19th October 2013

You know that Autumn is here when racing begins at Cheltenham, and I'm looking forward to heading to Prestbury Park this afternoon with Ixora.  She's running in the race she won two years ago, and is off a 10lbs lower mark this time around.  However, she's not really the same mare as previously, and will be heading off to stud in the spring, and so I hope she can go out on a high today.  She does need decent ground, so lets hope the rain stays away.

Present View made a satisfactory seasonal debut on Tuesday at Huntingdon, where he finished 3rd in what looks to be a smart novice hurdle.  He had been off the track for 10 months, and took a blow at the second last when looking like the winner.  He should come on for the run, and will make a better chaser than hurdler - and I'd say we'll not hang around long over hurdles with him.

Unfortunately Zava River finished lame after his chase debut at Wincanton on Thursday.  He jumped really well, and was moving up into contention down the back straight, when he was baulked by a faller, and had to swerve to his left.  This caused him to lose vital ground, and after slipping on the final bend he lost his confidence and then made a mistake at the third last.  We were initially slightly disappointed as we thought he'd run better than that, but he went lame on the way back to the stables, and the vets suspect he may have a stress fracture in his pelvis.  We'll scan him on Monday after the inflammation has reduced.  Its terrible luck for him and for his syndicate.

I see there is a nice write up about us on https://gg.com/news/features/jamie-snowden-stable-visit  Do click on the link and have a read - there are some nice horses with shares available if you are keen....