29th December 2014 - a busy Christmas period.

After a busy lead up to Christmas we had an enjoyable day here at Folly House, where we rode out all the Boxing Day runners before a trip to Church with the children. There followed a great day with the children receiving an array of amazing presents, and the usual eating of far too much!

However, as ever the best day of Christmas is always Boxing Day where we rather hit the post with a few runners but unfortunately our best shot of the day (Major Milborne) came home with an injury. We sent 6 runners to three different meetings, and so it was a busy morning making sure the right runners went onto the right lorries! Down at Fontwell Dino Mite showed improvement to be 4^th in the opening juvenile, she’ll come to herself when stepped up in trip in handicaps in the spring. Rhythm Star then ran well to finish 3^rd in the competitive mares novice where she was beaten only 4 lengths despite carrying a penalty for her Huntingdon win. Our final runner at Fontwell was Major Milborne, who was trying his luck back over hurdles after his chasing win at Newbury last week, and therefore running without a penalty. He also finished 3^rd but he didn’t jump his hurdles with any fluency and unfortunately came back with a tendon injury.

Lucy went to Huntingdon where Will Featherstone gave Borguy a lovely ride to also finish 3^rd on his first try over 2m5. He looks to be improving, and shouldn’t be far away from getting his head in front. The Rebel Panther was our other runner there, but he proved he’s not a racehorse, and he’s now been retired.

We sent James down to Wincanton where Heronry was making his debut for us. He hated the very soft ground there, and so Brendan looked after him. He’ll improve for the run, but needs some help from the handicapper too. I’d have thought he’ll come into himself in the spring. We didn’t run Denboy as unfortunately he’s just tweaked himself behind, and will just need a bit more time. He’s a smashing horse, but his still on the weak side, so the time will only help him develop and strengthen.

I was bitterly disappointed with Agenor’s hurdling debut at Kempton on Saturday however, it was a very hot race, and he’s bound to improve for the run. He jumped well, but looked a bit laboured when asked for his effort. He’s quite a laid back horse at home, and perhaps we left him undercooked. We’ll get the work into him now, and change a few things, but I hope we’ll see a different horse next time!