The Calm Before The Storm...

We've been a little on the quieter side over the past few weeks, certainly in the way of runners as we've had our bi-annual round of flu jabs, meaning the horses have a bit of an easier time of things whilst they get over their jabs. The team has still been working away as hard as ever though, getting those mid season jobs done around the yard that keep everything ticking along nicely. We have also been seeing the arrival back on the yard of the spring and summer horses who have all enjoyed a nice winter break and are coming back into work, as well as some new faces on the yard in the form of some nice youngsters and form horses. 

This week has also meant the start of the Cheltenham buzz, as we see entries start to go in including a few from our own yard which is very exciting for a team of our size to have the calbre of horses around that are not only capable of running at Cheltenham, but also of running good races. One of those horses is Hardy Du Seuil, who runs at Haydock this weekend in a Grade 2 novices' chase on the back of winning 2 previous novice chases out of his 4 runs. This is the first of 4 runners on Saturday at 3 different tracks meaning one very busy but exciting day for the team! Cornicello goes with a strong chance in his first attempt at a handicap hurdle to Tuanton, as well as Anythingforlove in another Grade 2 at Ascot and Thomas Macdonagh who also goes to Haydock with a step back in trip to 2 miles. 

This weekend has already got off to a flying start with Hogan's Height winning the first hunter chase of the Season at Ludlow in fine style under Gina Andrews. This was slightly bitter-sweet as young yard amatuer Will Featherstone was due to take the ride, however, he unfortunately suffered a rather nasty fall pointing last weekend. We all wish Will the speediest of recoveries as we miss his ever cheerful and bouncy attitude around the yard.