we do, and just wanted the best for him. He may now go to Bangor next Friday.

We always have a great day at the races with Cheeky as Sue does an amazing picnic and comes in the horsebox with us - driven by Jeff Slatter. The food couldn't go to waste and so Sue brought her picnic, Mike & Jo Daniels to our house for an evening picnic - she made sure that Jeff was invited too! We had a very enjoyable evening and Belinda was delighted as she'd have missed out if Cheeky had run as she wasn't coming racing!

Tim Galer brought his daughter Gracie with him this morning and whilst Tim was busy in the yard Gracie looked after Freddie who thought she was lovely! We are going to have to keep an eye on him as he's most definately got an eye for the pretty girls!

Deb Butler was back today after a week on a dog training holiday plus a few days working at The British Racing School in Newmarket where she saw Prince Dundee enjoying his retirement there. He's a bit keen apparently and enjoying being in charge! It was great to have Deb back as she is good fun to have around and never knows when to stop working!

Belinda's parents look after Freddie's cousins Izzy & William on a Thursday so they brought them up for a ride on Onny which they both loved.

Tuesday 22nd July 2008

Glorious sunshine at last has ensured that everyone is in great form. Tom Siddall was in this morning for two lots - Sky Calling and Hareem. Sky Calling worked well with Rachel on Poliglotti and I rode Flagstone for the first time. I let Belinda ride Gonzo to make up for being jocked of Flagstone and may try and jock her off a little more often as I see why she likes him so much! Not only is he a lovely polite horse to ride but he worked really well too.

We then had a Yard Inspection late morning when Andy Streeter called to see us. These happen about once a year and he comes to check that we are doing the job properly. He leaves no stone unturned from Health & Safety to checking our fire risk assessments to making sure my schooling fences are of the correct specification. He is a great guy and as an ex-Trainer himself he is able to give us lots of advice which is a huge help. He seemed pleased with everything which is always reassuring.

Belinda had a visit this afternoon from Ian Piper who designed this fantastic website for us. He was going to give her some training today on how to update all the different pages herself but he found that the computer was the slowest computer ever so spent the afternoon deleting programmes she didn't need. He's back later in the week and she can't wait to update it all and make sure all the new horses are added to the website.

Sunday 20th July 2008

Although we don't usually ride out on a Sunday today was an exception. Today was my morning off too - Rachel does try to make me take every other Sunday morning off although with Freddie waking up between 5am and 6am the chance of a lie in is a thing of the past! I rode Cheeky Lad and Belinda rode Bowing and Rachel & Loopy kindly had them tacked up for us and ready to go. They both worked up the third time up the gallops this morning and went really well. Cheeky Lad pleased me a lot. He is due to run at Uttoxeter on Thursday and, although I am sure he will probably come on for the run, he is in good order and may be the type of horse that appreciates running slightly underdone at home and nice and fresh. We'll see but he couldn't have impressed me more today than he did.

I'd completely forgotten that my relatives Aunty June and John from Yorkshire were staying in Hereford for the weekend and calling by today so it was a lovely surprise to see them call in late morning. They'd not seen Freddie in person although Mum & Dad have no doubt shown them lots of pictures, so they spent quite a lot of time with us. I showed them around the yard too as they've not been to Condicote Stables before and they told us how lucky we are to be in such a beautiful location.

Neil and Alan Bayliss have completed digging out the new circular gallop and have done a great job. I've started to put the membrane down and need to have completed it by Wednesday when they are coming back to put the surface down. Belinda tells me I'm like a kid with a new toy as I am quite excited about this gallop!

Saturday 19th July 2008

A busy Saturday morning with plenty of extra riders in first lot. John Nicholson made his seasonal debut and rode Triple Venture and he shared everyone's opinion that he is a nice prospect although he sat tight at the bottom as we forgot to tell him he's a bit fresh and jumps around a bit! Miranda Theobald rode Sky Calling who worked well behind Rachel on Poliglotti led by Warren on Flagstone and he was pleased with him. Belinda wasn't too upset to get jocked off Flagstone as she cantered Rodrigo Gonzales for the first time and loved him. Dave Preston was in as usual and he cantered King Ozzy who was well behaved despite following Gonzo who stuck a few bucks in! Dave then rode Palmers Peak around the roads with Rachel on Any Currency and Loopy on Ocarito.

Work on our circular loop began yesterday afternoon when Alan and Neil Bayliss arrived with their diggers. They've not wasted any time and were in early again this morning and it is going to look very smart and will be really useful especially in any frosty winter weather.

Friday 18th July 2008 - AT LAST.....Luckley is ONLINE!!!!

Poor Belinda has been having a nightmare with BT but eventually we are online at Luckley (even though there is still a fault with the line so a BT Engineer is booked!). However, I'll now be able to give you regular updates and promise to keep you informed about us all.

Well, quite a lot has happened in the last ten days so I'm bound to miss some bits but will try and remember it all. David & Mary Cull and Jane & David Phipps, part owners in Prince Dundee, came last week to say their goodbyes to him as he went off to the British Racing School on Monday. A few tears in the yard but tears of joy as he will have the most amazing time there teaching aspiring new racing students the ropes - he'll love all the attention and probably love taking the mickey a bit when he's ridden too! Jeff Slatter took him and he rang as soon as he'd dropped him off to say that he's in a brand new stable and yard and it is a palace! Someone from the BRS rang the next morning to say he'd settled in well and seems really sweet. Fingers crossed he fits in well. We miss him loads but he couldn't be in a better place - a fitting retirement for a very special boy.

Belinda's mum Kathy is doing amazingly well during her chemotherapy treatment and has had 3 of her 12 sessions to date. She remains strong and in great spirits and is even looking after Freddie quite often whilst we are riding out which she loves and he certainly does too. Belinda managed to raise over £300 so far with her Race For Life as people have been so generous.

Freddie is growing fast and still having his weekly swimming lessons although he's not quite enjoying those as much at the moment so Belinda's taking him once a week to the pool at Stratford too to get him used to it. He seems to be settling in to life at Luckley and when Belinda's mum can't look after him we are sharing the riding out and he often comes with me in the truck to watch the horses work.

Lots of owners have been up recently, Mike Andrews called up last weekend to see Gonzo who he has shares in and it was great to see him - even if he was driving a courtesy car and not his very smart Maserati which is in for repair, poor Mike.

Sue Troughton called up in the week with Mike Daniels to see Cheeky Lad who is in good form. Alan Webb rode him today and we wish he could come in every day (and so does he as he loves Cheeky Lad) as he settles him so very well - it is great to watch them in action together.

Steve Gray & Bob came last Friday to watch Belinda's precious Flagstone up the gallops and then school up over the hurdles with Warren. He's going really well and Belinda's reporting him to be getting keener by the day!!

Lee Moulsdon came to ride out last Saturday and it was great to see him. He's been racing Arabs a bit this summer and been doing really well. He rode Triple Venture and loved him. Triple Venture is one horse that continues to improve and really please us a lot.

Ami Griffiths is back from travelling and has ridden out a couple of times. She has had an amazing time travelling to 11 countries and is absolutely buzzing from it all.

The summer of weddings continues and tomorrow it is the turn of Tom Gittins who runs the Westcote Inn Syndicate who own Poliglotti amongst a whole host of other syndicates in training with a variety of people. We wish him well and hope that by the time he comes back from honeymoon Poliglotti has won a race for us!

More news tomorrow or Sunday and I'll no doubt remember lots of interesting events that I've forgotten today!

Tuesday 8th July 2008 - We're back!

Hello! Apologies for disappearing for a whole week but from tomorrow we should be set up and ready to go so regular updates should follow! Lots to catch up on....

Last Saturday's wedding of Richard Burton & Hannah Kinsey was a magical day and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Hannah predictably looked like a princess and a good time was most definately had by all. The speeches were great and even Dicky Johnson & Adrian Wintle's best men speech was entertaining although Dicky did admit afterwards that he would happily pay a lot of money never to do it again! We stayed with David and Margaret Morgan, parents of Belinda's friend Sara who, as usual made us feel part of the family. Belinda's dad John did a marvellous job looking after Freddie who didn't seem to realise we'd been gone at all when we collected him on Sunday!

The best news of the week though is that Belinda's mum Kathy has been home for a few days now following her first chemotherapy treatment. She is truly remarkable and has taken it in her usual strong way and is in great form - an example to us all.

Sue Troughton and Mike Daniels called to see Cheeky Lad on Saturday and it was lovely to see them both. Cheeky looks forward to Sue coming as he is guaranteed lots of carrots!

On Sunday John & Sheila Finch and Joe Stainer & Sue Mulraine came to see their string of horses (!). Belinda was off running around Cheltenham Racecourse in her Race For Life so Sue and Sheila looked after Freddie whilst I showed John & Joe their horses. I don't know who had more fun - Sue & Sheila or Freddie but all three looked happy when we returned.

Belinda went off to Cheltenham for her annual Race for Life run, this year accompanied by her sister-in-law Michelle. She's not managed any training since she's had Freddie because as soon as she was able I got her back riding out and working in the yard so she's not had much time! It didn't seem to have done her any harm though as she clocked a time of 30 minutes, just 5 minutes short of her PB so she was very pleased. Through everyone's generosity she has raised over £300 for Cancer Research so a huge thank you to all that supported her. There is still some time to do so if you have missed out on www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/buzzybeee so please be as generous as you can for this hugely worthwhile cause.

Mark Boothright called by this morning just as Rodrigo Gonzales who he has a share in was ridden back into the yard by Belinda. He thought Gonzo looked a bit fatter than the last time he saw him - at Kempton Park on 1st March! I then took Mark off to see his horse Any Currency who is starting his roadwork after a nice break in the field.

Friday 27th June 2008

A quick update whilst I've managed to get online - the internet has not yet arrived at Luckley but next week now seems much closer!

Last week's wedding was fantastic and tomorrow we are off to Cheshire for the wedding of Richard Burton and Hannah Kinsey which promises to be a fantastic day and we can't wait. Belinda's poor mum Kathy is in hospital and has to undergo some chemotherapy but she is amazingly strong and has a wonderful spirit and keeps us all going, smiling through. As we are staying overnight in Cheshire Belinda's Dad is kindly looking after Freddie and we are sure he'll be fine. He's being an absolute star at the moment and he too is putting on a brave face for us all.

Belinda is running (not that she's had much time for training recently so maybe walking in the end!!) Race for Life at Cheltenham Racecourse on July 6th and if you wish to sponsor her please log on to www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/buzzybeee - you may have to cut and paste this link as links from this blog don't seem to work directly. Please do sponsor Belinda if you can as we sadly all seem to know someone affected by this horrible disease and the sooner we manage to find a cure the better.

The horses are all fresh and well and we should have some runners again by the end of the month - sorry sun worshipers but let's pray for some rain and decent ground by then.

Freddie had his first swimming lesson yesterday - I think Belinda is hoping he will become a swimmer instead of a jockey as it sounds much safer! He apparently really enjoyed himself and so did his mum!

Meanwhile, blog hopefully updated again regularly from next week.

Friday 20th June 2008

Apologies for the lack of a blog this week - internet access not yet set up at Luckley and BT can't come for another fortnight so they may be few and far between for the time being.

A quiet week but a busy two weekends ahead. Belinda's best friend from school, Izzy McClement (Freddie's godmother) gets married to Adrian Crispin at Dorsington Church tomorrow and then afterwards we are partying at Chipping Campden. We are praying for sunshine but aren't sure we are going to get it. We were told on our wedding day (10 years ago next month!) that rain was good luck and it has been so far so we'll tell them that too if it decides to rain! We wish them loads of luck for the future.

Great news is that our lovely Prince Dundee has been accepted by the British Racing School and goes there in 3 weeks time. He'll love it there and will be looked after amazingly so we are very happy indeed. We can visit him whenever we want to and Belinda's going to take Freddie and visit his other godmother Amy, who lives in Newmarket, as much as she can.

We are settling into our Cottage at Luckley and absolutely loving being on site.

As soon as BT have been the blog will be back regularly so until then you'll just have to come and see us for the news!

Sunday 15th June 2008 - The Big Move!

Belinda, Freddie, myself, Buzz & Otis moved to Condicote Stables yesterday and it was amazing waking up this morning and just having to walk out of the back door straight onto the yard. My parents were down to help too and Dad has been a great help. We are still trying to let out our lovely house at Toddington so if anyone is interested or knows anyone ... just go to www.martin-elliott.co.uk. Being on site will make so much difference and we feel totally at home already.

We had two of Stockton Flyer's owners Jason & Steve in yesterday as Deb Butler and I wanted to decide what to do with him to get his confidence back totally jumping as he went to pieces during his last run. They came and watched the horses on the gallops.

Dave Preston came in for two lots riding Triple Venture, who was fresh and buzzy 1st lot, Miranda Theobald was in too and in great form. Nige Hiskett rode Bowing 1st lot who worked well and runs on Wednesday in the same race as Poliglotti at Worcester.

Quick blog today as lots still to do on the house moving front .. I'll help with the heavy lifting then Belinda can finish the tidying and putting away and Freddie's just managed to watch & smile lots!

Friday 13th June 2008

Tom Siddall was in yesterday and he rode Triple Venture who is fresh and well and he liked a lot. We also had a visit from two of Flagstone's owners who had not been before and they really liked our set up. It was a gorgeous sunny day so the yard and facilities were looking at their best.

Warren Marston and Gerard Tumelty were in today. Warren rode Anabaa's Secret who he thinks a lot of and he schooled up over the hurdles. Gerard rode Bowing and got on really well with him. He's got a lovely way with horses as he is quiet and Bowing was very settled. He schooled him and he jumped well. Warren then schooled Poliglotti leading Gerard on Flagstone and these two were great.

Nige Hiskett put a £1 in the fine box this morning - Friday 13th it was for him! King Ozzy and Hareem had their first canters. Nige rode Ozzy who managed to dump him shying at a log before we even got to the gallop. Hareem tried to dump me but luckily didn't succeed!

Wednesday 11th June 2008

Another lovely day so everyone is even happier than usual! Warren came in today and worked Flagstone with Rachel on Poliglotti and they both were awesome so Rach and Warren were delighted with them both and so was I. Exciting stuff and hope they both produce that form when they make their debuts for us.

Phil Brush our Farrier was in this morning and shod Cheeky Lad and trimmed Belinda's beloved pony Onny before going on to do President Hill out in the field. He is so reliable and Onny in particular has benefitted from Phil's expertise.

A very exciting day with two prospective new owners coming to look around our fantastic facilities. One was planned and the other on the off chance but we don't mind how they come! It does make the long hours so worthwhile when they are as impressed as we are proud of what we have to offer here.

Tuesday 10th June 2008

Cheeky Lad has come out of his Worcester race in good form and we are hoping the Handicapper will drop him a few pounds. I would love to run him in a 0-110 if he's dropped at least 2lbs in the near future as I don't think carrying weight will be a problem with him as he is a strong individual.

This morning we had a visit from the Westcote Inn Partnership who own Poliglotti headed by Tom Gittins. Tom does a fantastic job with his many partnerships and has known Belinda for many years having been in Pony Club together. It was a perfect morning weather wise and Condicote Stables could be seen at its best. Warren came in and rode Anabaa's Secret, Rachel rode her now beloved Poliglotti, Belinda rode Flagstone and Nige rode Triple Venture. They all did two strong canters and went very well indeed. Belinda's Dad, John, also brought a few villagers from Condicote to watch so it really was a good crowd. Poliglotti's owners, which include Dinah Nicholson, seemed very pleased with how he has settled in and how happy he looks so we are all keeping our fingers crossed for his debut for us. He looks fantastic.

Sammy Joynes called in yesterday to see us. Sammy did all the tractor work for The Duke and was a huge asset to his team. He now works at David Bridgwater's yard the other side of Stow on the Wold. It was great to see him.

The lovely weather means that we've been putting fly sheets and hoods on the horses when they are turned out. It is great to see those that are on their summer break having some proper summer weather. Badly Bruised went out in the field with Prince Dundee and Ocarito and they all get on well. We are hoping a good rest will result in Badly Bruised's big knee reducing in size - our vet Jeremy Swan hopes it will do the trick. In another large field on the other side of the village are President Hill, Palmers Peak and Any Currency and they are all great mates too and always seem to be having lots of fun!

Saturday 7th June 2008

A beautiful morning greeted us today and although I've said it before, there really is no better place than riding out where we are on a lovely day - we are very lucky. Miranda Theobald was in today and sat on a rather fresh Rodrigo Gonzales around the roads. We went on a long ride across the valley to Hinchwick with the three that were cantering first lot which were me on Anabaa's Secret, Rachel on Poliglotti and Belinda on Flagstone. They absolutely love this ride and enjoyed themselves even more when the cows in the field we went through decided to come along too!

The most frightening moment of the morning however was the sight of three hot air balloons looking like they were going to land in our turnout field. We were helplessly riding out at the time so could just watch and pray from afar as we had two horses (and Belinda's precious pony Onny - possibly the most highly strung of the lot!) turned out. The first one landed just short and the third the other side of the farm but the middle one landed just on the edge of our field. Absolutely unbelievable that they could see that there were horses looking scatty as they approached and they still chose to land. The back up car that was on its way to collect the first Balloon stopped and assured us that they will let the powers that be know that we are a no landing zone in the future. Thankfully there was no harm done. Belinda was rather hoping they'd offer us a free ride as she's always wanted to go up in a Hot Air Balloon!

We had a visit this morning from David Preston who lives in Broadway and had heard that we were looking for help at the weekends. He has had experience in racing yards before although works for the Environment Agency in the week so would only be available at weekends. This will hopefully suit us down to the ground and he seemed to fit in with the team instantly.

Last night was our now regular weekly after work drink at The Plough for the Team. We even managed to persuade our Farrier, Phil, to come along! Landlord Craig has a 'Meat Draw' during the winter on a Friday night but has decided to have one once a month during the summer too. We are usually quite lucky and last night was no exception! Warren won a huge leg of lamb and Belinda managed to persuade him to give it to her on the understanding we cook it and he comes and helps us eat it! Belinda then won a huge platter of BBQ food so was she was delighted.

Fingers crossed for Cheeky Lad this afternoon. He deserves to run a cracker and we can't wait for Tom Siddall to ride his first winner for us as he puts in a lot of hard work - let's hope that day isn't far away.

Friday 6th June 2008

We had two runners yesterday. Bowing ran at Wetherby over hurdles and his jockey, Liam Payter, reported afterwards that he didn't put his best foot forward and didn't really want to know. Marie Bunce, who owns him, along with her boyfriend Micky Harris have done a good job settling this headstrong customer and he schooled brilliantly up our hurdles the day before but yesterday he didn't jump particularly well either. Very disappointing.

Stockton Flyer went to Newton Abbot over a trip that was going to be on the short side for him but his preferred race was at Uttoxeter and the ground was too quick there. In fact Newton Abbot's ground dried up considerably which was very frustrating as Cheeky Lad was due to go there and as it happened it would probably have suited him well. It was a long way to go though in case it hadn't dried up as testing ground would not have suited him one bit. Stockton Flyer was never travelling and didn't jump like he does at home either so Tom pulled him up. We'll get him scoped to see what is going on as that was too bad to be true and he's been going really well at home.

Allen Webb was in this morning and put the finishing touches on Cheeky Lad who now goes to Worcester tomorrow. It is a very hot race there but he's well and needs a run. Anabaa's Secret misses his intended debut over hurdles at Hexham as the ground there is too quick. He's very full of himself and you can see your reflection in his coat so I'm very keen to run him soon. He may now go to Sedgefield in 10 days time and I'll have to have my weetabix daily between now and then to hold him! Warren schooled him yesterday and he was foot perfect. There's still time to come and look at him if you want to buy him before he runs......!

Wednesday 4th June 2008

Yesterday Triple Venture's lovely owners came to watch him in the pouring rain again (it was pouring last time they came too) but they won the hardy award as they stood in the rain to watch him do two canters! Belinda wanted to bring Freddie up after second lot to see them as they've not met him yet but it was just too wet and he was happy with his Grandparents in the dry!

A busy day today but the sun was shining so we were all feeling happier than normal! Warren was in to school first lot. Belinda let him ride her precious Flagstone and he liked him too. He jumped well given a lead by Marie on Bowing who runs tomorrow. Bowing schooled well and Marie was really pleased with him. He should run a cracker at Wetherby tomorrow as long as he settles. Warren also schooled Stockton Flyer who runs tomorrow at Newton Abbot. We would have preferred to run him at Uttoxeter but the ground went too quick for him. The trip is a bit too short for him at Newton Abbot but he's in good form and Deb Butler who owns him and rides him out every day is really pleased with him. Anabaa's Secret schooled too and was foot perfect - bring on Hexham!

Our physio, Maggie Turner, is away on holiday and we needed a few horses looking at so we got Anna Rowland in to check them. Anna is a trained physio and shadowed Maggie a few weeks ago and said Maggie was inspirational. Anna checked Anabaa's Secret and was happy for him to run on Saturday. She checked a youngster who was wrong and she treated her and gave her a good massage which she definately enjoyed. It is great to know that we have a first class back up if Maggie is on holiday again when we need one checking!

Monday 2nd June 2008

This morning was beautiful so it is hard to believe that Stratford was waterlogged yesterday and some of the courses we've entered on Thursday are soft or wetter.

We had quite a few of us out first lot today. Pete Welch was back from a week's holiday in Wales looking bright eyed and bushy tailed! Micky Harris came in to ride out and brought his girlfriend Marie to ride out too. Marie owns Bowing who is due to run on Thursday. The string was completed by Deb Butler, Rachel, Belinda and myself and we went for a nice long hack and then cantered round the loop both ways as Monday is an easy day following their day off yesterday.

We then took Flagstone and Anabaa's Secret to Jon Trice-Rolph's for schooling. Warren rode Flagstone who has been off the ground at Martin Jones' yard in his school and Martin has done a good job settling him as he was apparently a bit free to start with. He jumped well and Warren & Jonny were pleased with him. Tom Siddall rode Anabaa's Secret who has come on in leaps and bounds and he absolutely delighted us.

Saturday 31st May 2008

We took the horses on first lot across the valley to Hinchwick which is a ride they absolutely love and where we work them almost without them realising. It was a beautiful morning and we had quite a string out first lot. Nigel Hiskett was on Cheeky Lad, Miranda Theobald came in and rode Sky Calling, I was on Anabaa's Secret, Deb Butler was on Stockton Flyer, Rachel rode Poliglotti, Micky Harris was in to ride Bowing and Belinda was on Flagstone. They all absolutely flew especially Anabaa's Secret and I'm quite frustrated that Stratford has been waterlogged off tomorrow as he is in top form. Belinda cantered him yesterday for the first time and thought, from watching others on him, he was an easy canter but soon realised he's flying too as she struggled to hold him!

Belinda's very taken by her new first lot Flagstone who is very flashy, is a great ride and has a lovely nature in the stable. Rachel seems equally taken with her new first lot too, Poliglotti, who she is also looking after and treating like an absolute king so he hopefully decides that this game is wonderful and scoots up next time out! That's the idea anyway!

Micky said this morning that as the yard was full of ex Duke employees he was quite expecting The Duke himself to appear around the corner. We all agreed that he'd have the first bollocking from him as he used to get quite a lot of those!! He remembers starting when Belinda was riding out every day before school and her fellow classmates, Xavier Aizpuru and Sashi Righton came in at weekends. Xavier is now Champion Jockey in America and Sashi is a very successful Jockey's Agent based in Newmarket.

We have entries at three different meetings on Thursday so it could be quite a hectic day if they all stay in good form and one piece before then and the weather doesn't do anything unpredictable in the meantime.

Thursday 29th May 2008

Our two most recent additions to the yard, Flagstone and Poliglotti, have settled in well and were very well behaved when they were ridden out this morning. They loved going out in the field for the rest of the day and had a good buck and a kick and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Both Warren Marston and Tom Siddall were in for two lots today. They rode Sky Calling and Anabaa's Secret respectively first lot and they both schooled up over our hurdles a couple of times and were foot perfect. Anabaa's Secret may run at Stratford on Sunday, weather permitting, and Sky Calling is in next week at a couple of fixtures.

Sue Troughton and Mike Daniels called in at evening stables to see Cheeky Lad and brought him some carrots which he happily tucked into. We agreed that Stratford on Sunday will probably be too wet for him so he may now go to Newton Abbot but I see that the ground there is currently heavy too so who knows .... what a wonderful summer we are having! Chris Clarke also called in during evening stables to see his youngster, William, who Warren rode out second lot this morning. Warren thinks he will take time and would benefit from going out in the field in a month or so and coming back in for a late autumn debut.

Wednesday 28th May 2008

It poured and poured with rain this morning so we all got absolutely soaked - so much for the English summer! The horses don't seem to mind though and neither did our gallop watcher and her dog, Bonnie Webb, who was out first lot to watch her husband Allen Webb who was riding out. She thought we have a beautiful spot at Luckley in the rain and fog so goodness knows how much she'll be impressed when the sun is shining!

Craig Brown, The Plough's landlord, came in second lot to ride Badly Bruised out who is owned by The Plough Partnership. He's still recovering from a badly cut knee sustained at Uttoxeter last time but is going the right way so we're all keeping our fingers crossed.

Matthew Delahooke was busy for us today collecting two horses to come into training with us. Poliglotti, owned by The Westcote Inn Partnership, was with us whilst recovering from a tendon injury before going back to Alan King's yard last autumn. However, he's run well for Alan without getting his head in front and Alan and The Westcote Inn Partnership hope that a change of scenery and a small yard may do the trick so let's hope so. He's fit and ready to run and will do so in two or three weeks time. It's great to have him back.

The other horse that arrived today came from Martin Jones' breaking yard near Ledbury and he is a very flashy individual called Flagstone who has been running on the flat for Dandy Nicholls. He's chestnut with a white face and four white socks so Belinda's fallen in love with him already. Martin Jones has had him to start him off over poles and show jumps and is really pleased with his progress. Martin does a great job and we are always happy to have horses from him as we know the job has been done properly.

We'll have to order two new coloured browbands from Dinah Nicholson for when these two horses run as we like them to run in browbands with their owners' colours on. Dinah called in yesterday to see us and deliver one such browband so we are very pleased to be keeping her busy as each new browband ordered means a new horse to our yard!

Tuesday 27th May 2008 - The dreaming begins....

Rodrigo Gonzales is now back in training which is very exciting as we can start dreaming about his winter campaign for real now! He's done really well over the summer, a little too well by the looks of his belly but we'll give him a lot of steady work to start with and he'll be looking trim again before he starts any fast work.

Hareem and King Ozzy have also come back in and with the awful weather we've had over the last couple of days they seem very grateful to be in their warm stables overnight. King Ozzy in particular has strengthened up over the summer and his owners, Graham, Karon and Stephanie Hollick called in to see him yesterday and it was lovely to see them as we've not seen them for a while. They were delighted to see little Freddie as they've not yet met him.

We've started a Fine box with £1 payable for mistakes like forgetting to put the horses' water bucket back in and falling off - proceeds to go towards the Christmas Party. Mr Marston was one of the first to contribute to this box after being unseated whilst schooling this morning .. the horse did slip but it was still an unseated rider so we'll not let him get away with it! There was a suggestion that those with a jockey's licence should pay £5!!

The horses schooling this morning were Sky Calling, Anabaa's Secret and Bowing and they all schooled really well over the hurdles and should be ready to run in the next few weeks.

Sunday 25th May 2008

Yesterday we had a couple of extra people in to ride out. Mark Caswell, who Belinda last saw swinging his hips in a Salsa dancing club in Cheltenham during a hen night last weekend came in and it was great to catch up with him.

Allen Webb was also in and rode work on Anabaa's Secret who worked better than he's ever done before so we're all quite excited about his imminent debut. He'll need to go to Jonny's and do a couple more bits of schooling there before he goes up our hurdles and then he can run. Webby thought he was great too as he didn't come off the bridle. The horse he worked with was a new arrival called Bowing who is nearly ready to run and will do so in two or three weeks. He worked well too. Deb Butler was pleased with Stockton Flyer but we need some serious rain for him to get a run so the rain dancing goes on!

Friday 23rd May 2008

Cheeky Lad did us proud again yesterday running an absolute blinder at Worcester and finishing 3rd in a very competitive chase. He jumped and travelled well and Tom was very pleased with how he settled. They seem a great combination. He's seems well this morning too so we'll find another race for him in the not too distant future.

Poor Pete rang in early this morning saying he had a sore hand and couldn't ride out. This was the result of him being unseated not once but twice yesterday - it really wasn't his day. Pete is usually the most unshippable of us all and hadn't even been out drinking the night before so he was very cross that he had a bad day!

We took two horses to Jonny Trice-Rolph's this morning for schooling. Sky Calling was ridden by Warren and she jumped well and Tom Siddall rode Anabaa's Secret and it was the first time he's left the ground. He wasn't sure about the trotting pole on the floor at first but soon got the swing of things and Jonny was getting as excited as we were as he was very neat in front and behind. After jumping a cross pole and then a spread in the school he went out and was eventually jumping three tyre jumps in a row and was absolutely loving it. He seems a natural so we are now very much looking forward to his racecourse debut in the next few weeks. He is for sale so if you are interested in looking at him before he runs then do please give me a ring. We turned them both out in the field when they got home and Anabaa's Secret was particularly pleased with himself that's for sure!

Wednesday 21st May 2008

Frustratingly for Stockton Flyer's connections the rain has not descended over Worcester so he doesn't run tomorrow. However, it is good news for Cheeky Lad who likes the faster surface and he will therefore take his chance in the two miler. It is a competitive little race but everyone who has sat on Cheeky in the last week or so thinks he's in cracking order so we'll keep our fingers crossed that he goes one better than last time. Nigel Hiskett, who rode him out this morning, is leading him up tomorrow night. He's very excited that it is Ladies Day at Worcester so is looking forward to seeing plenty of scantily clad ladies providing the sun comes out. Mind you, the ladies at Aintree seem to brave the cold April weather with not much on so Nige may be in luck whatever the weather!

It doesn't seem five minutes since some of the horses were turned out for their summer break but we are already looking forward to a few coming back in. Hareem and King Ozzy are pencilled in to come back into work at the weekend and they've both done really well during their break. King Ozzy, in particular, seems to have really grown into his frame and Hareem will hopefully have had the rest required to overcome his niggly problems.

The summer clean up goes on however and Rachel has been hard at work cleaning all the rugs in particular and bagging them up and labeling them. It's a dull job but so useful when a new horse comes into the yard and we can see exactly which rugs will suit without having to hunt for the sizing on a huge pile of them. We are hugely grateful to the large washing machine that Choc Thornton gave us six months ago as we have been able to wash most of them ourselves this year and saved lots of pennies. Those that are two big for it - only 6 this year - are collected by Zoe Davies, The Rug Runner, who does a great job.

Deb Butler, our other resident fitness freak apart from Rachel, demonstrated yesterday why she is so fit. She'd come in yesterday in her lorry so Belinda gave her a lift home but Deb needed dropping off at the Warwickshire University where she is a lecturer at Moreton Morrell. Along with Deb, Belinda dropped off Deb's bike and Deb cycled the 13 miles home later in the afternoon - quite possibly overtaking cars as she went!

Tuesday 20th May 2008

First lot yesterday we took the horses for a lovely long ride. We are lucky enough to have the facilities to vary their routine regularly anyway but even so we decided to go exploring and the horses loved it. We took Stockton Flyer, Sky Calling, Cheeky Lad, Palmers Peak and Anabaa’s Secret and went across the valley to Hinchwick, along a bridle path and back through the woods. This bridle path through the woods couldn’t have been used for a while as it was overgrown but they didn’t see to mind and Anabaa’s Secret, who has been in a flat yard all his life, seemed very excited to be going somewhere completely different and was buzzier than the rest. He’s been used to following the horse in front just up and down a gallop so life with us must be far more exciting.

Rachel was in bright and early and seemed amazingly fresh given that she’d walked over 26 miles through the night the day before. She worked a full morning in her usual flat out fashion and then was persuaded to have the afternoon off to relax (hopefully!).

Phil Brush, our Farrier, was kind enough to come in just after 6am to replace a shoe Stockton Flyer pulled off when schooling yesterday plus shoe a youngster and the new Irish horse Any Currency who Phil tells us is improving each time he sees him. He’s quite nervous and lost a lot of condition during his journey to the Cheltenham Sales, back to Ireland and then back again and he’ll go out in the field soon to relax and build himself up.

Maggie Turner, our Physio, was in during the afternoon to also check the Any Currency. He’s very nervous with her too and was slightly wrong but Maggie was quick to gain his trust, treated him a little but will see him again properly after his mini break when he’ll hopefully be more confident. We’ll handle him every day and get him to trust us. He’s such a lovely horse and everyone that comes into contact with him likes him a lot. Maggie also checked Cheeky Lad ahead of his run later in the week and was delighted with him.

Sunday 18th May 2008

I am pleased to report that Rachel has successfully completed the Moonwalk over the London Marathon course but apparently pulled up a little sore after the line so will need a long soak in a hot bath no doubt. Belinda was delighted to know that there was someone else in the world awake during the night when she was up feeding Freddie and Rachel kept her updated on her progress with regular text messages. They had a cold night for it so not many were brave enough to wear just the customary bras! Well done Rachel, a huge effort and we are all very proud of you. Again, any sponsorship donations gratefully received.

Tom Siddall was in this morning to school Stockton Flyer and Cheeky Lad. They both schooled well and Cheeky was very extravagant and Tom had to sit tight as he took off miles away from the ditch!

Ann-Marie Matthews, who has recently moved into Condicote, has been coming up to help us out at evening stables and was in again this morning too. She's told us her nickname is Loopy which seems quite apt and she definately adds to the jollyness in the yard! We've had quite a few people comment recently that there is a lovely atmosphere in the yard which is great to hear. Loopy worked with horses quite a few years ago when she was based at Capt. Mark Phillips' yard near Gatcombe working for some American Eventers. It is a small world as she used to drive the horsebox over to Condicote when Mark Phillips used David Nicholson's woodchip gallop that we still use today.

Cheeky Lad wasn't declared for his intended race tomorrow as the ground has gone at Newton Abbot. He's entered at Worcester and Stratford later in the week so we'll keep an eye on the weather. Stockton Flyer may run at Worcester too.

Thursday 15th May 2008

Cheeky Lad's owner Sue Troughton came yesterday to watch him work and brought with her some gorgeous flapjacks which didn't last very long! Cheeky went really well and so did Stockton Flyer whose rain dance has obviously been working as the heavens opened today after breakfast.

We are sure that Triple Venture's owners actually brought the rain with them! Peter & Doreen Evans along with Bob Daniels and his daughter came to see him and it had been raining when they left home and got to us just after they arrived.

Pete Welch seems to have got a new ride that he loves. Pete has ridden out for us since our point to pointing days and rode Prince Dundee every day whom he adored. They absolutely clicked and when we retired him last week we didn't think we'd find a new ride for him that he gelled with quite so quickly. However, he now rides Anabaa's Secret who he's fallen for so we're really pleased. Deb Butler has asked Moreton Morrell College about the possibility of them having Prince Dundee and so they are going to come and try him and if they like what they see he may go to them in the autumn. We think he'll be ideal and will be spoilt rotten there so we hope it works out.

Our Head Girl Rachel is off to do the Moonwalk over the London Marathon course during the night of Saturday for Breast Cancer Research. She's been training really hard and apparently has got her wildly decorated bra to wear as it is restricted to 15,000 women and they all wear their bras - although lots do wear their decorated ones over clothing! If any of you wish to sponsor Rachel then please do sent a cheque made payable to 'Cancer Research' and we'll ensure she gets it. Knowing her, she'll be one of the first to finish! Good Luck Rachel!

Monday 12th May 2008

Mark Boothright called in to see his lovely new horse today Any Currency who has settled in really well. Luckily he liked what he saw and agreed that he'll need a good summer at grass to grow into his frame.

Tom Siddall was in to ride Cheeky Lad this morning even though it was a quiet morning with the horses just doing one canter. There really is no better place to be on a sunny morning than riding out from our yard which is obviously what Tom thought instead of enjoying a lie in! Cheeky Lad is entered at Newton Abbot next Monday and we hope that the win that he was so cruelly denied last time will happen there - his owner Sue, Tom and indeed Cheeky definately deserve it. He's in great form.

Stockton Flyer is nearly ready for a run so we need to start some serious rain dancing for him I'm afraid - this sunshine is all well and good but Spike needs some juice in the ground. His supportive owners deserve for him to get his head in front too.

We were pleased to hear that Chris Clarke's point to pointer Double Trigger won a maiden at the weekend. He came to us in September for a month to possibly run in a bumper but was too backward so Chris sent him to Peter Mason who trains and rides him for Chris. Huge celebrations all round no doubt and well deserved.

Saturday 10th May 2008

Palmers Peak seems to have come out of his race well so we will wait to see what the Handicapper does to his rating and can then plan where he goes next. The DVD of his win has nearly worn out already as all visitors to the yard have been keen to see how he took the notable scalp of Flight Leader and we are all happy to oblige and watch it again!

Chris Clarke came up yesterday morning to watch his nice youngster go up the gallops and he was pleased with what he saw. He is coming on in leaps and bounds and will take time as he is a big horse and doesn't know very much but there is a lot to like about him. Tom Siddall was in and he rode Anabaa's Secret, our 3 year old from Jamie Osborne's yard who is for sale. Tom thought he was a cracking chap and was quite taken by him. He'll be aimed at Juvenile Hurdle races over the summer and Jamie told us he's sound and tough and should stand quite regular racing over the summer which is ideal. Do let us know if you'd like to come and watch him on the gallops.

This morning Mark Boothright's new arrival was at the yard bright and early from Ireland. He is called Any Currency and looks super although will most definately benefit from a good summer out at grass to build him up. Gerry Hogan told us he was quite lean when in Ireland and he apparently worried quite a bit during his journey so was quite tucked up this morning. Jeremy Dance who worked with us at The Duke's for quite some years drove him over. Jez works for Ken Gamble Horse Transport and regularly transports horses to and from Ireland and so we were keen to secure his services as soon as Gerry told us Any Currency was ready to come over.

Warren Marston rode out first lot today on Stockton Flyer and Steve Aspinall was in to watch him as he has a share in him. Stockton Flyer worked really well and Warren was delighted with him. He's a big horse and following his breathing operation we want to make sure he is 100% before he runs but he won't now be far off a run so we'll get our heads together, do some rain dancing and find some options for him in the Racing Calendar. Cheeky Lad also went well this morning and will run again in a week to ten days. Miranda Theobald was also in this morning and rode Lorraine Jackson's nice mare who is coming along very well. As well as her and Chris Clarke's young horse is Triple Venture who Rachel rode this morning. His stable name is Chunky because of his size when he arrived but the more work he gets the fresher he seems to be and is quite a live wire so we're now beginning to think Chunky doesn't suit him at all! He's smashing and we are very lucky to have a really nice bunch of young horses in at the moment.

Sally Sandes left us yesterday as she is moving back home to Ireland. Her family are there and she has land and big plans for the future as she intends to build somewhere to live and an equestrian facility. She's got a very good eye for a horse and should do very well indeed. We were sorry to see her go and wish her all the best for the future - hopefully she'll be breeding horses for us to win with in seasons to come!

Thursday 8th May 2008

What glorious weather we are having at the moment. Yesterday morning it was perfect for a whole group of locals who had successfully bid for a 'morning on the gallops at Condicote Stables followed by breakfast at The Plough' at a North Cotswold Hunt Auction a few months ago. They arrived just after 7am and watched first lot on the gallops and we all enjoyed a glass of champagne whilst doing so! It was then back to the yard to watch the horses washed off and given a pick of grass to dry out before being turned out in their fields. Belinda rode Cheeky Lad who was playing up to his audience by getting down and rolling in front of them all - he rolled straight over twice and at The Dukes' we always said this was a sign that they'd win next time out so here's hoping...!

Patrick Murphy and his daughter Siobhan (who was celebrating her birthday) called in just after first lot to see Badly Bruised and we invited them along for breakfast too. As usual Craig looked after us fantastically and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy their morning.

Last night was Hunter Chase Evening at Cheltenham which is one of our favourite nights of the year. The weather was perfect which ensured a large crowd and they were rewarded with competitive racing. It was fantastic to see both Charlie Sands - who used to keep his ponies across the road at Luckley - and Will Kinsey ride their first Cheltenham winners. Both of them were understandably elated and it was really exciting for them.

Palmers Peak's owner Joe Stainer booked a table at The Plough following the racing for supper to celebrate his Kelso win with us all and we were joined by Patrick Murphy, his daughter and her husband and Mary and David Cull. David came with us to Kelso and was a great help so Joe was keen for them to come and enjoy the celebrations. It is now customary for us to take any cups we win to The Plough and for them to be filled with champagne so as Joe hadn't been to Kelso I delivered the cup to him via The Plough and it was filled up all night! A superb night was had by all - apart from Freddie who, after being very vocal at Cheltenham was luckily tired enough to sleep through our supper!

Wednesday 7th May 2008 - Success at Kelso puts us in the top ten Trainers List for the season!

Our first trip to Kelso was a successful one and brought our first winner of the season when Palmers Peak outjumped the hot favourite Flight Leader to win the 3m 1f Novices Chase for The Haddington Challenge Cup. Warren seems to be riding better than ever at the moment, gave him an awesome ride and showed why he is such a huge asset to our team. Palmers Peak's ears were pricked the whole way and he went on to score by 5 lengths.

I am absolutely delighted for his patient owner Joe Stainer - after he strained at tendon at Cheltenham and we were worried whether we'd get him back to the track at all, Joe was never in any hurry to rush him and let him have the most important thing - time. Joe has also stood by my decision three times this season to not run him having got him to the races when I've been unhappy with the ground - he's been to Leicester, Southwell and Towcester! So he deserved yesterday 100%.

Unfortunately Joe couldn't be at Kelso and neither could Belinda but she tells me there were tears of joy at home as Belinda won on Palmers Peak twice in point to points, adores him and has been riding him out every day for the last 6 weeks since she had little Freddie!

The ground dried up too much for Ocarito so we didn't run him and dear old Prince Dundee, who owes us nothing, showed us he's not in love with the game any more and we are happy to retire him in one piece. How we managed to win four times in four consecutive seasons I'll never know with his awful tendons. We'll find him an amazing home which he deserves - he'll be a great riding horse so do get in touch if you think you can give him that wonderful home.

Tuesday 6th May 2008

The Team arrived safely at Kelso yesterday and the horses even enjoyed a pick of grass in the evening sun without their rugs on as it was so warm there! They seem to have travelled well and settled in to their stables for the evening.

Palmers Peak is in cracking form and we really fancy him to run a big race. Although he is back up in trip again, he has won point to points at this distance and Kelso is a much easier 3m 1f than Cheltenham. We are hoping Ocarito might settle better today but that remains down to him and we'll just wait and see. He's had a nice break since his last run. We've taken the cheekpieces off Prince Dundee on his return to fences. He schooled well for Warren in the week and we hope he could run a cracker - we'll see if he wants to put his best foot forward but he's in great form.

As it was such a long journey I got Jeff Slatter to drive us all in his lovely horsebox and Nigel Hiskett and David Cull have come up to lead up. The Kelso management looked after us really well last night taking us out for an all expenses paid meal and we are very much looking forward to the day ahead. Fingers crossed we may come back home with a winner.

Back at home Rachel is holding the fort and Deb Butler kindly re-arranged her week to come in today which was a great help. The horses all apparently went well first lot and Deb was happy with her horse Stockton Flyer who went very well. Rachel was happy with You Me And Theboys who will run shortly.

Friday 2nd May 2008 - So near.....

Our first runner of the new season Cheeky Lad ran last night at Huntingdon under Tom Siddall and ran an absolute cracker. It was his first run for us and Tom had done quite a lot of work on his jumping at home and at Jon Trice-Rolph's too so we were pleased that his owner, Sue Troughton, was happy for him to ride him as they get on well. Ideally Cheeky prefers the minimum trip of 2 miles but there was nothing around that suited and he needed a run so he had to run over a trip that was going to stretch him to the limit.

We all agreed that the best plan would be for Tom to drop him out last and settle him and creep into the race at the last possible moment to try and get the trip. It all worked nearly to plan, he jumped really well indeed and was in front jumping the last. Unfortunately the petrol gauge went to empty soon after the last and he got pipped into second place up the run in. After we'd all got over the inital disappointment of a winner being snatched from under our noses we appreciated what a blinder he had run. Nick Luck on Racing UK even said it was a magnificent training performance - we assume that was because he settled and jumped so well and so nearly won. Praise indeed.

Today in the sunshine Warren and Tom came in and schooled a bunch second lot. Warren schooled You Me And Theboys over the hurdles and he continues to like him a lot. He jumped very well and was very settled which was Warren's aim. Warren then schooled Palmers Peak over the fences and he was his usual awesome self. Next Warren schooled Prince Dundee over the fences leading Tom on Stockton Flyer. Prince Dundee doesn't usually love schooling over fences at home but was really good today and Stockton Flyer probably needs a bigger fence although he did nothing wrong, jumped well and Tom was pleased.

Maggie Turner came to check and treat some of the horses that are due to run soon and also the ones that have recently arrived. Elaine Gore, who worked with us for The Duke, brought two of her own horses over from deepest Herefordshire for Maggie to treat them. It was great to see her and she was delighted that Maggie didn't find much wrong with either of them.

Tuesday 29th April 2008

It was terribly disappointing yesterday to leave Towcester, for the second time in succession, without my horses running. Yesterday I was very unhappy with the ground and didn't run Palmers Peak or Prince Dundee and felt justified in pulling them out when the jockeys returned from the first race reporting the ground \"quick and rough\". I am very lucky to have patient owners who don't insist I run their horses when they have gone to the trouble, and expense, of traveling to the races themselves. Sadly they still incur traveling expenses for their horse, which is not cheap especially with diesel at the moment, so it is very frustrating all round. I will try and find other opportunities for both those horses in the next week as they are flying.

Harry Lee-Warner brought a friend to look around this morning as she has a young horse that she is looking for someone to train for her. Unfortunately Harry didn't realise a couple of horses were coming up our dirt gallops second lot as he'd met most of the string going the other way so he took her down in the car and parked next to that gallop. Belinda was on Stockton Flyer leading Nigel on a young horse having its first canter for us and Belinda nearly ended up on the floor as Stockton Flyer shied and careered off the gallop! The young horse he was meant to be leading couldn't see what all the fuss was about and kept as straight as a die!

It seems to be nearly the end of the local baby boom as Belinda's childhood hunting friend Claire Smith, and her partner Gary, had a baby girl this morning called Freya - a future girlfriend for Freddie maybe!

I'm delighted to report that Mr & Mrs White's lovely mare Nicky has returned to their home following her colic operation and we wish her a very speedy recovery.

We are also delighted that the horse that Gerry Hogan loved at the Cheltenham Sale but was sent home the day before because it had a bruised foot, has passed the vet today with flying colours. He is called Any Currency and is an exciting new horse for Mark Boothright and we are all very much looking forward to his arrival at Condicote Stables.

Sunday 27th April 2008

Following Thursday's torrential rain we welcomed the sunshine yesterday and today with open arms. It was even warm enough to ride out yesterday without exercise sheets and the horses' coats looked absolutely amazing in the sun. We had a huge string out first lot with all the usual work riders in and also Miranda Theobald and David Murray too. All the horses seem in great order and are appreciating the warmer conditions.

Palmers Peak and Prince Dundee run at Towcester tomorrow although a splash of rain there would be greatly appreciated. Palmers Peak wouldn't want it to be on the quick side of good but Prince Dundee would just about get away with it if it did go slightly quicker than good but we'd prefer him to run on genuine good ground with no jar.

They are both in great form especially Palmers Peak who we are looking forward to running back in his own grade following his run in a decent race at Cheltenham. Prince Dundee will decide himself whether it is a going day or not but he is bright enough in himself and looks amazing. Fingers crossed we can start the season with two great runs.

Later in the week Cheeky Lad is entered at Huntingdon on Thursday. He too seems in good order with himself and we are looking forward to him making his debut for us. He is a smashing horse with a lovely temperament which makes him popular with everyone in the yard.

Thursday 24th April 2008

April showers hit us this morning first lot where we got absolutely soaked to the skin! All good for the ground though so we tried not to complain - which was hard!

Warren and Tom Siddall both came in first lot. Warren rode You Me And Theboys and thought he was lovely. He worked him and he went very well indeed. Tom rode Cheeky Lad who also worked really well and he then schooled him up over our fences and he jumped very accurately and we were both pleased with him.

Belinda was very happy with Palmers Peak who she rides every day as he is in great form following his run at Cheltenham last week. He will run at Towcester next Monday and should have a cracking chance. Prince Dundee also goes there and, after being balloted out last week, definately gets a run which makes life a bit easier. It is a nightmare when horses keep getting balloted out as you build them up for the run and then have to let them down again. Nigel Hiskett rode Prince Dundee today and said he couldn't believe he was 13 years old!

Wednesday 23rd April 2008

Spring has arrived at last and it is lovely to be able to take the rugs off the horses that are out in the field on their holidays. It does seem odd though with Summer Jumping that the season finishes this Saturday and starts again on Sunday! We seem to be as busy as ever too as we have had a sudden influx of new horses arrive. A nice mare arrived at the end of last week who has been in steady canter work and is ready to go on and do a bit more work. One of our current owners went off to Ascot Sales earlier in the week and bought a lovely big 5 year old by Nomadic Way. He has settled in immediately and we can't wait to put him through his paces.

Although we had no luck at the Cheltenham Sales last week, one that Gerry had shortlisted and liked a lot was spun by the vets and sent back to Ireland before the evening of the Sales as it was lame. It turned out to only be a bruised foot so Gerry went straight back to look at it again in Ireland last weekend and has done a deal. We are waiting with our fingers crossed for it to hopefully pass the vet. He's a type that will need a bit of time but is an exciting prospect.

It was unfortunate that both Cheeky Lad and Prince Dundee were balloted out of their respective races at Worcester today. Cheeky Lad is now in at Ludlow this Sunday and Prince Dundee and Palmers Peak are entered at Towcester next Monday. All three are in great form and we look forward to hopefully starting the new season with a bang.

Thursday 17th April 2008

Palmers Peak has returned unscathed from Cheltenham yesterday where he ran really well for a long way and absolutely jumped for fun eventually finishing 5th. Warren is convinced that he is actually better over a shorter trip - I've always been convinced he needs as far as he can get - but he thought he'd run out of petrol after about 2 miles 5 furlongs yesterday. So we'll try him over a shorter distance and back in his own grade in a novice chase in two to three weeks and go from there.

Yesterday we took both Stockton Flyer and Sky Calling to Jon Trice-Rolph's for some schooling. Tom Siddall rode Stockton Flyer who didn't concentrate all that hard and Warren rode Sky Calling who was really pleasing especially considering she's done so little schooling. Mark Allen who runs the Nicholson Racing Syndicate who own her came to watch and was suitably delighted.

Last night we went to the Brightwells Sales at Cheltenham after racing there with orders for three horses although Gerry Hogan had warned us that we would probably be lucky to come away with one as he felt sure they were going to fetch quite a lot of money (especially with the drink flowing on most tables!). And how true that was as we watched so many go for what seemed to be possibly quite inflated prices. The mare everyone had been waiting to see was a half sister to Denman called Denwoman and she fetched an amazing £250,000 - she was lovely. Gerry is off back to Ireland where he has a few to look at for us over there and if we have no luck there we'll head off to the Doncaster Sales where Gerry is convinced you get more for your money.

Our next runners won't be until next Wednesday night when Worcester returns. Prince Dundee and Cheeky Lad are both entered there and are both in great form.

Simon Hart has a friend who can read what a horse is feeling through just having a lock of it's hair so Rachel supplied him with some of Badly Bruised's hair and Simon's friend Claire analysed it for him. The findings are quite amazing and Simon assured Rachel he only let Claire know his name and age. She found out that his stable name is Noddy although he prefers to be called Noodle which Rachel calls him and also that he'd suffered from sore shins - which is true. She found out that he is very busy and a bit of a worrier and only likes to arrive at the races at the last possible minute or he leaves his race in the racecourse stables. This again is so true and we do try to get him there as late as we dare. She gave us a few pointers of what he'd like changing in his life and also assured us that he is talented and wants to race - all very bizarre but if it works we may start sending more hair off to her! She also does humans so maybe she can tell us why Freddie is happy to sleep through the noise of the Sales Ring and when he's at The Plough but doesn't want to sleep much when he's at home, especially at night!!

Tuesday 15th April 2008

We were generally pleased with Badly Bruised on Saturday at Uttoxeter - although Warren felt he was running like he thought something was going to hurt for the first two miles he then let himself down up the straight and ran on through beaten horses to finish 7th. Unfortunately though he somehow managed to cut himself on his knee and hindleg which bled quite a lot and needed staples. Nothing is ever straight forward where he is concerned! He's a bit stiff but should be fine and we look forward to getting him back into work in the next week or so and planning his next run.

Tomorrow Palmers Peak runs in a Novice Chase at Cheltenham which should be interesting! He looks quite out of his depth on paper as although there are only six runners, they are quite useful and rated considerably more than him. However, his owner Joe Stainer is very keen for him to run, he's in wicked form and we think he's a spring horse and he did jump around Cheltenham very well in his Hunter Chase a couple of years ago. You never know whether some of the others who have had a hard season may be feeling the effects of that and with such a small field we only need a few to run badly and him to run a cracker to be placed.

Warren was in this morning to school Palmers Peak who jumped very well and Tom Siddall came in and schooled Cheeky Lad who he seems to get on well with and was pleased with him.

After racing tomorrow is the Brightwells Sales where we bought Rodrigo Gonzales from last year. We have orders for possibly three new horses from there so three similar to him would do the job nicely! It should be a great night and the Sale continues to go from strength to strength and Gerry Hogan has already identified about 30 horses that he likes a lot. By tomorrow night after he's studied them all close up he'll have knocked quite a few of those off the list but hopefully there will still be a good selection to choose from and we'll hope the bidding goes our way.

Our newest addition to the yard, You Me And Theboys, is going really well and all the girls seem to be falling for him as he's a lovely little horse. The rest have their summer coats quite established and are looking really well.

Saturday 12th April 2008

Badly Bruised goes to Uttoxeter today after being pulled out of his intended race at Towcester on Thursday due to the ground. It always seems almost a harder decision to decide not to run a horse when we have gone to the trouble of transporting it there and getting all the owners there but I have never regretted not running one when there have been doubts about the ground as there is always another day. I'd kick myself if I took a risk as these horses are so precious and my owners rely on me to try and ensure they stay in one piece as much as I can.

Mr & Mrs White's lovely mare Nicky sadly had a bout of colic last weekend which required surgery. She'd been going so well and we were delighted with her progress and she looked a million dollars so it was such a shame. It was a compaction colic and the vets say there is no way of knowing how it happened and quite a shock too as we've been lucky enough never to have one with colic before. We visited her yesterday and were allowed to take her out for a pick of grass and she seemed bright enough. If all goes well then the vets advised she'd need a couple of months off box rest and then a month in the field and she could then come back into work. I always try and look on the bright side and at least she'd done plenty of work and may come back from this even stronger. She won't be rushed back though as she seems quite a special mare. Fingers crossed she keeps improving.

Belinda and Freddie went to Cheltenham on Thursday to watch their day of pony races and in particular Tom Bellamy who often rides out. They watched him finish 2nd and Belinda was very impressed with his riding as he already looks the finished article. He'd been 2nd the night before in a Pony Race at Andoversford Point to Point too. Pony Racing is a fantastic idea - they have had it in Ireland for years and it was interesting to see that out of the 15 finishers in the Grand National last Saturday only one jockey was English. Hopefully now so many of the new crop are coming up through pony racing (Felix De-Giles, Haddon Frost to name but two) this may change.

Some more horses have gone out in the field for their holidays including Hareem and King Ozzy so we'd like the sun to come out for a while now so they can have their rugs off and enjoy the sun on their backs.

Sue Troughton came to watch Cheeky Lad work today and he went really well and hopefully goes to Worcester in a couple of weeks. It will be great to be back racing there after the floods put paid to so many fixtures at Worcester.

Wednesday 9th April 2008

After the snow we all woke up on Sunday morning we have all been glad to enjoy some sunshine over the last couple of days and it has been warm enough to take the rugs off the horses that are on their holidays in the fields for the day. However, with the changable weather it is not yet warm enough for them to go without rugs permanently.

The horses that are still in are all well and we look forward to Badly Bruised who is running at Towcester tomorrow. Hopefully we are now on top of all the problems that have troubled him so far this season so we will be looking for an encouraging run. Warren schooled him yesterday and was pleased with him. He's in great form and has been doing a lot of dressage to build up the muscles on his back and we'll all be hoping he thoroughly enjoys himself and runs a cracker.

Palmers Peak and Cheeky Lad are particularly well at the moment and maybe are enjoying a bit of sun on their backs too. Joe Stainer came to see Palmers Peak yesterday and has encouraged us to put an entry in at Cheltenham next week in a Novices' Chase. He ran a cracker there to finish 4th in a Hunter Chase two years ago under Richard Burton but sadly broke down quite badly but that is just one of those things and you can't blame the course. I'm sure it will be a warm race being Cheltenham but we can see.

Mark Boothright also called in yesterday - not just for a cuddle with Freddie (!) but also to see Rodrigo Gonzales on his summer break as Mark is part of the Nicholson Racing Syndicate. For those of you worrying that Freddie is becoming a bit of an alcoholic and visiting The Plough far too frequently will be pleased to know that he has not been there since Saturday!

Prince Dundee is absolutely jumping out of his skin so maybe he's heard about our retirement ideas for him and is trying to tell us that he now thinks otherwise! We'll keep him in training for a while and play it by ear - life would be so much easier if they could talk to us and tell us what they would prefer to do!

Friday 4th April 2008

Good old Prince Dundee probably looked after himself a bit yesterday at Taunton and is quite possibly getting even wiser! Tom Malone on the Sky Channel Attheraces yesterday tipped him as the pick of the paddock and said that he looked really well and stood out which was great to hear.

After the race Gerard Tumelty reported that they'd been squeezed up going down the back straight for the last time just as the leaders were kicking for home which didn't do him any favours as he was then done for toe. He's been an amazing servant to us and everything was in his favour really yesterday - 3 miles on decent ground so we will have a bit of a think and decide where we go from here. He doesn't owe us anything having won 4 times for us - once every season in fact despite having the worst tendons you will ever see so we also don't blame him for looking after himself. He's A1 this morning though which is the main thing.

Gerard has been in to ride out this morning before dashing off to Aintree where he has a ride in the bumper for his Boss Alan King. He rode Badly Bruised and liked him a lot. We also had Allan Webb in to ride out and he rode Cheeky Lad who can be quite keen with a bit of a high head carriage but Webby gets on really well with him and showed us he's not lost any of his skills!

It was great to see Choc ride the winner of the first race at Aintree yesterday and we will be keeping our fingers crossed that either Choc or Dickie Johnson ride their first winner in the big one tomorrow - The Grand National - so good luck boys.

Thursday 3rd April 2008

Prince Dundee runs at Taunton today and is jumping out of his skin so we are hoping for a big run or more importantly hoping he decides to give us a big run as it is all down to him and how he's feeling! The step up to 3 miles is what he's been crying out for and there are just not enough races like this over that distance. He's won over 3 miles three times in the Point to Point field so it should suit and Taunton is where he won for us last season so everything crossed. His part owner David Cull is leading him up today so hopefully it will be the first winner he's lead up!

Yesterday Mrs White came to watch her lovely mare who is going really well and also brought her gorgeous event horse to use the gallops. He is being aimed at Belton Horse Trials in a few weeks time and everyone absolutely fell in love with him.

We took Badly Bruised and Cheeky Lad to Jon Trice-Rolph's for some schooling too and they were both very impressive. Badly Bruised, under Warren, was as good as ever and both Joe Stainer and Craig Brown came to watch him. It was Cheeky Lad's first trip there and he jumped excellently under Tom Siddall and they both seemed to thoroughly enjoy their schooling session. Mike Daniels came to watch Cheeky who nearly ready to run and we all can't wait.

The first day of the Aintree Festival is always very exciting especially watching the races over the National Fences and, this year, Kauto Star running in the Betfair Bowl. Belinda and I went to Aintree on this day last year and were delighted that both Choc Thornton and Dickie Johnson rode winners and Richard Burton won the Foxhunters on Scots Grey. Bertie rides Alvino this time and we'll be cheering him on for sure - hot on the back of riding a treble on Easter Tuesday.

Tuesday 1st April 2008

We were all delighted with Palmers Peak's 3rd place at Kempton on Sunday. The winner does look quite special and Palmers Peak jumped and travelled really well. Warren was very impressed with his jumping and thinks that there are surely Novice Chases to be won with him as his jumping is so good so we'll hope he is right.

We've managed to turn a few of the horses out for their summer holidays as the weather has warmed up a little and they seem to be enjoying themselves. It will be great when the weather is warm enough for their rugs to come off and we can get some sun on their backs but from the weather forecast at the moment I am not sure when that will be!

It is great to have Stockton Flyer back in training following a wind operation and although we are hoping for good weather for those out in the field, we wouldn't mind rain for him as he loves soft ground so we shouldn't really complain whatever it does! Warm rain maybe should be the order of the day. Stockton Flyer seems in great form and it will be so exciting if the operation has done the trick as his owners deserve some success and so does the horse.

Sally Sandes' Classic Cliche youngster is also going the right way and she is enjoying her work. She is for sale and is a smashing classy looking mare who is really pleasing us so do come and have a look at her if you are interested. She's got a great attitude with a bit of spark too!

Joe Stainer & Sue Mulraine met us for supper last night at The Plough and they can't wait for Palmers Peak to run again. Freddie seems to be becoming a regular at The Plough and last night was enjoying sitting on the lap of godfather Warren Marston much to the surprise of everyone there who didn't have Warren down as a natural with babies but Freddie seemed very happy!

Saturday 29th March 2008 - Belinda back in the saddle!

Belinda rode out today for the first time since last August and was absolutely delighted to be back. It has been the longest time she's not ridden out ever so with Freddie a month old yesterday she decided the time was right to ride out again. Freddie was dropped off at his grandparent's in Condicote early enough for her to ride her beloved President Hill 1st lot and Sky Calling 2nd lot. She'll probably be aching tomorrow!

I worked Badly Bruised today who Simon Hart has done a wonderful job with on his flat work. Simon's really pleased with him so I was quite keen to have a sit on him myself to see how he felt as if he is well then I can start planning where he can run. The partnership that own him, The Plough Inn at Ford, have been really patient with all his problems and deserve a change of luck. He worked really well and I was delighted with him so will have my head in the Racing Calendar tonight to plan where we can go with him.

As of lunchtime today Kempton Park has dried out a little with the Chase course given as good to soft, soft in places. Palmers Peak runs there tomorrow and he looks an absolute picture. He's never gone on soft ground before but hopefully now he is much stronger if it is soft then he may handle it now. We'll see tomorrow. He couldn't be in better form, Warren has a 100% strike rate with us at Kempton Park (2 out of 2 - both Rodrigo Gonzales) so fingers crossed.

Friday 28th March 2008

On Wednesday Mike Daniels and Sue Troughton came to watch Sue's lovely horse Cheeky Lad work and Joe Stainer was also in to watch Palmers Peak work too. They worked well so we were all pleased with them. Warren schooled Palmers Peak yesterday ahead of his run on Sunday at Kempton and he was electric. We are now praying the rain doesn't descend too much on Kempton as he doesn't go on it any softer than good to soft.

Prince Dundee worked well too and now goes to Taunton next week which should suit him better than Stratford would have done tomorrow.

We have welcomed a new inmate called You Me And Theboys owned by Kim Pugh which has come from Mick Appleby's yard. Mick has sadly decided to take a break from training for the time being and has gone to work for Andrew Balding. I actually won a bumper at Aintree many years ago on the dam of You Me And Theboys, La Bella Villa, who was in training with Nigel Twiston-Davies so it is lovely to now have the opportunity to train one of her offspring. He's a nice looking horse and we hope we will have a lot of fun with him.

This morning Mr and Mrs White came to watch their mare on the gallops and it was great to see both of them. She is going really well and is ridden most days by Nigel Hiskett who has done a great job on her as she is quite buzzy and we like her a lot. It hopefully won't be long before we can think about planning her debut outing in a bumper.

Tuesday 25th March 2008

Snow instead of sunshine greeted us at the North Cotswold Point to Point at Paxford yesterday where Rachel, Deb and myself were checking girths at the start helping Simon Hart who was the starter. They are usually blessed with glorious sunshine at this fixture but with Easter being so much earlier this year there was a mixture of snow, wind, rain and a bit of sunshine however it did ensure that their going was nearly perfect without watering which they normally need to do for weeks beforehand. Belinda & Freddie came too and Freddie seemed to enjoy his first day of Point to Pointing!

We were delighted to hear that Jonnie Morrey had ridden his first winner at High Easter Point to Point on Saturday on his own Mr Naborro whom he bought last summer. Jonnie had a horse with us a few seasons ago and has been knocking on the door quite a few times without actually managing to win a race so this was very well deserved. Well done Jonnie!

All of Freddie's godparents have ridden winners over the weekend! Richard Burton won on Ballylusky at Sandon on Saturday and the other two rode winners yesterday, Warren Marston and Amy Stennett, both re-routed from Fakenham which was called off after an early morning inspection. Warren then went to Huntingdon where he rode a double for Henrietta Knight. Amy had intended to ride her own horse Find Me Another in Fakenham's Hunter Chase but luckily had an entry in a point to point so they re-routed there and duly won so Freddie's very proud of them all!

Saturday 22nd March 2008 - Happy Easter!

We're not sure how long it has been since we've had snow on Easter Saturday but we certainly rode out in a blizzard this morning! All the horses were wrapped up well though and didn't seem to notice it although Prince Dundee certainly had something to spook him as he tried his best to unseat Pete Welch at the bottom of the gallops but luckily Pete was his usual unshippable self and sat tight! Prince Dundee is in great form and worked like a demon yesterday so we are looking for a suitable race for him in the next week or so.

Gerard Tumelty was in yesterday to ride work as well and rode Cheeky Lad who was also in good form. Gerard failed to tell us that it was his 23rd Birthday - in the old days at The Duke's he'd have had something awful done to him beginning with being thrown in the water trough!

We were disappointed to hear that Warren Marston didn't win the Special Recognition Award for Jump Jockeys at the Lesters - the Jockey's version of the Oscars - on Thursday night having been shortlisted. However, they seem to save the award for those that have retired or are nearing retirement (it was won by Russ Garrity who retired last year) so perhaps we should be pleased as we need Warren's riding expertise for quite some time to come!

After struggling with various machines that you couldn't really call tractors for years we were very excited to receive delivery of a tractor from Charlie Rolleson yesterday. Not only does it work (!) but it also has a warm cab (no more hours of freezing in the cold, getting wet & breathing in fumes!), it has a radio that works and also has a large shelf in the cab that Otis can lie on! Exciting stuff!

As soon as the snow and wind decides to leave us we are eagerly awaiting sunshine so that we can start turning the horses that are finished for the season out in the field to enjoy the spring grass. We've got quite a few that would benefit from a break now and will come back in to go summer jumping.

Palmers Peak may be our only runner this week and is in great form working very well yesterday. He holds entries at Bangor on Saturday and Kempton Park on Sunday and we'll decide where he goes a little nearer the time.

Tuesday 18th March 2008

Sky Calling hated the chewed up ground at Uttoxeter on Saturday which, by the time of her race, we knew she probably would. However, Warren came back in buzzing as he really liked her and despite her not going on the ground she still gave him a good feel. She will now be schooled up and put away for a short break before bringing her back for Summer Jumping. Warren is sure there are hurdle races to be won with her.

The rest of the team are in great form. We have even had a couple of new recruits in the past couple of weeks. Anabaa's Secret has arrived from Jamie Osborne's yard having run about 10 times on the flat being placed on numerous occasions. He arrived the same day as Freddie was born so Rachel decided his stable name just had to be Freddie - gets quite confusing at times! He is a lovely little chap and is for sale. He's only 3 years old so can't run this season so he will have a short break in the field and come back in to run in Juvenile Hurdle races over the summer. He's not very expensive so if you are interested in him do give us a call and come and meet him.

The other new recruit is Cheeky Lad a lovely horse who has already won several times over fences. He's striking with a big white blaze and he's another one that will go Summer Jumping. He's pleasing us a lot at home already and absolutely loves his work so we can't wait to get him on the track as he's quite exciting.

Our Classic Cliche youngster that arrived six weeks ago has now been named and will race as Triple Venture which we think is very smart indeed. Hopefully he'll be as smart as his name is!

Ocarito runs at Market Rasen tomorrow after a bit of a break so we will be hoping for a bold show from him. We don't have anything else entered up in the next few days so are making the most of the quite time to do various extra jobs around the yard.

Saturday 15th March 2008

What an amazing Cheltenham Festival with so many fantastic performances and full credit must go to Cheltenham and all of those who helped keep the show on the road after Wednesday was abandoned. Freddie enjoyed both Thursday and Friday too! He has helped ensure that both Belinda and I haven't woken up each morning with the usual Festival hangover as life has changed quite a lot since he arrived!

Our only runner today is Sky Calling in the bumper at Uttoxeter and she is in cracking form. It is the first time she has run in the colours of the Nicholson Racing Syndicate who also own Rodrigo Gonzales and if she's somewhere near as good as him we'll be happy. She worked really well earlier in the week so we are hoping for a bold show although it does look a red hot bumper so if she ran into a place it would probably be a great run. Warren Marston is rushing back from Wetherby to ride him so we are hoping that he doesn't meet any traffic hold ups on the way. We have a certain Choc Thornton on standby so are quite pleased with that!

Belinda now thinks she's a bit of a tipster now following a lunch we had in the Kings Arms in Stow-on-the-Wold a month ago and she filled in their Festival Tipster Competition. We've had a phone call this morning to say that she won 2nd prize - a meal for two in their restaurant which is great - her selections included Tidal Bay, Katchit & Denman to name but three!

Wednesday 12th March 2008

What a day at The Cheltenham Festival yesterday and one of our wishes came true with Choc Thornton riding a double including on Katchit for Alan King in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle. What a tough performance that was and full credit to the little horse who stands at just 15 hands high. He must have the heart of a lion.

Freddie won't remember his first days racing, not only because he was only 11 days old but because he slept through the whole occasion which left Belinda a very relieved Mother! He was definately the star of the show although a lot of people thought Belinda was quite mad being out and about only a week after leaving hospital! The only hiccup we had was from one sad person feeling the need to complain that Freddie was in the Paddock when it clearly states that children under 12 years old aren't allowed! The policeman in charge of the Paddock pointed the complaint out to Belinda, but did add that he'd told them she had lots of horse sense & wouldn't put Freddie in any danger plus she knew Cheltenham better than most. He also said that Freddie was hardly running around - he was in a papoose under her coat! The policeman told her he wouldn't mind what she did but had to point it out to her. What are some people like?!

How terribly sad that the high winds have caused Cheltenham to abandon today's racing there. Tom Siddall was in first lot this morning and thought I was winding him up when I advised it was abandoned as had a ride there today. So tomorrow and Friday will be marathon days but very exciting and we keep our fingers crossed that there are no more high winds over the next 48 hours.

Tuesday 11th March 2008

Freddie enjoyed his first night at The Plough last night (with his parents!) for their Cheltenham Preview Evening where his Godfather Warren Marston, Gordon Clarkson and Andrew Tinkler hopefully gave us lots of winners for the exciting four days ahead. It is always a great night, the marquee is packed to bursting and Craig puts on a fabulous carvery which is available all week. Freddie luckily slept through the whole evening!

With the awful forecast yesterday coming true we got the horses out on Sunday morning and turned them out in the field too so yesterday we kept them all in their boxes safe and sound. I treated everyone to a well deserved full breakfast at The Plough before their busy week ahead where we will be working full tilt in the mornings so that we can see as much of Cheltenham as possible before heading back for evening stables.

We haven't got any runners in the next few days so we will just be enjoying meeting up with friends at Cheltenham and hopefully cheering Choc Thornton, Richard Johnson and Richard Burton (Amateur races) into the Winners' Enclosure on lots of occasions.

Hope you all have a great Cheltenham!

Sunday 9th March 2008

Thursday's runners at Lingfield Park were a bit disappointing but there seems to be reasons for both of them. Hareem returned unsound and we are monitoring his fetlock joint which he is sore on. Palmers Peak, after breaking down badly two years ago, seemed to be simply looking after himself and, although he jumped well, on easier ground we would have expected him to be a lot nearer than the 4th he finished. He's quite a hard horse to place as he won't go on much softer than good to soft as he doesn't handle it yet doesn't want it quicker than good.

Today's intended runner Sky Calling has been taken out as she was sore this morning when trotted up and our vet has diagnosed a bruised foot. So disappointing for today but she should be right in a couple of days and we'll find another opportunity for her very soon.

With us being so close to Cheltenham there is a air of excitement and a buzz about the place with just two days until The Festival. Although we've got no runners this time we will all try and go every day and little Freddie is intending to come too and will possibly be the youngest racegoer on the place!

Thursday 6th March 2008

We take two horses to Lingfield Park today and they are both in cracking form and have great each-way chances. Hareem drops back to two miles and has been well at home so will hopefully reproduce something like the form he showed us first time out at Sandown. Palmers Peak delighted us at Kempton Park on his comeback run after two years off when he was 3rd last time and seems to have come out of that race well. We've hopefully given him enough time (nearly 4 weeks) to recover from that run and he worked fantastically well earlier in the week. Three miles will suit him better too and he'll hopefully not be so fresh this time and not jump quite so elaborately as a couple of outside the wing leaps gave us heart stopping moments at Kempton!

Rodrigo Gonzales has come out of his win last Saturday absolutely buzzing but we are sticking by our guns and putting him away for next season as he is a chaser through and through. He'll be let down quietly and as soon as the weather improves he'll have a well deserved long holiday in the field. He's run six times for us this season and given us three wins and not been out of the winners' enclosure which is some record and you can go to the well too often sometimes. I'm sure we won't regret looking after him, he's only six after all.

We had a lovely email yesterday from Charlie Allen who bred Gonzo and he is understandably as delighted as we are about the great season we've had with him. Gonzo's mother, Newgate Beauty, is due to foal shortly and they are wrapping her up in cotton wool! Hopefully with Gonzo's help the foal will be worth quite a lot of money and we wish them all the best.

Young Freddie is now six days old and will be watching Lingfield from the comfort of our home today although Belinda is keen to get him out and about very soon. He's still continuing to lap up the limelight as his picture, with Mummy, Daddy and Gonzo, has made the front page of our local Cotswold Journal today. His scrapbook is filling nicely already!

Sally Sandes' lovely mare Sky Calling who was 4th at Fontwell Park in a bumper four weeks ago has been bought by the Nicholson Racing Syndicates and will run in their colours on Sunday at Warwick. She is a very exciting prospect for the future and there are shares now available in her so we are keeping our fingers crossed that she goes the same way as their first horse, Gonzo, as they certainly seem to be a very lucky syndicate already. Do get in touch with me if you would like to discuss having a share in Sky and would like to come and watch her on the gallops. Alternatively do call Mark Allen who runs the Syndicate and whose details are on the syndicate page of the website.

Congratulations to Kimberley & Jamie Goldstein who have a new addition to their family, a boy whom they have named Oliver, born on Wednesday - a weighing room colleague for Freddie in a few years time no doubt!

And a Happy Birthday to Belinda's mum Kathy today!

Tuesday 4th March 2008 - Freddie David Keighley has arrived......

Well what an amazing few days and apologies that the Blog has been somewhat neglected but my computer operator has been otherwise engaged!

Freddie David Keighley arrived at 3.19pm on Friday 29th February weighing 8lbs and is absolutely adorable. The Team back at the yard have been absolutely amazing holding the fort fantastically allowing me to combine my husband & trainer duties.

The midwives in the Delivery Suite did look a bit oddly at me however as I had declaration decisions to make before 10am which was midway through Belinda's labour and I had to keep rushing out of the room to make phone calls. The most important decision was made through speaking to Warren and his agent Chris Broad regarding which race to run Rodrigo Gonzales in. I managed it all and luckily Belinda had other things on her mind (pain!) and didn't seem to take much notice of me.

On Saturday I managed to whizz in to see Freddie & Belinda before John, Belinda's dad, drove me to Kempton just in time to saddle up Gonzo. Deb Butler took over as Travelling Head Girl with help from Lucy who rides Gonzo out and they both did a great job and with Rachel, Sally and the team back at home they all took lots of pressure off me. Dinah Nicholson changed her plans at the last minute diverting from Newbury to be with us at Kempton and we were over the moon that she was there.

Gonzo was so tough, Warren (Freddie's Godfather) gave him a fantastic ride and he bravely fought back to beat the favourite giving him 12lbs in weight. Celebrations all round at Kempton, straight back to see Freddie in hospital and back to The Plough where my parents were staying for a huge double celebration.

Freddie has already started his own scrapbook as he had a mention in the Racing Post on Sunday and a huge headline in the Gloucestershire Echo on Monday so he's feeling very famous indeed.

Meanwhile Sally Sandes who has Sky Calling and a lovely Classic Cliche mare in training with us trained her very first Point to Point winner at Didmarton when her own Call Me Captain won the Maiden in impressive style. She works really hard for us and fits training him around her other commitments and thoroughly deserved the success.

On Sunday Hannah Kinsey had an awful fall at Garnons Point to Point suffering facial injuries as well as being knocked unconcious. Her fiance Richard Burton said yesterday she'd had a stable night in hospital and we wish her a very speedy recovery.

Thank you all so much for your cards, gifts and good wishes. Freddie and Belinda arrived home last night and I've told Belinda that she doesn't have to start back riding out for a couple of days!!!

Wednesday 27th February 2008 - Puppies have arrived...but no baby (as yet!)

Curly Wurly gave birth to eight puppies on Monday so Dinah Nicholson is no doubt a very proud Grandmother! Belinda, however, is still awaiting our new arrival and following an appointment with her midwife today was not very pleased....if the baby doesn't come out of it's own accord then they won't induce her until Festival Tuesday and she'll then stay in hospital until it's out! Nightmare! The option of the baby arriving on Friday and being a 'leap year' baby is looking far more preferable now!

However, with our dear Prince Dundee running tomorrow in the first at Taunton we are hoping he's in with a shout and he'll get the wheels in motion! As long as the baby gives me long enough to whizz back up the M5 in time for it's arrival then we'll all be happy! Warren Marston can't wait until the baby comes but that is only so that he can get Belinda's father very drunk at The Plough!

The horses are enjoying the sunny weather we've had the last couple of days. Warren & Tom were in this morning to school. Warren schooled Hareem in blinkers as he'll wear those when he next runs and also schooled Rodrigo Gonzales who was awesome. Hopefully he has left his Warwick run behind where he hung so badly, Warren was delighted with him anyway. Tom then schooled Palmers Peak up over the fences and managed to get him quietly popping away instead of taking off outside the wings which he is quite likes to do!

Rodrigo Gonzales probably runs at Kempton on Saturday where he has two options and we'll decide nearer the time which race to go for. Hareem & Palmers Peak have a few entries but Palmers Peak in particular won't want any extra rain or he'll not run.

Saturday 23rd February 2008

A busy day yesterday which seemed like everybody called in to the yard! We had Maggie Turner, our physio, in to check and treat a few of them and also our dentist, Dave Regan, to do likewise. Our farrier, Phillip Brush, came in too and shod King Ozzy and then our vet, Jeremy Swan, came to treat Badly Bruised (Noddy).

Noddy has been a frustrating horse as he has so much ability and is so very genuine but we've not managed to pinpoint what is wrong with him this season. His syndicate of owners, The Plough Inn at Ford, have been so patient with him and we'd really love to get him right for them as much as the horse who our Head Girl, Rachel, absolutely adores. Jeremy and Maggie have put their heads together and have found weakness in some of his ligaments along his back so Jeremy injected the area yesterday and shock waved it too. Sue Mulraine, part of the syndicate, called in just as Jeremy was treating him so she got a first hand description of what he was doing. This morning, Simon Hart rode Noddy who, as well as having a point to point background, was a very good event rider, and he has given him a good session of dressage to try and build up that area and Noddy will continue to have intensive sessions of dressage for as long as it takes. Between all of this we are hoping it will do the trick - fingers crossed and watch this space.

Warren Marston came in and rode out yesterday morning primarily to make sure that he approved of the new all weather loop we are in the process of putting down. It is at the back of the yard and will complete the amazing set up of gallops and facilities that we already have. Warren was pleased with how the turns rode and we will now hope to get it finished as soon as possible so it will be in use very soon.

Much to Belinda's relief (if baby is overdue!) Newcastle's trip is now off as we have found suitable races for all those intended on running there nearer home. I've entered Prince Dundee on her due date though (Thursday) at Taunton and am not sure how well that went down especially as watching him last time in the comfort of our home she said nearly brought it on as he was in a thrilling finish! She's been sweeping the yard and rushing about this morning in an attempt to hurry it up before Thursday with no runners planned until then!

All the horses seem in great form. Nigel Hiskett has been working hard on our relatively new youngster, Nick in Time, and is pleased with how she is going. She's quite a live wire but he's used to that and they seem to get on really well. She is certainly starting to look like a racehorse anyway. Most of the string went for a lovely ride across to the hamlet of Hinchwick and down the valley there this morning where there is an expanse of old turf to use. They all enjoy going across there as we manage to work them without them really realising they are working. Palmers Peak, King Ozzy and Rodrigo Gonzales were particularly impressive this morning.

Wednesday 20th February 2008

How disappointing that Towcester was frosted off on Sunday as Prince Dundee is in cracking form and there aren't that many opportunities for him. Towcester held a second inspection at 11.30am and we are luckily not too far away so were only just the other side of Chipping Norton when the phone rang to say it was off.

So no runners this week and in an ideal world Belinda would have her baby a week early (it's due on 28th Feb) which would make life easier especially as I've found a few opportunities for a handful of horses at Newcastle on 4th March! She won't be very impressed if she goes into labour and I'm racing at Newcastle! So any ideas on how to hurry the little person up will be gratefully received (apart from the usual hot curry idea - she's not a hot curry lover!).

It has been bitterly cold this week up at the Yard so everyone has been wrapped up well. A cold snap is not all bad news though as it does get rid of any viruses although hopefully we do try to be very hygenic at all times to eliminate as much chance of viruses hitting us as possible.

We've decided to take Rodrigo Gonzales out of both the hurdle races at The Festival as he really is a horse for next year and instead we will be aiming at the EBF Final at Sandown a week before. He's in great form again following his run at Warwick and his treatment from Maggie Turner and we'll be aiming to arrive at Sandown all guns blazing.

Saturday 16th February 2008

It's back to 2 miles for Hareem after not staying the full 2 1/2 mile trip out yesterday at Sandown. We were pleased though how he jumped and settled so have not lost faith in him yet. Tom Siddall just felt that he didn't stay and was especially not helped by being taken on for the lead the whole way. He's great this morning though so we'll find a 2 mile race for him on a staying track probably for next time.

A real sharp frost this morning meant that all those riding out were glad to come into the office after first lot for hot tea/coffee and crumpets. Belinda was up early to get the racing kit ready for Ocarito who goes to Uttoxeter today so didn't have time to do her usual bacon butties which would have gone down very well. She was also hoping to go racing today but we've banned her as she's only 12 days off her due date and we decided that Uttoxeter is too far away for her to be if the baby decided today was the day to come into the world! She is hoping to go to Towcester to watch Prince Dundee tomorrow though as he was her final winning ride the day she retired from race riding and we all love him to bits. Towcester's not too far either and she's persuaded her dad to take her in the car.

It was very sad to see Guy Disney & Constantius have a fall in the Royal Artillary Gold Cup yesterday at Sandown's second last when he seemed to possibly have the beating of Le Duc. Up until that point they'd had a wonderful time absolutely jumping for fun and we just hope Guy is ok as he was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Meanwhile at Fakenham it was fabulous to watch Richard Burton and the amateur trained Twenty Degrees beat the Paul Nicholls trained Thisthatandtother. Much has been reported about whether or not professional trainers should have runners in Hunter Chases. When I trained & Belinda rode our own Bosuns Mate to beat Paul Nicholls & a certain Mr Christian Williams on the odds on Irbee at Sandown at yesterday's meeting five years ago it made it far more satisfying that we'd beaten a known trainer. However, it does seem to be a huge shame that most Hunter Chases this season are dominated by P Nicholls, P Hobbs & J J O'Neill with horses rated 30lbs better than the rest. But until the rules change, they aren't breaking any rules and will surely continue to do so. The powers that be therefore need to probably tweak some of the rules a little.

Thursday 14th February 2008

What gorgeous weather we have had so far this week. Most second & third lots we have been able to ride out without exercise sheets on the horses and their coats have gleamed in the sunshine.

On Tuesday Peter & Doreen Evans came to see their Classic Cliche gelding and brought with them their daughter and grandson. Bob & Sue Daniels who also own him came too and they all watched the horses work third lot up the grass gallops in glorious sunshine.

Our physio, Maggie Turner, has also been in this week to check quite a few of the horses but in particular Rodrigo Gonzales who had hung so badly when he ran at Warwick. Maggie found Gonzo to be very wrong through his neck and slightly wrong in his withers and back. We were therefore hugely relieved there was a reason for him to be in so much pain but equally very frustrated as he was checked the day before he ran and was fine and had obviously managed to do something in the short time in between. We will go quietly with him for a few days and then she is happy for us to crack on again with him.

Tom Siddall came in yesterday to school Hareem who runs at Sandown tomorrow in a 2 1/2 mile novice hurdle. He was his usual keen self but jumped really well and we were pleased with him. He is very well in himself so we are hoping he will settle and give himself a bit more of a chance when he runs. The extra four furlongs should be to his advantage and he ran a huge race at Sandown first time out for us so a reproduction of that should hopefully see him in the shake up.

Dear old Prince Dundee has come out of his Fontwell race bouncing and probably runs at Towcester on Sunday. He'll be partnered by Gerard Tumelty again who gets on so well with him and manages to kid him along without him really realising! One of his part owners David Cull and his wife Mary are going off on a short cruise so will sadly miss Towcester as David is celebrating his 60th Birthday next week. So come on Prince Dundee, give him an early birthday present!

Monday 11th February 2008

Our high hopes of a win for Rodrigo Gonzales were dashed at Warwick on Saturday where he finished 4th in a competitive hurdle race. Typically as we needed a strong pace no-one else wanted to make the running so Waz had to cut it out himself which wasn't ideal and he also reported that Gonzo had hung badly throughout. Therefore managing to finish 4th against some nice horses, with the race not run in his favour and only being beaten by 12 lengths was actually quite an achievement. We will leave no stone unturned to find out why he was uncharacteristically hanging as he's not done that before - maybe he managed to do something in his stable although he was sound when he was trotted up prior to leaving for the races. Maggie, our physio, is due to see him today so will ho