Wednesday 1 July

It is officially a heatwave!! No shock there!! Bloody hot is what it is - and plenty of trainers will have their strings out an hour or two earlier in this weather to ensure that the later lots are not at exercise in the hottest part of the day. Stuart had to be on the ball at Uttoxeter on Sunday to ensure that Kikos did not overheat and suffer from dehydration after his run - he was quickly on hand with the cold water in the unsaddling enclosure, but did say that it was a shame that the showers back at the stables would only run hot, which is ideal in the depths of winter but not to good in nearly 30 degrees of heat!! Make hay while the sun shines is the motto, and that is the case this week. When the horses first come in from their breaks they are fed hay, but as their workrate and fitness improve they are move on to Haylage which has a higher protein and energy content than normal hay. The first few horses will be back from their summer breaks in the next few days. Daurica was not declared for Worcester today - but good luck to Fiona Kehoe who runs Michaels, Checked Shirt, in the 3 mile Novice.