Monday 8 February

Snowing this morning, 2 jumps meetings abandoned, and it looks like being much the same for the next few days! So - time to look forward to the spring, and a bit of sunshine and some warmer weather. There is not a lot going on 'on track' for us this week. I had a long chat with Olly Murphy late last week and we have come up with a plan for Auditoria. When we purchased her, we had hoped to have had at least one run from her by now, but she came from France looking anything but healthy, and it has taken a while to get her back to looking something like a racehorse capable of doing herself justice over hurdles. She is a filly that enjoys soft ground, so it has been a balancing act between giving her as much time as possible to get healthy, put some weight on and start to blossom, and, getting her to the track on ground that she seems to favour. Auditoria is pencilled in to make her hurdling debut at the end of the month, and we can't wait to get going with her. We have an exciting syndicate coming together, and there are now very few of the shares remaining. Lots of new faces to NBR, and some returning to the fold - and we wish them all the best with Audrey. It is certainly a fun bunch - and there has been some great 'craic' between them on social media - let me know if you would like to be part of it - the communication from Olly and his team is top class, with regular photos, and video clips of the horse and the yard, along with general updates on all the goings on at the yard - it really does keep everyone fully engaged. Call me on 07909 518902 or Email nickbrownracing@gmail.com to book your place! Another that will run later this month is Volkovka. She has had a brief spell away at Jason Maguires to recharge her batteries after a very tough race finishing third in the Listed Hurdle in Doncaster late last month. Maguires is a fantastic tool, and one that Fergal and other local trainers use frequently - it give the horses a welcome change of scenery, and is of huge benefit to both their body and mind. Volkovka has two runs planned for the rest of her season, and all being well she should add to her win tally before heading off to The Elms Stud for a nice long winter break. She was a filly that was originally prepared for a breeze up sale in France as a two yr old, and would not have had a proper break in her life - she deserves one! Also down at Ravenswell Farm, Yauthym could go again later this month, although that will depend slightly on ground. She didn't handle the heavy ground in Fakenham, although the track suited well. If the soft ground conditions persist, she could even get a couple of entries on the all weather. She has speed to burn, and after more than a year since her last flat run, she has definitely improved physically, and could be nicely handicapped in that discipline. Hidden Beauty has settled in well to life in 'big school', and already has her admirers in the yard. She is a wonderfully big, powerful filly, and is well regarded by everyone that has had anything to do with her up until now. Jason likes her so much - he is planning to go to Fergals just to see her canter on the gallops one morning! San Seb is the fourth horse we have in at Ravenswell, and he is in fantastic form, and moving great. He loves deep ground, but needed a good break after his super hard run in Leicester last time out. He has an entry pencilled in for later this month. Having been written off at one stage, it would be great for him and his patient owners if he could go one better next time and get his head in front! At Fences Farm - Classic Ben had an easy few days due to a small joint issue - but that seems to have been tidied up, and he could have an entry in the Eider Chase in Newcastle - he needs these marathon trips these days, but you can't run them in those too often, and this race falls nicely for him. Go Millie Go will be back on track in around a month. She has benefitted a great deal from her ulcer treatment, and I am looking forward to what she can do now that they have been dealt with. We have settled on a plan for Blue Bikini - she will have entries early next month. She looks capable of winning a bumper on the evidence of her latest second in Taunton. Her options will start with the Listed Mares Bumper in Sandown in mid March, but she will only run there if the ground suits, and she looks very likely to run into a place and earn herself black type. If that looks unlikely, she will contest a mares bumper shortly afterwards. Should see run in Sandown she will still be able to contest the Grade 2 mares bumper in Aintree which is an option, along with a trip to Ireland should we feel that that is the right call. The horses at The Elms are all in good form. Savingforvegas is due to foal in late March, after which she will pay a visit to Falco. Molly Childers will be covered by Planteur, a recent arrival from France. The Camelot 3 yr old filly is spending this cold snap down at Jasons, and he is delighted with her - she has put on weight, and is taking well to the first part of her education. The Mamool 3 yr old gelding heads off to Charlie Postes' this morning where he will spend the next couple of months. He was broken by Charlie and Fran last year, and this second spell there will stand him in good stead fir when he goes into training proper in the summer. He is a lovely horse and will be aimed at juvenile bumpers and hurdles next season. He will be trained by Fergal, and 10% shares will be available in him from April 1st, with no keep fees to pay until he goes down to Ravenswell Farm in the summer! Get in touch to book your place. I have over 50% of the shares already allocated - so don't delay!