9 July

Very sorry for the lack of recent news items, but the better weather that most people enjoy means much more work for me, and opportunities to update have been very few and far between!! Since the last update a few things of note have occurred.

Matty ran at Uttoxeter, with Sam riding and was very disappointing - never really travelling, he was soon out of the picture and finished well beaten. This was very frustrating as we had taken him back to the Staffordshire track where he had run so much better the time before, and with the form of that race working out, we really thought he would run very well. Not to be, and Matty remains very frustrating. Matty came out of the race well, but we decided to have his back checked again to make sure that he was not in any pain as he sometimes makes an awkward shape when jumping, and although slightly sore, there was nothing serious and we could press on with him. His next run was at Worcester, and we put Jamie Moore on board, as maybe Sam and Matty were not quite getting on. Unfortunately I was not able to get to Worcester but a good few of The Ravenstone Partnership were there and had a good day out.

Matty was fitted with cheekpieces to see if they would make him travel without blowing his brains and they seemed to work as he was travelling well and bang in contention as they rounded the home turn, only to fade and finish seventh. Jamie was sure that he had not seen out the 2 1/2 miles and the plan is to return to Worcester at the end of the month over 2 miles with blinkers back on. If this doesn't work then I do not know where we turn next!! At the start of July Kikos, and Rousing Rob both came in from their summer quarters, and after a couple of days on the walker they are back in their routines and being ridden every day. Important Business and Ogee have been in for about a month, and are just starting to do some steady canters, both look really well and should be ready to run in about 7-8 weeks.

Bobby Gee is still over at Ann Garratts and will return to Fences Farm in August, he is now for sale and anyone interested in joining the new Partnership should get in touch as soon as possible as places are very limited. Bobby has been valued by the countries leading National Hunt Bloodstock Agent, David Minton, and based on his valuation shares are priced at £4,000 per 1/8 share, plus £200 per month to cover all costs. All interested parties please call on 07909 518902.