We had another good weekend on the racing front.  Xtravaganza ran a great first race over hurdles when she finished 2nd at Towcester, and Too Forward ran creditably on channel 4 at Newbury where he finished 6th.  I was chuffed with Xtravaganza as she has had her problems over the last year, and she put all that behind her when staying on strongly to finish a closing second in testing Towcester conditions.

Too Forward continues to shine despite his advancing years. Daryl came back with a broad grin on his face, and said "Jamie even you could ride a horse like this...!".  The cheeky bugger!  I have a cunning plan with him, which includes the Grand Military at Sandown - we just need to find a jockey now that Lucy Horner has unfortunately been asked to stop riding at the moment due to eye trouble. 

The last fence is becoming a bit of a nightmare for us at the moment.  Marsh Court fell at the last yesterday at Ffos Las when she was going to be 3rd if not 2nd.  It was a pretty nasty fall, but thankfully she got up and seems ok today.  We'll obviously get her checked out, but it could have been a lot worse. 

We're not going to Chepstow tomorrow now, as the ground has turned heavy there, and I think it will be asking Mista Rossa too much to have his first run over hurdles in bottom less ground.  I'll try and run him at Hereford next Tuesday.  So our next stop is Saturday, when we'll run a couple of mares at Towcester, and Too Forward at Newbury - lets hope for a repeat of last Saturday....!

The morning after the night before - we've all got a bit of a head ache this morning.  We had our first win on a Saturday at a Grade 1 track yesterday, when Knighton Combe won the Novice Handicap Chase at Ascot.  He travelled and jumped like the winner all the way, and Daryl sent him to the front jumping the second last, but for him to make a horrific mistake at the last, and he just held on to his lead and won by a diminishing 3/4 of a length....!  To say our hearts were in our mouths is an under statement.  It was a great family affair, as my parents bred him, and part own him with John Dufosee, who trained him when he was Point-to-Pointing.  I first rode out for John when I was 14, and rode Pointing for him for many years.  I even won on Knighton Combe, which must show what a horse he is....!

We also ran Bid Art on Thursday, and he finished 2nd again.  He ran very well, and jumped brilliantly but was just outpaced from 2 out, but ran on to finish 2nd in a competitive Novice Chase.  He deserves a holiday now, but I'm sure there will be a race for him to win before too long.

Marsh Court runs tomorrow in a Mares Chase at Ffos Las. She has come on for her last run, and fingers crossed she'll run well.  We'll then have a few busy days ahead of us when we head to Chepstow on Wednesday, and then Newbury with Too Forward at the weekend, and a couple of nice mares might go to Towcester.  I'll try to keep up this blog up to date over the next week, and let you know our results, but fingers crossed they run as well as our last few runners......

'Jumping is the name of the game' - so the old saying goes, and there is no truer a saying in racing.  Yesterday we saw the ups and downs of this.  Bid Art finished 2nd in a dramatic Novice chase at Taunton, where two horse pulled well clear (one of them was him) approaching three from home. The other horse fell and brought us to a standstill.  That left the favourite the opportunity to come from being in third, to leading us into the last, where he fell and left us in front, just to be collared on the line to finish 2nd!

We also ran Ocean du Moulin who was in a clear 2nd approaching the last when he himself took a crashing fall.  Thank goodness both he and Daryl walked away only battered and bruised.  The ups and downs are so sheer in this game, and sometimes the line is a fine one between success and failure.  Had Ocean jumped the last to finish 2nd or at worst third, then it would have been his best race for sometime, as it was he ended on the deck to all our disappointment..!

I cannot believe that November is here already....!  Well we ran Quondor Noire again this week, and he was quite well supported again. However, his luck remained the same as he was going nicely again, when he made a small mistake and unseated the jock....!  These things happen, but Quondor's luck must change soon enough. 

On a different note, I was so chuffed for Nick Mitchell this week - what a weekend having an amazing across the card double, and plundering the two biggest races of the day. Its lovely when that happens to us small trainers - and I was cheering for him all the way.

I am very pleased to hear that our local pub - The Horseshoe Inn - is going to buy into our new Australian horse (Horseshoe Reef).  However, they are keen for a couple more people to join in their club, so if anyone is interested, then please either speak to us, or to Pat and Tony in the pub.  He has won four times on the flat, and has the physique to jump, so he looks a very promising type.

Now the rain has come we managed to get some of our babies onto the grass.  We took Sultan de Touzaine, the Oscar gelding, Don Doudal and the Snurge.  They all cantered through about 6 furlongs, and seemed to love it. We are very fortunate in having such a lovely grass gallop, there really is no substitute for grass, and its fantastic for teaching the babies a bit more.

Ocean du Moulin ran another good race at the weekend at Wincanton.  We tried him in a visor, and he ran a very good race only to be out paced in the home straight before staying on again.  Our options will now depend on what the handicapper does to us, as we'd love to go back over fences really.

I popped up to the sales yesterday at Newmarket with Lucy Horner.  As we sold Celticello last month, we were out looking for another to replace him.  We found a lovely horse called Mista Rossa, a 4 year old gelding by Red Ransom.  He is officially rated 70 on the level, and looks the ideal recruit to jumping.  He ran on Saturday at Newbury and finished 2nd, and so is fit and ready to go.  There will be a few small shares available to buy in him, so if anyone is interested then do get in touch.

This week seems to have flown by! Its all been pretty busy here really.  We've had a couple of runners recently - Bid Art ran well to finish 3rd at Plumpton on Monday.  He would certainly have been second if not better but for almost being brought down at the second last.  Marsh Court ran at Exeter on Tuesday, and amazingly she behaved impeccably having been 'ponied' to the start by Lucy on her Sure Future.  She however ran a little under par really.  She will certainly have needed it, but she did go up 10lbs for her last handicap win, so she's in a different league now...! Port Erne ran at Worcester yesterday and really he is not a racehorse, so we'll sell him as an eventer as he jumps so fantastically.

We also had some bad news at the weekend as Lucy Cole (a girl who has been riding out for us for the last couple of weeks) came off and has ruptured her spleen...!  Poor girl was in hospital until today and now she won't be able to ride for a couple of months.  She will be fine in the long run, but its pretty bad news really.

On a more positive note however, we did have a new horse arrive today called Horseshoe Reef.  This six year old is a tall good looking bay gelding, who won 4 times on the flat in Australia over trips ranging from 1m2 to 1m4.  He has run once over hurdles at Chepstow on 10th October this year and finished 5th over a trip that would have been plenty short enough for him.  He is to be sold to stay in the yard.  If anyone is interested then please give me a call.

Bid Art ran over fences at Towcester on Wednesday and finished 5th.  He jumped very well, and travelled with ease.  He seems to flatten out towards the end of his races, and then stay on at the same pace.  I think we might just step him up in trip in a beginners chase. 

Montana Gold finished third yesterday at Worcester in the selling handicap hurdle.  He ran very well and stayed all the way to the line.  The first three were 15 lengths clear of the remainder.  It was his first run for the Ebble Partnership, who is made up from people in the local area.  We bought him for £5K a couple of months ago, and he was claimed yesterday for £6K, so really it was a great day.  We'll now have that to reinvest in a new horse.  Montana Gold was a nice horse, but selling company is his level, and hopefully we'll be able to find something better for the syndicate.  I am sure Montana will have a win at some stage, but he was never the soundest horse, and really I think we are better off having made a bit of money from him.

Apologies for having not updated this recently, but I have been away for a couple of days.  On the runner front we had a disappointing day last Sunday.   I rather fancied Samurai Warrior at Plumpton but he cut into himself and therefore stopped quickly, he has 10 staples in his leg at the moment, which will come out this week, and fingers crossed all will be well.  Port Erne ran a very creditable race over fences for the first time, but he didn't stay the 2m4, so we'll drop him back in trip.  Bid Art also ran at Uttoxeter that day, and I think we'll stick to fences with him - he jumps so well, so it'll be a shame not to make use of that.  Ocean ran at Fontwell on Thursday and ran well enough, so we'll put him back over fences and we'd hope for some rain before he next runs - he'll win before long.

We have sold the Snurge we had for sale, Linda Agran has bought him.  She liked him so much at the Open Day that she couldn't resist.  I am chuffed as he looks to be a flashy sort, who jumps exceedingly well. We seem to be close to selling the Oscar three year old as well - Derek Coles is staying in a leg, Ray Antell has bought a leg, and the other two are still for sale.  There has been a lot of interest so fingers crossed we should have sold him by the weekend.  He is from the family of the Grand National winner Last Suspect, so he has the pedigree to match his athletic frame.

We held our first Owners Open Day on Sunday, and it was a great success.  We paraded 24 horses to 80 invited guests before a hog roast lunch, and then we opened our gates to the public (around 70 must have turned up) and put on a schooling demonstration.  The Horseshoe pub put on the bar and some of the village helped us out with the food.  It was a very enjoyable day, thanks to our first rate team of staff, it went off without a hitch for which credit must go to Kate (my head girl). 

We schooled Quondor Noire, Port Erne and Magusta in front of the crowd in the big school as it was too firm on the grass schooling ground.  They all jumped with great fluency under Sam Jones, Sam Allwood and Matt Hampton respectively. 

We had a couple of very nice youngsters for sale, which caused a ripple of interest, and I have added their names to our Horses in Training page for those of you interested.  The Oscar gelding (out of a Roselier mare) is from the family of Last Suspect (won the Grand National) and Fiddling the Facts (favourite for the Grand National), and is a lovely athletic sort.  The Snurge gelding (out of a Good Thyne mare) is a very flashy chestnut from the very close family of Captain Khedive and King Jack (who won a bumper on his first start and is now rated in the high 130s).   Please do call or e-mail for any more information on them.

We had a busy day at Fontwell yesterday.  Samurai Warrior ran well to finish fourth again in a far better race than he ran in last time.  I was chuffed with him.  He didn't quite stay the 2m4, so he'll now head to Plumpton (in a fortnight) over 2 miles where he should run very well.  He is for sale - so if anyone is interested then do contact me for some information about him.   Daryll Jacob gave Ocean du Moulin a cracking ride in the feature race to finish a very close 5th - he would have been even closer but for a horrific mistake three out which certainly cost him a fair amount of momentum.  We also ran little Bid Art over fences for the first time.  We were using his handy 12lbs four year olds allowance, and he popped round to finish a grand fifth as well.  He'll come on for that, and we'll try to find a little race for him somewhere.

We did have some sad news this week as well - Lucy Horner has sold Celticello.  He was bound for the winners enclosure at Bangor this week, but someone offered Lucy a price that she couldn't turn down.  I must say that it only looks good on our yard that we can buy a horse in April and more than treble its value in 4 months....!  It does show that sometimes horses do make you money. 

We took four to Whitsbury for a gallop over the mile yesterday.  Celticello worked with Bid Art, and Ocean du Moulin worked with Port Erne.  Bid Art and Celticello did a good piece and will really come on well for it, and Ocean and Port Erne just sat upsides together.  That will put Ocean spot on for Fontwell in 10 days time, and Port Erne will be out in late September.  I'm so looking forward to running Celticello over fences at Bangor on the 11th September, and Bid Art will hopefully get a run at Fontwell on the 6th, over fences for the first time as well.  They both schooled beautifully this morning, and I'm sure chasing will bring out the best in them both.

As for schooling this morning, we had a busy time of it.  The stand out horse today was Lady Friend - Marsh Court and Bollitree Bob's half Sister -  she had a pop over a fence for the first time, and my god she can jump....!  There is a race at Worcester at the back end of October which might just have her name written all over it - its a long way to go at the moment though, but exciting none the less.

Ocean du Moulin ran at Worcester last night, and ran well. Noel Fehily gave him a lovely ride, and he jumped very well to finish 6th.  Noel just said that he needs to be given a chance by the handicapper!  He did however, have a gurgle when we took his tongue tie off after the race, and I just wonder whether he may just need his wind tinkering with again.

We had another good schooling morning today - the babies all got off the ground, and I popped Barton Grey over a fence for the first time.  She gave it some height, but has plenty of scope, and took to it well.  She could be an exciting prospect for the Mares Novice Chases this season.

We had an fun day at Salisbury yesterday, but unfortunately Samurai Warrior didn't stay the 1mile6, which was always going to be a slight concern.  However, he is none the worse for the gallop and he'll run on Thursday over hurdles in a claimer at Stratford or a seller at Fontwell. 

We'll be off up onto the grass again tomorrow to put some more horses through their work.  We are planning to have a few ready to run in the early part of the season, so we should be getting into full swing towards the beginning of September.

On a different note, I read with great pride the article in the paper today about Guy Disney - he really is a nice chap and a good friend.  The courage he shows is unbelievable, and it only shows how lucky we all are to do the job that we all love so much.  I for one will do my best to put him up in a race when he is fit and able.

Another good day of schooling today with a mixture of babies and some of the older handicappers having a pop in the big school.  Our 3 year old half brother to Sergeant Cecil by Kayf Tara had a lesson over the trotting poles and a cross pole, and so did Sultan du Touzaine.  They were fantastic and didn't batter an eyelid - unbelievable considering they have only been backed for two months.  Mash Court had a pop over the fences, and jumped them as big as Beachers Brook- its lovely to have her back in, and Kate gets on so well with her. Celticello jumped the fences very nicely, and is an exciting prospect for Novice Chases this season, I'd even get my licence back out to ride him!  Neil had a pop on Port Erne and Bid Art, and they were both very professional.

Morgan is back from holiday tomorrow, and she'll be taking little Samurai Warrior to Salisbury for a run on the flat.  It'll be the best race he's run in, and over the furthest he'll have been, but I can see him running into a place which should be fun.  Fingers crossed! 

After the most horrific rain last week, the sun has finally decided that it is actually Summer, and we've had some really beautiful days this weekend. The rain has had its plus side as we are now able to get up onto our grass gallops.  We therefore worked a few of our flat runners over the mile on Saturday.  Xtravanagnza worked with Samurai Warrior and the pair worked very nicely.  Xtravaganza had a good blow as it was only her second bit of work back after injury, and Samurai Warrior did it pretty well.  He'll run at Salisbury on Thursday, before we put him over hurdles in a claimer at Stratford in 10 days time.  Bid Art also worked up on the grass, and this was his first bit back after a wind op, so I'm hoping he'll show his true colours this season.

Due our expansion from last season (we will have the best part of 25 horses for this coming season) we have employed a new lad.  Neil Blackhouse who I worked with at Seven Barrows, has come down to Ebbesbourne Wake to start work this morning.  It will be great to have a lad on the team, and he'll be a huge asset.

We decided to run Ocean yesterday at Worcester. We had waited and waited for some better ground and couldn't wait any longer so we ran him on 'Good to Soft'.  He was running a blinder (back to normal) until he weakened from the last due to the rain that had got into the ground.  However, we were pleased as his previous two runs have been below what we have come to expect from him, so at least it was a positive step forward.

Today we had our first big schooling session of the new season.  I could be here all day talking about them all, but I'll only mention a few.  Firstly, Bid Art schooled very professionally over the fences with Morgan on, chasing could be the making of this chap.  We schooled Quondor over fences for the first time, and he was very slick - and could be anything after his wind op and ulcer treatment this summer.  Magusta schooled over poles and hurdles, and is really exciting.  I like him alot, but he didn't have the strength in his big frame last year, and I'm hoping for big things from him over the next few seasons.  Port Erne  - now I've not mentioned him before.  Well, Lucy (my now wife) decided to put her hand in the air at Doncaster sales this spring, and came home with this boy.  He is rated 89 over hurdles, and came with a bit of a reputation - hence we call him 'Crazy'.  I have left Lucy and Kate to play around with him, and I have not taken any notice of him before, and then today he really impressed with his jumping. If he never makes a racehorse, he'll certainly make someone a team chaser - he was electric!  The last horse I'll now mention is Trig - Linda Scott's 3 year old by Double Trigger half sister to Saddlewood (Betty).   He popped over a few trotting poles, and then over a cross pole for the first time ever and he never battered an eye lid - very exciting.....

Yesterday was the Rundle Cup - the Army vs. Navy annual polo match - and I was invited to play in the warm up match which was a charity match for spinal research.  I was playing on a side made up from National Hunt jockeys and we were playing a team made up from eventers.  My team consisted of Tom Scu, Liam Treadwell, Noel Fehily and myself.  We had two chukkas on ponies, and one on bikes, and we managed to win 4 goals to 3.  It was a great day, and for a very worthy cause.

However, there was some somber news also, in that a great friend of mine Guy Disney lost his leg in an attack in Afghanistan - he is in the Light Dragoons, and was on a six month spell out there. Guy is a smashing chap, and has been a rival of mine in the Military races at Sandown over the years. We wish him all the best in his recovery.

Well - Lucy and I are back from our honeymoon, and we are still talking.  Joking aside, we had the most fantastic wedding, and a super holiday in Singapore and Bali. However, I believe we missed all the good weather over here, and we have now brought the rain back.

Kate did a fabulous job of running the yard whilst we were away, and all the girls are telling me it runs much smoother when I'm not here....! However, I'm sure they are only pulling my leg. 

We ran Knighton Combe again yesterday at Market Rasen.  He pretty much started favourite after his previously decisive win over 2m6 at Uttoxeter last month, however the 8 pound rise for that win coupled with a fiercely quick pace of the race meant he was always flat out from the word go and so couldn't jump with the same fluency.  He finished 6th, and now he deserves a holiday.

Saddlewood ran in her second bumper last night at Newton Abbot, and ran really very well.  She finished 6th out of 12, but was only beaten by 10 lengths.  She ran a more professional race, and had come on a lot from her Worcester run.  She has come out of the race very well, and so we'll pop her over a hurdle in the next week or so, and then consider a plan. 

This will be the last time I chat on this blog now for the best part of two weeks, as I'm off to Suffolk tomorrow before our wedding on Saturday.  We fly off on honeymoon on Monday, but the Kate is taking charge in the yard, and there will always be someone around at the end of a phone if you want to get in touch at all.  So next time I update this I'll be married - how exciting.....!

We're not off to Worcester again today, as the rain has really got into the ground, and it will be very testing there today, so Saddlewood may re-route to Southwell on Tuesday instead. 'Cello' found it a bit soft for him yesterday, but was running well enough until he fell at the last - he's none the worse for the fall, but poor Lucy Horner has broken her collar bone.  Monty ran well to be 5th in the Novice Handicap Hurdle, as I had thought he probably needed the run, and will come on for it.

So as we're not off to Worcester today, I think its time I caught up with writing all my thank you letters for all our wedding presents - a catch up day.

Bollitree Bob ran another sound race yesterday.  He finished 4th in a competitive class 3. Last week he won a class 4 off a mark of 94, and this week he finished 4th in a class 3 off a mark of 102.  I was pleased, although he is a little stiff today after his excursions.

We send three to Worcester over the weekend.  Celticello runs with Lucy Horner up again in a very competitive 0-135, Montana Gold runs over 3 miles, and Saddlewood runs in the bumper. 'Cello' stepped up to his best performance to run a fantastic race at Newton Abbot last week when he finished 2nd to a well handicapped Pipe horse, and he should run well again in a tongue strap.   Montana Gold is having his first run for a while and should come on for it, and Saddlewood will also benefit from the experience, but having said that she ran a blinder in her first race at Worcester 2 weeks ago. 

I turn the big 30 today, and Kate has promised me a Birthday pressie of Montana Gold winning - so watch this space.....!

This time two days ago I was not going up to the Doncaster Store Sale to buy anything, however we now have a couple of lovely three year olds in residence.  Martin Broughton has bought a gorgeous Kayf Tara bay gelding, who is a half brother to the highly prolific Sergeant Cecil, and is a full brother to Jau who won a bumper on Boxing Day at Wincanton.  He has a fantastic pedigree, and he has a frame to match it - he is a very exciting prospect.  Kate will back him over the next month and get him cantering away, before we give him a short break, and then think about having him on the track around Christmas time.

Whilst I was up at the sales looking at this Kayf Tara, I received a phone call from David Barke who wanted me to look at a horse that was going through the ring at the time.  We were under bidders to Harvey Smith.  However, we later purchased a Robin des Champs chestnut gelding out of a Villez mare, which is a fantastic mix.  There are winners littered throughout his page, and he is already a lovely big horse, who looks to have matured early.  We would love to crack on with him, as he looks to be an early type.  

All in all it was a very good day yesterday, with the horses arriving back at Manor Farm at midnight. It is very exciting that we are expanding the yard with some lovely babies to supplement our experienced handicappers.   It promises to be another good season....

We had a very productive trip up to Doncaster Sales this week, and we came away with a progressive 5 year old grey mare called Barton Grey.  She is by Cloudings out of a Strong Gale mare, so she is bred to get a trip.  She has won her last two starts, and looks to be on a competitive hurdles mark, while she is still a novice over fences. I think we'll start her out in handicap hurdles, and then think about sending her chasing over the winter months, with an outside eye on the mares final at Newbury.  She could be an exciting mare.  Lucy is putting a syndicate together for a share in her and Montana Gold, so if anyone is interested in then please e-mail me, and I'll pass it onto Lucy.

We also had a runner at Worcester on Wednesday.  Saddlewood (by Saddlers Hall out of Skipcarl) had her first ever run on the track.  She is owned by Linda Scott (who lives in Ebbesbourne Wake) and Michael Kerr-Dineen, and she was bred by Linda in Alverdiston (at Andrew Wardall's stud).  She ran a brilliant race to finish a very close 5th out of 14.  Daryll Jacobs rode a very sympathetic race on her, and gave her the most perfect introduction to racing, as she was running on all the way to the line, so much so that she almost caught the 4th horse.  She will win her fare share of races in time.

Well- we had another winner today at Newton Abbot - Bollitree Bob ran out a convincing 9 length winner of the 2mile handicap chase.  Tom O'Brien gave him a peach of a ride, as he settled him (a feat in itself) in behind the leaders, he jumped with immaculate fluency and went on from 2 out.  It was great for Mrs.Johnson and John Cole whom have been big supporters of ours from the outset. 'Bolly' is a half brother of Marsh Court, so now all we have to do is to get Lady Friend's head in front and we will have had all of Lady Prunella's off spring in the winners enclosure.

We also ran Celticello today in the feature handicap hurdle, and he finished a fantastic 2nd.  He was beaten only 4 lengths in a big field, which was highly competitive. Lucy Horner gave him the perfect hold up ride, sitting at the back of the pack, she produced him to lead going to the last, only for a Pipe runner to pip him close home.  It was by far and away his best run of his career, and the addition of a tongue strap worked for him.  He worked well in it on our grass gallop last week, and I was quietly hoping it would make a big difference, and it certainly did.

We are off to Doncaster Sales early tomorrow, so I better get off to bed - well I think we'll go via the Horseshoe after what has been a very good day.

Lady Friend jumped and travelled well at Exeter, however she did not let herself down on the firm ground, and is a little bit stiff through her shoulders now.  She is a bit jarred up, so the electro magnetic machine will be used to free her up.  I think we'll then pop a fence with her, as the rest of her family all improved once sent chasing.

It was great to see Knighton Combe win at Folkestone yesterday evening in the 3m7 open hunter chase.  He is part owned and bred by my parents, and trained by part owner John Dufosee.  I first started riding out with 'Duff' when I was 12 years old, and he has had a big bearing on my career. Knighton Combe (Conkers), has been a very consistent Pointer, so it was lovely to see him get his head in front in a Hunter Chase.  Mike Miller rode him very well, and he won pretty comfortably, however I hope the handicapper is not too harsh on him as the plan was for him to come here for the summer...! 

I apologise for the late update on the golf that I promised - well I have to say that my first game wasn't as bad as I had imagined, it must have been beginners luck, because my second game was not great.  I played Malcolm Hooker (who is one of the founders behind Chalke Valley Racing Syndicate) and I think I fell into the trap of thinking I now knew how to play, however I blamed it on the wind...! 

Away from my poor golfing, and onto racing.  We run Lady Friend at Exeter tomorrow in a handicap hurdle.  She is in good form, however I hope her confidence hasn't been fazed by her being brought down at Wincanton last time.  She has schooled well at home since, so we hope she runs well. 

We took three off to Whitsbury this morning to use their mile straight gallop.  Montana Gold worked nicely in front, and Bid Art and Saddlewood worked together in behind.  I am very pleased with how Saddlewood is progressing, she is a 6 year old mare by Saddlers Hall out of a very good winning mare, owned by Linda Scott and Michael Kerr-Dineen.  She came to us a while ago, and is beginning to find her feet.  I think she'll be ready to run in a Bumper in two weeks time.  Bid Art worked with his usual fluency, and will be ready to run at Stratford on the 23rd May. 

I thought Kaldouas ran well yesterday at Hereford to finish third.  Sam Allwood rode a nice race, however Kal found 2m3 a bit short as we had thought, and was rather outpaced going down the back, before running on well towards the end of the race.  He is a little bit stiff this morning having pulled his groin muscle, so he'll need a few quite days to rest it.  Bollitree Bob ran so much better to finish 5th in a competitive class 3 handicap.  Tom Scudamore rode him for the first time for a while, and as he knows him so well he managed to settle him, and he ran well.  There will be more to come from him over the summer months.  Pastek ran in a very hot novice chase and was a bit outclassed, but he now qualifies for a handicap mark, and he should be able to pick up a little race or two over the next few months.

I'm now off to practice my golf this afternoon, as I have been roped in to play in a competition by one of our owners.  The competition is in June, and as I have not played for a year or two, I think I might need a practice before the big day.....!  I'll let you know how it goes - but I anticipate the answer will be 'not very good'. 

Celticello ran a very creditable race at Bangor last week.  There was no pace, and it turned into a sprint, but Lucy Horner rode him well, and he finished a very close 5th.  We'll run him again in a handicap, as there should be more to come, and then we might pop him over a fence.

Poor Lady Friend was brought down at the second flight of hurdles at Wincanton yesterday.  She was having her first run in a handicap, and she should have run well, but thank god she is none the worse for the fall, and she was bucking and kicking in the paddock today.  Christian Williams rode her and after being brought down on the grey he apologised to Mrs. Johnson for bringing her mare back "more brown than white".

We send three to Hereford tomorrow.  Pastek runs in a competitive little Novice Chase, Kaldouas runs in a Hunter Chase over 2m3, and Bollitree Bob runs over fences with Tom Scu on board.  Kaldouas may just find 2m3 at Hereford a bit sharp, but he is in good form at home and needs a run.  Bolly will enjoy being reunited with his old friend Tom Scu, and Pastek is having another run for experience over fences.  I'll let you all know how we get on......

Too Forward ran an absolute blinder yesterday in the Topham Chase at Aintree (over the Grand National course), to finish a very creditable 7th of 30 runners.  He was the oldest horse in the race at the age of 13, and I was probably the youngest trainer, and he did us all proud.  Daryll Jacobs did the steering in Timmy Murphy's absence, and he reported back that he had the best ride he has ever had over those fences (and considering he has won around there, it is a big compliment to the old boy).  I have to say that seeing the smile on Daryll's face,  I wished I was back in  the saddle...!  I rode around those fences on about ten occasions, and I never once got round, so to train one to get round was very exciting.

Now onto the Grand National today, the age old question that all trainers are asked - Who is going to win?  Well I wouldn't have a clue, but at 33-1 I'd say that Cornish Sett is value for each way support, and Comply or Die to win again. However, we all know the National is a bit of a lottery. The whole of the village are coming around to our house to watch, so Lucy is out to organise a sweepstake - it promises to be a good afternoon.

On a different note, and the London marathon.  Two great friends of mine are running for Racing Welfare and have asked if anyone wishes to support them then please donate online www.justgiving.com/lambournrunners or make a cheque to Racing Welfare.  Racing Welfare is a great charity that support all the unsung heroes who form the backbone of the racing industry. 

As I have always said, Marsh Court is a little bit of an enigma.  When she is good, she is very good; but when she is bad, she is very bad...!  Yesterday she was very bad.  It is like there is a switch in her brain, and if you so much as sneeze at the wrong time then she can flip.  Timmy was sublime on her, and he never moved a muscle as she refused to canter to the start and tried to do everything to throw herself onto the Newton Abbott turf. Thats it for the season with her, and we'll have a little think about putting her in foal.  She'll either love it or hate it - and so the naming of any foal might be linked to Marmite...!

Unfortunately the chase card at Exeter has been abandoned on Wednesday, as that would have been the next port of call for Ocean du Moulin, and Kaldouas.  Therefore, our next outing will be Too Forward in the Topham at Aintree on Friday - how exciting to have a runner at a festival like the Grand National meeting in our first year.   Fingers crossed for a good run.

I never planned to run Lester Leaps In again at Taunton yesterday, but the race cut up to only five runners, so we decided to take our chance as he was none the worse for his fall at Wincanton on Sunday- he finished third.  We're now going to run him back over hurdles.

They always say that former jockeys are hard trainers to ride for, and I was one of them on Monday as our jockey did not give Blessed Forever a good ride at all.  Its a shame as I know the horse has ability, and he was not given much help.  However, that is history and we move on.

Magusta runs in the bumper at Fontwell tomorrow, and Tom O'Brien is on board.  He is a gorgeous big horse, who will need time to develop into himself.  At the moment he can travel well into a race, but he doesn't have the strength to run on at the finish when under pressure.  We are hoping that he passes a few horses towards the finish, then we can teach him to jump before he heads out to grass for the summer.

Our superstar - Marsh Court - is due to run at Newton Abbott on Sunday.  She has had a good break with a couple of weeks out in the paddock with the sun on her back, and now she is fresh and well.  Kate rides her everyday and tells me that when she is quiet at home, she is an animal on the track, and vica versa.  At the moment she is pretty quiet at home - fingers crossed.....!

We had another winner at the weekend.  Sure Future won up at the Wilton Point-to-point, he was having his first run in over a year having broken down, and young William Brennan was having his first ever ride in public.  Will has been helping us ride out over the past couple of months, he has been such a help that we thought it right that he has a ride before he heads off on his gap year to Africa, and then off to Oxford Uni to study Chemistry.  He gave Sure a great ride, and Vica Versa, and the pair came home a head clear of the hot favourite Golden Jack.  It was great for Lucy, who has had Sure for a while, and has had a few wins on him herself. It was a shame that Lucy had to fly off to Kenya on business, as she missed out on a big celebration afterwards.

Bid Art ran on the same afternoon, he was having his first run in a handicap, and he ran well but failed to see out the extra 3 furlongs, so we will drop him back to the minimum trip.  Lester Leaps in ran in first time blinkers at Wincanton yesterday, and was running well till he fell 5 out, and Kaldouas looked the winner all the way in a hunter chase at Newbury the previous afternoon, but found the 3 mile trip too much.  Blessed Forever runs this afternoon, and lets hope he keeps his marbles in tact as he is too intelligent for his own good.....!

I have to say that it has been a fantastic week for jump racing - I thought Cheltenham was just excellent.  Lucy and I made it there for Tuesday and Wednesday, and Lucy went to the Gold Cup on the Friday (her Birthday), and I went to Fakenham with Ocean du Moulin.  I was so pleased for the Severn Barrows team when Punjabi won the Champion Hurdle, and I thought the Gold Cup was one of the most interesting for years.

On our front, we had four runners this week.  Magusta run with a lot of promise in a bumper at the beginning of the week, Ocean was outpaced over an inadequate trip at Fakenham, and Pastek was third yesterday at Larkhill.  We also had Riverbrook run at Larkhill yesterday.  He came to us as a 9 year old having been intermediate eventing.  He jumped as well as you'd expect from an eventer, and ran well enough yesterday, but he didn't have the speed required on good ground at Larkhill.  We'll try him on a stiffer track, on softer ground.

We're off to Taunton tomorrow with Calusa Charlie and Lady Friend.  Charlie should run well in a fairly competitive race, but he's had his comeback run, and now its over to him.  Lady Friend is in a hot novice hurdle, and we're hoping she runs a nice race, and comes back having enjoyed her run. 

It promises to be a busy week, as the weather seems to have hit a good patch, and the ground seems to be drying (for now anyway...!)  I'll keep you posted on our events.

What a day we had yesterday - our first across the card double.  Marsh Court won her second chase at Warwick, and Identimin won her maiden point at the local Blackmore Vale Point-to-Point. 

Timmy Murphy gave 'Molly' another good ride, as she jumped her way to victory.  Her target now is the mares final at Newbury in two weeks time.  However, she is definitely best fresh, so we'll turn her out in the paddock, and probably not touch her until a couple of days before.  She'll tell us if she is ready, and if so we'll take our chance.

Identimin (Mini) was ridden by Sam Allwood, who is the Alner's amateur jockey, and she prevailed by the shortest of margins.  She jumped well on the hole, and Sam described her win as "a shade cosy"....!  She beat a red hot favourites from Richard Barber's yard, and provided Mark Gregson with a first win in his late Father's colours.  It was an emotional day for everyone, including Lucy who has now trained her first Point-to-Point winner....

I cannot believe that March is already here - I suppose we've lost the best part of two months with the weather, but it seems unbelievable that the festival is less than 2 weeks away! 

Too Forward ran yesterday at Newbury in the big chase. He finished 7th, which was highly commendable considering the ground had turned good.  He obviously wants the softer ground, but it had just turned against him.  He has come out of the race well, and we may now consider  the Topham Chase around the Grand National course providing it rains before then.  It is amazing that a 13 year old holds the enthusiasm that he does.

Montana Gold ran at Newbury on Friday - again he was outpaced turning in, but he began to run on, and it looked likely that he would (at least) be placed at worst, when he came down at the second last flight. He got up and proceeded to jump the chase fences, so I think we might go chasing with him now....!

We run Blessed Forever at Stratford tomorrow, and he is having his first try over hurdles.  He seems to be a natural jumper at home, so fingers crossed it can bring the best out of him, although it might be over too sharp a track at Stratford.  He will be a lovely horse in time.

Unfortunately, Magusta missed the cut at Stratford by one, but he should go to Wincanton this week, as shall Bollitree Bob an Quondor Noire. Kaldouas may go to Wincanton or Sandown, and Lester Leaps in will run in the Military hurdle at Sandown.   It should be a busy week, so watch this space.....

Montana Gold ran another solid race yesterday to finish a close 6th around a testing Towcester 3 miles.  He stayed on tenaciously again, and as Christian Williams had said last week - "he crossed the finish line at the same speed as he crossed the start line".   He is such a tough horse, and we might consider chasing with him now.

We wont have any runners until Friday at the earliest this week, so we're galloping and schooling, and getting set for a busy period when the ground starts to dry out.  Spring certainly feels as though it is just around the corner.  Lets hope it doesn't dry out too much before Newbury on Saturday, as Too Forward is set to run again for us - I can't wait....!

Well at last we're back on air.  I am sorry not to have updated this for such a long time, but we have had a few technical hitches on the website over the last few weeks.  I blame all the snow.....! So to catch up on all the news: 

Firstly, we had our second winner last Tuesday.  Marsh Court ran over fences for the first time, and in the absence of both the Tom's Timmy Murphy stepped in to give her a well judged ride to win by a cosy six lengths.  She jumped beautifully, and won well. As we all know, she can be a bit of a madam, and it showed when it came to saddling her.....!  However, we don't really mind her little idiosyncrasies when she runs like that.  She has come out of the race well, and we might try to qualifier her for the mares novice chase final at Newbury. 

Montana Gold ran well at Wincanton on Saturday in a channel 4 televised race, and was John Francomes pick of the paddock.  He finished a running on 4th, and he ran well considering he was the first off the bridle.  He now heads to Towcester on Sunday.

We ran Kaldouas in a hunter chase at Ludlow on Wednesday.  He looked a picture and was running well until he fell at the last.  He probably need the run, and got stuck in the tacky ground.  However, he was fine after the fall, and will be back on better ground.

Yesterday we ran our two Peter and Judith Luff horses at Sandown.  Calusa Charlie had been off the track for 832 days, and so it was lovely to have him racing again -  It has been a huge team effort to get him back.  It was amazing how many people commented on his well being and his fitness, all credit to must go to our staff.  He ran very promisingly, and Richard Johnson made every effort to look after him, as we hope there will be many fun days to have with him in the future.  His legs feel great today - mission accomplished...!  Calusa Lily ran in the bumper, and proved to be as green as we thought, and she held her breath for most of it, and so finished pretty tired.  She must learn to relax, and breath - essential really....!

I will endeavor to keep everyone up to date with all the news - fingers crossed the website holds up now the snow has gone...

Its been a busy week, but again the British weather has done its best to wreak havoc in the racing calendar. Just as we were loading Cruising River up to head off to Leicester for a very 'winnable' race, we hear that the track is under water.  The same was the case at Chepstow on Friday, when we were hoping to have our first runner for Mr. and Mrs. Luff, as well as Montana Gold making his chasing debut. I saw the 'farming forecast' today which told us that racing is now going to have to overcome snow this week - how frustrating....!

On a better note we did manage to get a couple of our bumper runners out this week.  Magusta had a little canter around Kempton on Monday, and ran very well until tiring in soft ground inside the final 3 furlongs.  He is a giant of a horse who will develop into a lovely chaser, but needs to strengthen up physically and mentally. 

We also ran Blessed Forever at Towcester on Thursday.  He ran very free and just failed to see out the tough Towcester hill in heavy ground. After his first run at Sandown Noel Fehily suggested that he was an out and out galloper and that he would suit a stiff track like Towcester or Chepstow.  However, he has come on in leaps and bounds since his first run, and has begun to show a lot more speed at home, so I feel that he may just be more suited to a flatter track.  I blame myself really for not following my own convictions, but all is not lost as we will send him hurdling now, and he will be one to watch for the future.

We will not be in action this week until Thursday when Lester Leaps In should be out again, and we will run Kaldouas in a Hunter Chase in his lead up to a crack at the Aintree Foxhunters. Marsh Court will also have her debut over fences at Hereford on Sunday, which will be very exciting - watch this space....

What a day we had yesterday - Too Forward ran an absolute cracker to finish 3rd at Cheltenham in the valuable 2 and a half mile handicap. Three of them landed upsides at the last, and for all it was worth it looked like we may just clinch it, but he was beaten into third in a blanket finish.  I cannot believe that he is 13 years old, he is such a star for us all, and a great flag bearer. I can't even begin to explain the emotions that we all felt as he loomed large as he began to climb the hill to the line - so close, yet so far from winning at Cheltenham.  It was brilliant also for Richard and Mandy Pitman, and for Tara  who put so much into the game, and I owe an awful lot to them for supporting us through the beginning of our training.

We also had Identimin running at Larkhill yesterday.  She was having her first ever run in a point-to-point for Lucy, and Rob was riding.  She ran a blinder to finish second - she jumped and stayed and given a lovely ride.  She is owned and bred by Mrs.Gregson and Mark, who are great family friends, and it was lovely to see the familiar colours back on the racecourse again. 

It was quiet entertaining as Lucy was on the phone to me from Larkhill, as 'Mini' was jumping two out, so too was Too Forward, and so Lucy and I were both screaming down the phone to each other as we both thought our respective horses were going to win....!  As it was they didn't win, but we were so chuffed that they were both placed.   A great day, and one to remember for a long time to come, although the evening might not be remembered as we had a good team celebration in The Horseshoe.

Tomorrow we run a very promising bumper horse at Kempton.  Magusta will begin his racing career in what looks a decent little race, but we are hoping for a good educational run, as he will be a horse to follow in the future.  Fingers crossed...!

So far this year seams to have been a bit of a write off - first it was cold, now its wet...!  We started the long trek up to Market Rasen on Sunday for Montana Gold to take his chance in a very winnable heavy ground boys race.  We got as far as Towcester to learn that it had poured all night, and they had had to call it off due to water logging on the home bend.  Yesterday we set off for Huntingdon for Lester Leaps In to run back over timber, to find that frost had caused Huntingdon officials to call it off at 9am - we were on the M25 at the time!  This morning I awake to find that Fontwell have had 17mm of rain overnight and they are inspecting at 8am. I blame 'Global Warming'.....!

On some brighter news, we had a very good trip to Whitsbury to gallop up the mile on Tuesday. A couple of youngsters really impressed me namely Calusa Lily and Identimin.  Lily is a smashing 5 year old who will have her first run in a bumper at Chepstow next week.  She will still be green, but needs now to learn some more on the track.  It will be an education, but she deserves to take her chance, and it will bring her on no end.   Mini is a lovely big Tamure filly who has progressed rapidly, and will run at Larkhill on Saturday.  She is full sister to Charlie Crab who won a handicap hurdle recently off a mark of 125, so she should make up into a very decent horse in time.

We gave Too Forward his last pop over the fences yesterday before we head to Cheltenham on Saturday.  Although its disappointing its rained so much, I am actually doing my little rain jig for Cheltenham, as he loves to mud.  Bring it on....  Montana Gold had a little school over the fences yesterday for the first time.  He was an absolute natural, and we will hope to head to Chepstow next week for a handicap chase. 

We had a new arrival into the yard last week - an ex-intermediate eventer owned by Jane Holdeness-Roddam.  We are extremely fortunate to have some lovely owners in the yard, and I was quite touched when we were asked to train 'Junior'.  He is an extremely tall striking grey, who should make into a nice novice chaser - we certainly won't have to teach him to jump....!

At last it has warmed up, and we've managed to get racing again.  Lady Friend ran yesterday, and had a very nice introduction to hurdling.  She has come off the flat, and we had spent a long time teaching her to jump correctly. We knew that the ground at Taunton would not be to her liking, as she is a real 'daisy cutter', and the rain had softened the ground significantly.  However, she jumped and travelled like a good horse, and Tom Scu brought her home safely in mid- div.  Tom reported that she will be a different proposition on the better ground, and that she had run 'green' enough for her first try over timber.  She is certainly one to note for the future.

On a rather more disappointing note Cruising River ran a rather poor race at Folkestone on Tuesday.  As many of you will know, he fell out of love with the whole racing game while at Hen Knight's, and Martin Broughton decided that a change of scenery would help, so he sent him our way.  We have hunted him over the last few months, and tried to get him fit by any means other than the gallop, but it has all seemed to no avail.  Lucy Horner rode him, and he looked as though he was loving it all, until the last half mile, when he cried enough.  He is bucking and kicking in the field at the moment, and is in fine form, but we now need to look for a different angle....!

We had a lovely new arrival to our team yesterday - Calusa Charlie.  He is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Peter Luff, who won the National with West Tip.  Charlie is a 10year old, by Old Vic, rated 122 over hurdles and still a Novice over fences.  He has had two years off the track due to a tendon injury, but he still retains plenty of ability and is a very exciting prospect for our yard.  He has been in pre-training with Richard and Mandy Pitman, and so he looks a picture and is ready to go on.  We are incredibly lucky to have him, and fingers crossed he might even be a National horse himself.....!

Happy New Year to one and all.  We  had a lovely start to the New Year with Too Forward running a lovely race on Channel Four at Cheltenham today.  He was just touched off for third in a valuable handicap.  Timmy Murphy rode him, and told us that he felt better than his 13 years would suggest, and he would have won had it been genuinely soft ground - he went on to say that there is a big race still in him.  Lets hope so, but I think he needs a little help from the handicapper as well! 

We had several runners on the Saturday after Christmas, where Ocean du Moulin ran another stout race at Kempton to finish 8th, in the most competitive race he's been in.  He is such a tryer, and always gives a good account of himself.  He has earned a little mid season break now, and we'll bring him back for a spring and summer campaign.  Sweet Diversion ran in the same race, and was run off his feet a little bit. It was great to see him back running with promise, but we'll need to find a stiffer track for him now.  The plan is to head to Newbury with him, and then think about those Military races at Sandown - but contrary to many peoples ideas I am unfortunately not taking out my riders licence again....!  Montana Gold ran at Chepstow on Saturday too.  He was disappointing, but in hindsight the ground was just not soft enough for him, as he wants it marginally racable.  We'll now contemplate sending him chasing.

I can't believe that Christmas is this week....! This last 6 months has flown by - and we've hardly had time to take stock of what has happened. It really has been a roller coaster of a ride.  We've had some unbelievable ups, and some devastating downs - and that is what racing is.  If somebody had said this time last year, that by Christmas 2008 we'd have 20 horses in, a winner on the boards, and placed horses on terrestrial television I'd have never believed them.

I was disappointed that Uttoxeter was off on Friday, as Montana Gold was waiting to swim his way to victory!  However, the plan with him now is either to run at Chepstow on Welsh National day, or wait til Warwick on New Years Eve.  I was pleased that Marsh Court was back to somewhere near her best at Exeter on Thursday, as we've had a few interruptions with her, and she'll now wait a few weeks to freshen up before we head handicapping.  It was lovely to see Bollitree Bob out on the track again, even if he was running on the wrong ground and over the wrong trip, but the point was that he had a run, and his legs were fine afterwards.  We'll now wait till the ground dries up for him.

I'm very much looking forward to Boxing Day when we hope to run a couple at Wincanton. Lady Friend's jumping has really improved lately, and she will be exciting to watch in the mares race, while Bid Art may have his first run back after a wind op.  Magusta may take his chance in the Bumper, or he'll head to Newbury on the 29th. 

It has been a while since I've updated this page, and a lot has happened this week.  We had hoped to have a few runners, but the weather has put a stop to that.  We did run Marsh Court at Huntingdon in a handicap hurdle. She was perfectly behaved this time which was a great relief, but we've worked hard on getting her mental state right.  It was therefore a shame when Tom Scu came back and held his hands up saying, "...sorry Jamie, I gave her no ride what so ever....".  It was very honest of Tom, but very frustrating as its taken us two months to get her back to her best.....!  Oh well, thats racing.

We took a few of our babies over to Whitsbury on Wednesday, to give them a little bit more of an education.  Bollitree Bob acted as a perfect lead horse, and we put Calusa Lily, Magusta, and Identimin upsides in behind.  They worked over a mile, and I was very satisfied with how they went.  Magusta is developing nicely for a big horse, and I'm hoping to get him on the track around Christmas time.  Calusa Lily has grown recently, and that was her first proper piece of work, and she'll learn a lot from the experience.  And Identimin is looking positively light now - a great relief - we're certainly getting there, and she'll be out in the New Year. 

So onwards to next week, and Bollitree Bob is all set to go to Exeter with Rob Lee on board in the Amateur race.  Rob has been working very hard in the yard, and been heading off to the gym in his lunch breaks, so its very nice of Mrs. Johnson to give him a chance on Bolly whom he gets on well with at home.  Fingers crossed - I'll keep you posted.....

We took a couple of horses up onto the grass mile gallop at the back of the farm yesterday, and Lady Friend really impressed me.  She quickened nicely, and is obviously a smart horse.  Magusta has really come into himself as well - he is a giant of a four year old, and will clearly need time, but he is showing he has plenty of potential.  Lucy also took Identimin (a four year old pointer) for a spin, this was her first bit of fast work, and she clearly gallops.  Lots to look forward to.

We've been doing plenty of loose schooling with Lady Friend, as she is pretty keen with a jockey on, and she has taken well to her jumping.  We'll continue to loose jump her everyday, and build it up slowly.  We schooled Quondor Noire again today - he has enjoyed a good break from work, and come back looking well.  He loves his jumping, but has to learn to relax and stride on - it will come.  We also gave a lovely youngster a pop today, she's called Calusa Lily, and she is made for the job.  We'll run her in  a bumper first, but that will be purely education, as jumping is her game.

We'll have a few runners next week - Marsh Court will make her eagerly awaited comeback after a good break.  She is flying, and is very exciting.  Bollitree Bob will also run, he is Marsh Court's Brother, and could be well handicapped off 87.....!   

What a difference a week makes.  Our horses have run blinders this weekend.  Firstly, Too Forward ran a fantastic race at Newbury in a very valuable handicap on Channel Four, to finish fourth.  He was just touched off for third, but we were chuffed to bits with him.  He's 12, and was giving weight to all those in front of him - a brilliant run....!  Secondly, Montana Gold ran very well to finish 5th at Towcester, it was his first run since February, and galloped all the way to the line in some grueling conditions - he'll have his day before too long.  And finally, Ocean du Moulin ran another blinder to finish 4th today at Fakenham.  He is so consistent, and a brilliant horse that keeps running well for us.  I suppose he is quiet badly handicapped, but if he's given a chance he'll win his fair share.

On a different note, Lucy had her first runner in a Point-to-Point yesterday -  Pastek finished 5th in the Maiden at Black Forest Lodge.  He travelled like the winner until four out, and then stopped quickly as if he was struggling with his breathing.  He is owned by James Main (a vet) so he has gone straight to him to be examined, and he will act accordingly. 

We managed to pick ourselves up from Sundays disappointments, and headed off to Ludlow yesterday for Lester to try running over 3 miles for the first time.  He ran well, and Tom Scu said he was back to the form he showed when he finished 2nd at Bangor earlier in the season, but that he chocked.  We had him scoped this morning, and we are going to give him a wind op, which shouldn't put him out of action for too long, and we should see a different horse next time.

This morning we worked Bollitree Bob and Montana Gold up on the grass mile at Tollard Royal.  I was very pleased with both of them, and chuffed that Bollitree Bob is back and means business.  He has had a year off the track with a leg, but he looks in great shape, and will be a lovely horse for us.  Monty worked nicely and we are now debating over going to Newbury on Thursday, or Towcester on Saturday - watch this space......!

Time is certainly flying - I cannot believe December is just around the corner. We have a new arrival to our team this week, Laura Boscawen has joined us as our racing secretary.  Having spent the previous two years with Luca Cumani in Newmarket, she is already extremely well versed in the racing game, and will be a huge asset to our team.

Too Forward also arrived last week from Richard and Mandy Pitman's. The plan is to head to Newbury for a veterans race on Hennessy day.  He is a gorgeous big horse with a rating of 140, so we should have some fun with him....! We now have 21 horses in - I really couldn't have wished for a better start to training.

Its been a pretty hectic week.....! We had a new arrival earlier in the week, a lovely mare called Lady Friend, who happens to be a half sister to Marsh Court, and Bollitree Bob.  We gave her a pop over the poles, and barrels on Wednesday, and she should make into a smart hurdler.  Talking of jumping, we also gave Blessed Forever a pop - and he was a natural.

Yesterday was a busy Saturday - we had two runners on Channel Four in big handicaps.  I'm amazed that after only 4 months into our training we had the opportunity to do this.  Ocean du Moulin ran an absolute cracker to finish fourth at Weatherby in the big £20K handicap, in ground that was probably too soft.  Felix gave him a smashing ride, and it was great for the Chalke Valley Partnership, who have had such fun with their horses so far this season.   We managed to get Sweet Diversion back onto the track after over a year off the course, and he ran well from out of the Handicap. Our final runner this week was Crispian in the claimer at Fontwell today.  He ran so much better in first time blinkers to finish 5th, but he certainly knows how not to win.....!

We've now been up and running for 4 months - time flies when your having fun....! Just wanted to let you all know that we have a new office telephone number which is 01722 781 261.

What a weekend of jumping we've had. It was great to see Kauto back to his best, but I did feel for Nick Mitchell as The Listener was obviously below par for some reason.  The Guv'nor was in flying form at Ascot on Saturday with three winners, and we had 24mm of rain last night - jumping is truely back.....!

We should have a busy week, with a few runners across the country, so I will try to keep you posted on all our outings as much as possible, but fingers crossed for them all.

Amy gave Crispian a lovely ride yesterday at Nottingham to finish a close 7th.  She absolutely adored every moment of it, and it was well worth going all that way, as it looks as though Crispian actually enjoyed the softer ground...!  I think we'll now look to run him over hurdles, and at a glance there looks to be a good opportunity to run him in a boys race at Fontwell in a weeks time.

Tom Scu came in yesterday to have a sit on a few.  He gave Montana Gold a pop over hurdles, he will be out shortly in soft ground over a trip.   He also sat on one of his old favourites - Bollitree Bob - whom he couldn't believe actually settled and looked at what he was jumping (an essential component in a jumper I'm sure everyone will agree...!).   He also gave Ocean du Moulin a run through his paces.  He jumped brilliantly, and I don't really know why he did jump so badly last time at Huntingdon, although he does take some warming up.  I also gave him the pleasure of jumping Cruising River, who we will run this week all being well. 

On hearing of Tom Scu in yesterday, Tom O'Brien came in today....!  He had a sit on a bumper horse called Blessed Forever.  He is a lovely type, out of the half sister to Ever Blessed (who won the Henessey). I think we will run him at Chepstow on Wednesday.  He then gave Sweet Diversion a spin up over the fences, who might go for the Badger Beer at Wincanton, or a handicap at Sandown.

We took three horses off to Whitsbury today to put them through their paces.  Montana Gold lead the piece of work with Kate aboard, Blessed forever worked in the middle, and Sweet Diversion made up the threesome. Monty took a good blow, but kept galloping all the way, and is being primmed for staying novice handicaps.  Sweets worked nicely and will hopefully head towards the Badger Beer Chase at Wincanton a week on Saturday.  Blessed Forever is a lovely bumper horse we have out of the half sister to Ever Blessed.   He is quite highly strung, so I was pleased that he took all of today in his stride, and we are all looking forward to seeing him on the track next week.

We have Amy Murphy staying at the moment, and all being well we were going to head to Nottingham for her second ride aboard Crispian in the Lady Riders Handicap.  However, it has been put in doubt as the heavens have opened, and they are calling an inspection tomorrow at 7.30. Fingers crossed the ground will not be too testing, as it will be great to have Amy ride again for us.

Bid Art ran again today, and showed a much improved effort.  Tom O'Brien gave him a lovely ride - he held him up, and settled him very well, he ran through beaten horses and got home well.  He jumped most beautifully and finished a closing 6th.  I am so chuffed with him as this showed he is learning all the time.

We had an excellent schooling session yesterday. Marsh Court's half brother, Bollitree Bob (who has had a year off with leg trouble), had his first jump for us, and has certainly not forgotten how to jump, he was foot perfect.  He will be an exciting prospect providing his legs hold up.  We also jumped Sweet Diversion over the hurdles in the school, then over the fences on the grass - my adrenaline was pumping and I wasn't even riding....! The bumper horses also had a pop over the poles to keep them interested, and we pondered their futures.....  Exciting times at Manor Farm.

Firstly, I must apologise for not updating this as regularly as usual, but it has been a very busy week all round....!

Our string is ever increasing - we are up to 19 now. We had a very exciting new horse arrive on Wednesday, called Sweet Diversion.  He is a gorgeous looking bright bay, who was rated in the 140s before having a year off the track through minor mishaps.  We will hopefully be able to go to some nice races this year, and if things go well, we might try for the Grand National....!  How exciting.  We have also had a lovely mare arrive called Lynford Noora, who was bought by Aiden Murphy as a youngster, and thought to have a bright career.  She has had a few problems over the past two years, but she looks a lovely type and it would be great to get her career back on track.

We have had a bit of mixed luck on the course this week.  Most disappointing really was Marsh Court, who had previously won for us at Fontwell.  Her old behaviour came back to haunt us at Ludlow, and as a result she ran a bit below par.  Fingers crossed we can freshen her up, and coax back that winning feeling from her.....! 

Ocean du Moulin ran cracker at Huntingdon.  He jumped very badly, but ran an amazing race to finish a close up fourth giving away 10lbs....!  We'll head back to our schooling ground, and we should see a different horse next time out - fingers crossed.

Little Bid Art had his first run out in a juvenile contest at Ludlow.  He jumped brilliantly, but pulled a bit too hard early on and so didn't really get home.  We'll run him again this week and teach him to settle. Once he realises this he'll be a horse to watch....!

This week we also had our first Cheltenham runner.  Good old Lester ran in a Novice Chase at Prestbury Park on Friday.  He jumped immaculately, and finished a far from disgraceful 5th. 

If someone had told me that by the 20th October 2008 we would have 19 horses in training, have already trained a winner and a couple of placed runners, and have had a runner at Cheltenham, I would never have believed them.  I am so pleased with how things have panned out.  Lets hope it all continues to progress.....!

Bangor is a long way away.....! The ground was not good to soft, but more like good to firm - so poor Cruising River was run out of it yesterday. It just never happened for him, but at least he has come out of the race in A1 condition, and he is now enjoying a pick of grass in the sunshine. 

I know we always talk about the British weather - but how can it be so wet in the summer, and so dry now....?  We almost need our soft ground horses ready in August, and our fast ground horses ready for this time of year. 

I did feel for Nick Mitchell yesterday, as his second runner took a rather nasty looking fall at Chepstow yesterday.  He and I grew up Pointing together and as he was assisting Robert Alner I was at Nicky's, and we have now both started training at the same time.  He has had a dose of bad luck, and fingers crossed both the horse, and Daryl Jacobs are both ok after the fall.  It does rather put things into perspective, and actually our bad days haven't been bad at all - we have actually had an amazing run, and a great start.

We have just declared for our first Channel 4 televised Saturday race.....! Cruising River will run at Bangor tomorrow in the staying handicap chase - how exciting. 

I was glad to see two jockeys came back from injuries with winners this week.  Both Andrew Thornton, and Joe Tizzard have both been through the wars recently.  It is a hard life for jockeys and they are both great ambassadors for our sport -  so a big well done.

Tom Scu came in again this morning to help us school.  I have to say its a massive help to have the likes of Tom coming in to help us.  He had a sit on Bid Art and gave him a pop over the hurdles in the school. Tom was most impressed with his progress, and fingers crossed he can reproduce this at Ludlow next week.....!  He then gave Lester a quick pop over the fences in order to get his eye back in, and needless to say he was foot perfect.  Rob gave Ocean a pop to keep Lester company, and he'll hopefully run at Huntingdon next week.

Coby had a run at Exeter today.  He is a smashing horse who I owe a lot of favours - as he has carried me into the winners enclosure on several occasions. Unfortunately the ground was not soft enough for him, and he was run off his feet a little. We thought that the rain yesterday would have been sufficient, but he does like it sloshing.....!  We'll hope for some more rain, before he heads home to go hunter chasing in the spring.

I cannot believe its October already - how time flies....!  Great news today - we conducted our first set of random trachea washes today and the vet tells us that all our horses are well.  The figures were without exception very pleasing.  Quondor's were all A1 too, so he is recovering from his race last week. 

Tom Scu and Felix came in this morning to school a couple of would be runners this weekend.  Tom had a sit on Marsh Court who he said felt spot on for Fontwell on Saturday, and he also sat on Bid Art - whom he described as a "Bonny little chap".  Felix had the luxury of sitting on Ocean who will go to Uttoxeter on Sunday in what looks a relatively competitive little race.  He also popped Pastek who we are desperate to run on Sunday at Uttoxeter, as he is on serious form.

However, the best news of the day was undoubtedly Amy Murphy who had her first ever ride in public today.  She rode Crispian over a mile at Salisbury in a Lady Rider Amateur Handicap.  He ran very respectively, and more importantly looked after Amy, who gave him a fantastic first ride.  Right up in the van throughout, both Amy and Crispy loved it - both had a grin on their faces....! Many congratulations to Amy - a dream she'll bore her Grandchildren about.....!

Work morning at Manor Farm went very well this morning.  We had the added delight of having Tigga Barnes riding out.  We put him on the gentleman's ride - Cruising River.  He had an easier week last week as Uttoxeter was off the agenda, and now we'll build him back up for Bangor next weekend.  He worked with a new horse we've got in called Blessed Forever (out of the half sister of Ever Blessed - who won the Henessey for Mark Pitman).  Well - I was impressed.....!

Ocean du Moulin had his last bit of work before we head to Uttoxeter on Sunday, and he worked with Cobreces (who will go to Exeter on the 8th, providing it rains).  Bid Art worked very well by himself - as he is a bit of a speed machine, and would have left the others standing.  Lets hope he does the same over 2 miles.....!

The last two that we worked this morning were Pastek and Marsh Court.  Fingers crossed they are both straight, and we'll go this weekend with them both.  Marsh Court has had her obvious problems in the past (both physically and with regards her jumping) so lets hope we have helped iron those out.  Pastek is working so well, he disappointed for Charlie Mann last season, so lets hope we've ironed him out too....!  

Well - tomorrow is Amy Murphy's first ride at Salisbury.  She will ride Crispian over a mile in the Lady Rider Amateur race.  Ideally he wants further, but tomorrow is all about Amy enjoying herself, and them both coming back safely.  Whatever happens we'll toast Amy afterwards.

Did anyone say autumn is here? Its chilly....! 

Well the weather might be a bit cold, but the atmosphere is certainly hotting up at Manor Farm.  We decided that we should take four of our fitter horses to Whitsbury to work over a mile straight gallop to see how straight they were.  We took Crispian, Lester, Ocean, and Pastek.  Lucy rode Ocean du Moulin and he worked with Pastek who Morgan rode. Ocean lead and Pastek joined at the 3 furlong pole; they strode out to the four pole, and worked to the 7 pole.  It was very pleasing to see that Pastek seems to have the class to live with Ocean, who is rated 130......!

Crispian worked by himself, and worked well enough, but he didn't seem to like the softer ground.  He has plenty of speed, and that was somewhat blunted.

Lester also worked by himself. I was very pleased with him, as he was doing his best work late on, and has fully convinced me that he wants a step up in trip.  Its all stations go now for Bangor......!  Fingers firmly crossed.

Wednesday (as usual) is our weekly schooling morning, and as 'jumping is the name of the game' it is of vital importance. Tom O'Brien came in to help us out this morning. We decided not to throw Tom in at the deep end so we gave him our resident gentleman, Cruising River to school first.  What a pro - he was awesome...! Then he had a sit on Lester and jumped the fences upsides Ocean - at this point I almost thought about coming out of retirement - and they were foot perfect.

We then took Crispian and Quondor over the hurdles in the school.  Quondor showed why he is just so exciting, as he lives for his jumping - what a little star.  Crispian was a little novicey, but Tom said he'd win tomorrow - what praise, and lovely to hear! 

Little Bid Art was next into the school.  We've done a lot of pole work with this chap, and this was to be his first try over the hurdles.  He had a good look at them the first time up, but then took to them like a duck to water.  Tom said in his Irish blarney "he throws a good shape".    So really we had a very productive day.  All very exciting.....

I just want to say a bit about our jockeys.  We have obviously had both Tom Scu and Tom O'Brien done to school, and we will try to use those two as much as possible.  They are both fantastic jockeys, and we are very lucky to be in such a position where they both want to ride for us.    We will use the talented conditional, Felix De Giles, whenever we want to claim off a horse, and Rob Lee is our very promising amateur who claims a valuable 7lbs. 

The last two days has been revolved around schooling, and what a two days it has been....!  Tom Scudamore arrived at 9am this morning (we didn't get him in earlier as he needs his sleep - I think his girls keep him up at night), he had a canter on Lester Leaps In, and schooled him over the fences. Tom described him as "a cat", and said he cant wait to ride him.  We are thinking about stepping him up in trip, and might well run him at Bangor on 12th September in a 2m4 novice chase.

Tom also had a sit on Crispian.  I think he found him quite strong, much to Amy Murphy's amusement.  He gave him a pop over the hurdles in the outdoor school, and although he is still a bit novicey, Tom was very complimentary.  I think we might run him at Bangor on the 12th September too.  We'll spend some more time on his jumping, but that should come right fairly soon as he is an intelligent sort.

Alex Merriam dropped in yesterday and helped us school most of the others.  Quondor is really enjoying his jumping, and we'll go straight over hurdles with him in the latter part of next month.  Pastek loved it as usual - jumping will be the making of this horse. Tara Whale flew, and I'm really quite excited to get her into a mares hurdle - I think she's a different horse to last year....!  Ocean du Moulin popped the fences with Rob Lee on board, and he is the most utter professional - just lovely. 

We've got Fiona Crick coming in tomorrow to take some pics of us all on the gallops, so I hope to update all the website before long - so keep your eyes peeled....!

Oh my god - Crispian just worked amazingly...!  He flew up the gallops. How exciting, but not unfortunately for Amy Murphy who wont be able to ride him in his first race for us, as there are no suitable amatuer flat races until the beginning of October. Crispian instead will have to run over hurdles (we better get practicing...!). 

Another who worked very well today was Pastek.  He really has changed dramatically since arriving, and he could yet surprise us.  Quondor worked very well too.  He had a gallop in behind Ocean du Moulin (rated 130 over fences), and he is very exciting. 

I've found a potential race for Lester Leaps In at Worcester on 7th September - a 2 mile beginners chase.  Lets hope it dries out a bit before hand....!

Well - so much has happened since I last updated this.  I almost cant believe it, but we now have 14 horses in.  Lucy and I went up to the sales last week, with a view to buy a youngster for the Chalke Valley syndicate.  We found a lovely Kayf Tara mare, but unfortunately she failed the vet.  Thank goodness we had her vetted! However, every cloud has a silver lining, and as I was talking to Ant Bromley, he suggested that I have a look at Ocean du Moulin of Paul Nicholls'.  Well to cut a long story short we bought this highly talented young novice chaser. What a lovely horse to have in our yard, and one who can take us to some bigger tracks.  After buying Ocean, Kaldouas was next into the ring, and he was unsold (not making his reserve), and Paul asked if I could find an owner for him.  I spoke to Lindsay Suenson -Taylor, and she jumped at the chance. Kaldouas is a smashing horse who we will aim at some of the more prestigious Hunter Chases next season - how exciting....!

We also took in today a very promising 3 year old filly by Kalanisi, out of a good mare called Marie de Bayeux, who is by Turgeon. Lucy also brought down her old boy, Sure Future, who is going to be her hunter to help nanny some of our younger sorts....!  So we now have 14 in, and they are all coming along nicely.  Bid Art is flying - he is a proper speed machine, and one I am most looking forward to seeing out on the course.  Crispian is another who is showing plenty of pace at home, and he might be our first runner at this rate.  Lester Leaps In is working well, and he is not far off a run either.  The horse who keeps surprising me is Pastek.  He worked very well this morning, and jumps like a buck.  I think we'll go straight chasing with him.

Anyway, we're all very excited about how things are progressing.  Rob Lee is another addition to our team at Manor Farm.  He has come along as amateur jockey, and a key work rider.  He has been at Paul Nicholls for the last 5 years, and has learnt his trade in the Point-to-Point field.  He rides very well, and is a great asset to our team.

I'll keep you posted of any more interesting news.

A proper jock came in to school this morning at Manor Farm.  Tom Scu popped 6 of our primed equine beasts over a couple of show jumps in the school. I decided to give him a gentle warm up by letting him jump Cruising River and Lester Leaps In, before he sat on some of the younger sorts....!  Needless to say "River" and "Lester" were foot perfect.

Next into the ring was Pastek - a 5 year old Ungaro gelding, who had only schooled once before in his life.  He is a grand stamp of a horse, but seems to do everything in his own time.  Well - he was electric, and I'm considering going straight chasing with him.

We then let Tom sit on Quondor Noire.  He ran in one Point-to-point last season as a 4 year old, and finished second. He is a smashing individual, but we need to build his bum up in order to join his impressive front end.   He jumps very well, and makes a good shape over the fences.  He will be a lovely chaser, but I think we'll start him off over hurdles this season.

Tara Whale was next up.  She is a good looking mare by Kayf Tara out of a multiple winning pointer.  We rather like Tara, as she has an attitude about her that will make her a tough mare on the course. 

Last but certainly not least was Bid Art.  He is a beautifully bred gelding by Hawk Wing out of a Kings Theatre mare, from the family of Jack the Giant (whom we had at Seven Barrows last year).  He is a bonny little chap, who carries an air about himself.  He popped over the poles without a moments hesitation as he adores his jumping.  I do like this chap, and have high hopes for him when he goes juvenile hurdling early on this season.

A good first schooling morning with a top jock - fingers crossed every schooling morning goes as well.....!

I went up to London today for my final interview with the BHA, and they granted me my licence.  It was the final hoop that one has to jump through in order for one to become a fully fledged trainer....!  It was a great relief, and so the first bottle of champagne (hopefully of many to come throughout the years) was opened.

Well it has been another good week.  We took all of the horses into the school on Wednesday to give them all a bit of a pop. It all passed very smoothly, with Kate doing all the riding, and I was acting as a "Yogi"....!  Pastek was the one who shocked us all, as he acted as though he had springs in his shoes - he flew over the poles - he was a complete natural, a sure chaser in the making.  Cruising River was a star as he acted as a lead horse for the babies, and I'm sure he enjoyed his nannying role. 

The sun is actually out today, so we have taken the advantage to turn our boys and girls out for the day.  Quondor Noire absolutely loves being out, and his character shines through as when I try to catch him, he decides its quite fun just to walk round me - far enough from me that he cant be caught....!  He is a funny lad.

History was made this morning at Manor Farm - our first horses set foot on the "Softtrack" gallop.....! I rode Crispian, Lucy rode Lester Leaps In, and Kate rode Bid Art.  I chose Crispian as i thought he was going to be the safest option - and he was the perfect lead horse (thank goodness!). 

We're going to school a couple in the arena this afternoon, and the others are going out for a pick of grass, as it looks as through summer might be here....!?!

Today was Rundle Cup day - the annual Army vs. Navy Polo match at Tidworth.  I was asked to play in the warm up charity match of jockeys vs. eventers.  So, after the mornings work I raced up to Tidworth to take part in this worthy cause for spinal research. We were robbed of victory in a thriller, and much as Chelsea lost a penalty shoot out - so did we....! 

Just to keep you posted on the yards developments - the loop of the gallop is now complete, and we are very much looking forward to getting our first lot onto the gallop in the morning.  I think I'll put myself on a nice sensible one first...!  I'll keep you posted...

We took Bid Art and Lester Leaps In into the school this morning to give them a pop over the poles.  These two would be our most forward horses as regards fitness, so we thought we should get them off the ground.  It was the first time Bid Art has ever been asked to jump, but he took to it like a duck to water.  Such great news, as he should be a fun horse for a juvenile campaign.  Lester Leaps In had a pop afterwards in order to keep him interested, and needless to say - he loved it....! 

Our first week as Manor Farm Racing has been a success.  We have eight horses in, and are expecting a further couple over the weekend.  They have all settled in, and seem very relaxed which is great to see given their new surroundings.

The gallop loop is now complete with the "Softtrack" surface going down.  We are very pleased to have "Softtrack" as our sponsor for the coming year, an added bonus for our new owners.  The gallop straight should be complete in a couple of weeks and is developing every day. 

I'll keep updating you over the coming season, and do please give me a call if you wish to come and see Manor Farm Racing for yourself.