Friday 6 November

Jardin De Vienne made his debut for us today at Fontwell. We did not really know a great deal about the horse other than he worked well at home and looked as if he would appreciate a step up in trip. Sam took the ride, and as he can be a bit keen, decided to get a bit of cover early. JDV travelled well for a start, and was then a bit on and off the bridle, but was still well in touch when he 'blew up' turning round the bottom bend. Sam was then easy on him and they came home in their own time. 'Alice' had said to me as they lined up at the start,'what did I expect?' And I had said that if we finished in the first 7 I would be delighted, and that is just where we were. JDV will improve for the run, and we have learnt a great deal about him, and I am confident that we will be getting a good result out of him in the not too distant future. Once again, full credit to Alice - who turned him out looking a million dollars, and picked up another Best Turned Out Award.