22nd March 2015 - another week, another winner.

I was over the moon to see Jean Fleming win again at Fontwell yesterday. She is the most consistent horse we have, and has never been out of the first three! She missed a year due to a tendon injury but has come back better than ever to win in convincing fashion under Nick Scholfield – an old pal from my pointing days. I’m pleased that Karen and John Gunn’s patience has been rewarded.

Jean Fleming powers away to win at Fontwell yesterday under Mr.Smiley - Nick Scholfield

Unfortunately our bid for an across the card Saturday double were foiled as our fears were confounded and Major Milborne found 2m1 on good ground a bit too sharp.  He jumped the first three really well, but two mistakes down the back meant he was always playing catch up and his jumping was found out on that ground over that trip.  The handicapper should help him and he’ll have his day again in softer conditions.

Talking of handicappers, Tea Caddy ran another lovely race to be 2^nd again earlier this week at Taunton. She has only ever won race, but has been placed on the majority of her other starts and so the handicapper never gives her a chance….he put her up another 5lbs for her previous second!

Meanwhile we ran a smashing bumper horse at Wetherby on Tuesday called Fact of the Matter. He looked a picture in paddock (best turned out) and he travelled well just off the pace. Duelling Banjos went a serious gallop up front and we picked up in the straight to gallop on at the one pace in behind. Welsh Shadow won and looks an absolute aeroplane. We looked likely to finish 3rd or 4th but he swallowed his tongue inside the final furlong and got caught by the fast finishing flat bred (John Dory). Gavin said that it rode like a very good race and he thought we'd win next time out with a tongue tie on. So although it's a shame not to finish in the top three, we certainly can't be despondent. He's a nice horse in the making.