Royal Ascot Approaching......

I’msingingtheblues ran a fine race in the Perth Gold Cup under top weight and finished third in his first attempt at 3 miles. There were four horses in with a chance jumping the last fence and I’msingingtheblues kept battling all the way to the line under a strong ride from Johnny Farrelly. We had a weekend of Northern runners and our lorry made the journey from Hexham on Saturday to Perth for racing on Sunday. We did not have any winners this time but all the horses ran well and Bathwick Scanno ran very well to finish second in the opening 3 year old hurdle race of the season at Hexham. I am sure we can use his good jumping to our advantage in the forthcoming juvenile races and hopefully find him a winning opportunity. I would once again like to take a moment to thanks both Hexham and Perth for looking after us so well. It was dad’s first visit to the track and he was very impressed with it all and wants to go back! They always make us feel very welcome and I would certainly recommend anyone to go racing at both of these courses if you get the chance.

On Friday evening I took part in the charity cricket match at Cullompton. If you remember I mentioned last week, it was a testimonial game between a few racing personalities and Ottery Brewery for Rodi Greene. My fellow teammates included jockeys Joe Tizzard and Mattie Batchelor and trainers Nick Mitchell and Simon Burrough and we were victorious!! I would like to say I was a key factor in our win and although I bowled a few nice over’s and kept things ‘tight’ I was not quite as successful with the bat! After looking full of promise and hitting a four with my first ball, I proceeded to guide the second one straight back to the waiting arms of the bowler and that was that! It was a great evening however and a lot of money was raised in a good cause so I would like to special mention to organiser Ron Dolly who made it such a success. Rodi was at the evening and even though still wearing his neck brace it was great to see him and he his progressing slowly each day so keep up the good work Rodi!

There is not much jumping action this week and my attention is turning towards the flat and I am really looking forward to Royal Ascot next week. To warm up I have Reset City entered on the flat at Chepstow on Friday and Kazzene is entered for Sandown on Saturday. I am pleased to report that Junior is in fine form at home and on course to try and defend his title in the Ascot Stakes next Tuesday. It will be quite tough for him as he will have to carry ten pounds more than last year, racing off a mark of 95 but I could not be more pleased with his preparation so far and I am sure he will put up a good performance. Meanwhile I am busy dusting off my top hat and tails ready for the occasion! Businessmoney Judi is likely to be my only jumps runner over the coming days and she holds an entry for Aintree on Friday. She has been brilliant since joining the yard and going over hurdles and will be looking to make it three from three over obstacles in the Conditional jockeys handicap hurdle.

Meanwhile at home the winter horses are out enjoying the sunshine on their summer break. Some go home with their owners but we still have a large number of them who stay here for their holiday and they are all eating lots and relaxing! It is hard to believe we have reached June already and it will not be too long before we are thinking of getting them back in and preparing for the season ahead!