Monday 30 November

What a day of contrasting emotions on Saturday. Bobby Gee was very much fancied to run a big race in the Novices Handicap Chase. He is very well in himself, and really has his old spark back. The race was a decent 0-130 handicap, and was the stiffest renewal of this race to date in its guise as a Novice Handicap, but we felt we were well in, and sure to make the places. The signs were even better when Pamak D'Airy won a handicap at Necastle off of 112 (Bobby was cruising in front of this horse when he unseated at Market Rasen), so all looked in order for the big run. Unfortunately nobody told Bobby, and he failed to read the script - he made a mistake at the sixth, and was well in touch, 4 lengths off the lead, when he made a novicey mistake - the sort you see hundreds of times a season - and fell at the tenth. What follows is that heartstopping moment when you just pray that both horse and jockey get up - and both did. Bobby in slightly better shape than the jockey - Bobby just a bloody nose - Sam a cracked collar bone! Both will live to fight another day - but the priority with Bobby will be a clear round. After this kick in the teeth (and wallet) it was great to see Denman do the impossible and win the Hennessy - what a performance, and one that I will never forget - it is what makes National Hunt Racing the sport that it is, and to hear the reception he got when he came back into the Winners Enclosure was simply amazing. He is a superstar, and to think - Ruby says he needs a set of blinkers!!! Get on now for the Gold Cup!!