Thursday 8 january

Unfortunately, Matty will not have the chance of running with just a 7lb penalty tomorrow as Huntingdon have just abandoned their card due to the freezing temperatures. This was his last chance to run with just a 7lb penalty and not with the extra 13lbs that the handicapper has kindly given him, a shame as he is in great form and would surely have gone close again, being effectively 6lb better off than he will be if he runs at Plumpton on Monday. Let's just hope that the win has done his confidence the world of good, and he can build on his efforts and win again off of his lofty mark of 97!! It does look as thought the thaw is setting in from the north, so we are all praying that it gets to Wetherby by Saturday, as Bobby Gee is entered to go there along with Bahreyna. It has been very hard work at Fences Farm (and indeed all racing yards) throughout this cold snap. Walkways get very icy, and gallops need constant attention to ensure that they are fit for use and not likely to cause injury. All of Mrs Robesons staff have been working very hard in some pretty testing circumstances, and we thank them all for their efforts to keep the show on the road. At least when the thaw comes the horses will be in good order to go out straight away and run well.