High Strikes

                    High Ville

In a fairly quiet time for runners last week it was great to have a winner from our only runner at Uttoxeter, High Ville on Tuesday.  Our six year old is not the easiest of rides as he is pretty keen but Conor O’Farrell gave him a great ride from the front.  Although tackling three miles for the first time he seemed to see out the new trip very well and in fact never saw a rival!  He is sure to go up a few pounds for this but the fact he stays opens up more opportunities for him and there could be more improvement to come, providing he doesn’t pull too hard in his races.  He is a lovely big sort who likes the quick ground and I am sure he will enjoy jumping the larger obstacle at some point although he does hold another entry back at Uttoxeter over hurdle this week and may run again.

My only other runners last week was on the flat at Ascot on Friday.  Investissement tried to make all under Willie Twiston-Davies but did not quite last home.  He will probably be sent hurdling now.

It was nice then to have a quieter weekend and enjoy the sunshine with the family but its back to business today with two runners at Newton Abbot.  We had three declared but unfortunately Palace Jester was not quite right this morning and was a non-runner. We have possible runners at both jumps meetings at Uttoxeter and Worcester on Wednesday.  Purple N Gold could be a name to look out for, our three year old is making his debut over hurdles after running well on the flat.  He has schooled well at home so it will be interesting to see how he gets on.  After Wednesday the next jump racing action is at the weekend with Cartmel and Market Rasen on Saturday and Newton Abbot and Stratford on Sunday.  I have entries at all four meetings, but the big racing takes place at Market Rasen with valuable races including the Summer hurdle and Summer plate.  I have both Decoy and progressive mare Massannie in the 2m5f £18,000 prize money handicap hurdle while Street Entertainer, Waterunder and War Singer are all entered in the feature summer hurdle with £35,000 in prize money added.  The Summer plate is a listed race over fences with a prize fund of £50,000 and we have won it in the past with the likes of Qulinton and Tango Royal.  It is always a very competitive event and this year our chances will lie possibly with Problema Tic and Shoegazer who have entries.

I also have a couple of flat entries this week with Togiak entered at Newbury on Friday and Street Entertainer at the same track on Saturday.  Keep checking Chester’s daily blog for more news on the stable runners.

While talking about the upcoming racing a just want to make a small point about the fixture list at the moment.  I know we keep going on about it but just reflecting on the weekend past.  Saturday, lots of flat meetings, no jumping.  Sunday, three jumps cards and no flat meetings.  I am I the only one that thinks this or does this seem a bit daft?!  Then this week, two jumps meeting on Wednesday but nothing, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday?!  While it is great to have some of the races on offer that we do at Market Rasen on Saturday I still would much rather a summer break for everybody involved in jumping.  Not sure this will ever happen but at least some better planning of race meetings on separate days might be a step forward!

I bid on a few horses at the Newmarket July sales but ultimately did not acquire any new recruits from this sale.  We have done well recently at both the Irish and French sales and will continue to add to our team over the summer months.  I am very excited by some of our new recruits and am really looking forward to the winter campaign.

It is just about that time of year again when the horses start to return from their summer holidays.  Time just seems to go by quickly!  Dynaste, Swing Bill, Broadway Buffalo and Shoegazer are a few names that recently returned and Big Occasion has also just returned from his break with one of his owners, Andrew Black.  Our Midlands National winners and Scottish National runner up looks super and we are delighted to have him back.  We can now all start dreaming of the Welsh National in December.

On Friday we will all travel to London for the memorial service of long term friend and owner David Johnson who as we know sadly passed away last week.  There is a private family funeral on Wednesday and although Friday will be a tough and extremely emotional day it will be good to say a fond farewell and give a great man the send off he deserves.

DJ with retired Grand National winner Comply or Die