Highs 'N' Lows

Saturday also provided a couple more highs when we enjoyed a double at Newcastle courtesy of the enigmatic but talented Battle Group, while The Tracey Shuffle (a full brother to the stable’s Mr Thriller) looked distinctly useful when defying a penalty to comfortably land his second bumper. Earlier on the card I thought that Comply Or Die ran a decent race until pulling up two out in the Eider Chase. The going was bottomless – certainly softer than he would have preferred, and the event turned into a real test of endurance with only three finishers. He may well have finished third or fourth if Timmy had persevered, but he didn’t want to put him on the floor and looking at the bigger picture he still has Aintree as his next objective. Obviously he is a little tired following his exertions, but that is only to be expected and I am pleased to report that he is otherwise fine.

Of the lows, it was disappointing to see Dan Breen lose the race in the stewards’ room at Sandown following his battling success in the novices’ chase. I feel particularly sorry for owner Stuart Mercer, who was as gracious and philosophical as ever about the reversal. It was a really valiant effort from our six year old to hold on by a short head to beat Giorgio Quercus and he now has an official rating of 148 over fences – that may prove to be a little harsh and all but rules him out of any handicaps at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Indeed, he is only rated 9lbs behind the very best novice chasers in the country and that could force us to run him in the Arkle instead.

I attended my first Cheltenham Festival preview evening at Exeter racecourse last week and I hope that those in attendance found the event to be informative. I was joined on the panel by fellow trainers Paul Nicholls, Philip Hobbs and Nick Williams – sadly colourful Irish bookmaker Paddy Power was unable to attend, but the evening went smoothly enough under the guidance of Zoe Bird. This week I will be travelling across to Waterford, Ireland on Thursday to join the likes of John Francome, Mick Fitzgerald, Davy Russell and Senior Irish Handicapper Noel O’Brien for another preview.

MCP with John Parrott on Monday evening

Monday night saw an enjoyable sports evening where we played host to former snooker world champion John Parrott as well as rugby pundit Stuart Barnes and a number of owners. They challenged John to a few frames of doubles, as well as having a crack at Chester on the old table tennis table – despite not having played competitively in what seems like an eternity, Chester is still more than capable of holding his own – even with a frying pan as his choice of weapon!

Looking ahead, I notice that next Monday sees the start of Newton Abbot’s fixtures for 2011. I can’t believe how quickly that has come around…to me Newton Abbot always reminds me of the summer, especially with all of the holiday makers in the area –it would just be nice to have a bit of the summer weather!