Racing Returns

MCP, David & Jilly Cooper at the Garden Party

As we know we have had a mini break from the jump racing over the past few days but I can assure everyone there has been plenty of work going on behind the scenes!  All the horses are now back in from their summer holidays and in fact the majority are cantering away on the gallops.

Jumps action returns on Wednesday but my first runner of the week is on the flat on Tuesday at Ffos Las.  Bathwick Street is having his first run for the yard in the 5.15pm race, a 1m4f handicap with Willie Twiston-Davies in the saddle.  He actually won his last two starts for David Evans but then has had some time off due to injury so this will be his first run since May 2013.  He is a lovely big five year old and I am really looking forward to sending him over hurdles but it is nice to get him back on the track and see what he can do on the level first.  He works well at home and it will be interesting to see how he gets on off a mark of 78.

Newton Abbot hosts the first jumps racing since the break and I have a few entries there as well as at Fontwell on Thursday evening.  Tom Scu unfortunately now starts his ban but we have good cover in the jockey department with Conor O’Farrell, Mikey Ennis, Kieron Edgar and Michael Heard all riding out at the yard.  At the weekend we have entries at Market Rasen, Perth and Southwell and these include recent Perth winners Ainsi Fideles and His Excellency and recent Uttoxeter debut chase winner Azza.  Keep checking back on Chester’s daily blog for more news of our runners throughout the week.

The last few days have been particularly hectic as we prepared for our Garden party for owners and friends which we held on Saturday.  The weather stayed good and it was great to have approximately 180 guests in a marquee on the lawn for lunch.  After a look around the yard everyone had the chance to watch Big Occasion swim.  Having missed last season it is great to have the Midlands National winner and Scottish National runner up back in the yard and fingers crossed he will be contesting the top staying chases this season.  I think a great time was had by all, we had a bouncey castle for the children (& adults!!) and it was just nice to catch up with everyone and dream of what winners we would all like this season!

Today I am actually having a day off from the yard, though it will probably be more stressful than a usual day and I probably should have stayed at home!  I am actually playing in the Jim Old Charity Golf day, something I do every year as part of John Dale’s team.  I also had to bring along a golfing friend to make up our team, I think I succeeded on one count but taking Ashley Farrant as our fourth team member probably will not help our golfing chances!  However, it is of course the taking part that counts and we are all doing it in aid of a good cause – I am sure Chester will let you know how we all got on tomorrow but don’t expect too much!

It is back to work for the rest of the week with the planning and preparation well underway!  Roll on October!!