Sunday 21 September

Another cracking day at Uttoxeter, the sun was shining and the ladies of Staffordshire were out in their finest, (quite and eyeful)!We left Fences early, as we wanted to walk the course and make sure that the ground was suitable, after a very dry week the ground had gone from Soft to Good to Firm, and you can never be too careful. Important Business was sure to go on it, but the doubt was with Ogee. The Clerk of the course at Uttoxeter does a really good job, as they race there all year round, on all types of ground, and the surface is always excellent whatever the weather and today was no exception, the ground was as described, Good to Firm, but level and safe, so Ogee got the go ahead to run. It was his turn first in the opener, a novice hurdle, the conditions of which really suited him as he was to receive weight from horses that were not rated as highly as him. Sent off the 2/1 Fav. He jumped off and travelled well, and scooted clear between 3 out and 2 out to win very impressively. A great start to the day and we were all hoping for a double with Important Business in the handicap later on. A good few of his owners and guests were there to see him, Sam had been through the race with a fine tooothed comb, and had worked out a plan that should see him go close. He was a bit fresh and on his toes in the paddock,but he did not boil over, and they were very complimentary about him on At The Races saying he was 'ready to run for his life'. After a false start he jumped off well and Sam had him just where he wanted him, 5/6th and getting a good tow into the race. All went well, he travelled and jumped really well, went past the leader as they straightened up to face home. Lord Ryeford, a 135 rated chaser who had run very well off these lower marks over hurdles crept up our inner under Paddy Brennan, and it was down to us to battle it out. And what a battle! IB went ahead jumping two out but Lord Ryeford battled back and after the last it was ding-dong all the way to the line with Tom Georges horse just getting the better of our brave little chap. Another second, that is the fourth time IB has been runner up , and I feel so sorry for him to get beat again, he so deserves to get his head in front. Although beaten all the owners were happy, and Sam was very pleased, He will benefit for a step up in trip and we will hopefully get him winning soon. Sam even suggested trying to get him qualified for the Pertemps Final at The Cheltenham Festival, as he feels it will be a race that really plays to his strengths, so if you would like to own a share in a horse that looks destined for the Festival then have a look on the Horses For Sale page, and give me a call.