Wednesday 20 May

Doncaster yesterday, and a succesful buying mission. I had earmarked about a dozen horses that we would be looking at - horses that fitted into certain criteria, that I thought we had a chance of improving and having a lot of fun with. Our early inspections were very disappointing - the pedigrees and form all fitted, but the actual horses were not the sort of things we were looking for. We narrowed our search down to 2, one of which was priced at the top end of our range (and likely to go over budget) and another that was getting on a bit, and would have to serve as a last resort. It is often funny how sales go - and as I was talking to one of the directors of DBS outside the sale ring when I saw a lovely grey horse go in and come out unsold after not making his reserve. He was a horse that was originally not on our radar, but after making a few enquiries it turned out that he was a sound fun horse that would do our job, so I purchased him privately. He is called Jardin De Vienne, is rated 109 over hurdles, and will be a proper winter horse. He is still a maiden over hurdles and fences but has won 4 times on the flat in France. There will be shares available to lease in this boy at £175/month (with the option to buy after 12 months) so if you are interestd then please give me a call. I would also like to welcome Nick Boyse and his family to the Chicheley Partnership. Nick yesterday agreed to buy a 1/8 share in Rousing Rob, and is very excited about his first venture into ownership. Rousing Rob will be coming back into training in July and there is now only one share left, so if you would like a share in this very well bred son of Selkirk (from the direct family of Cape Tribulation and Potentate as well as a host of other Black Type performers) then please get in touch. 07909 518902.