Monday 25 January

A really good day at Market Rasen yesterday, and what a thrill to see Bobby Gee get his act together over fences. What a ride by Sam!! Simply brilliant - he basically gave Bobby a perfect schooling round, teaching him all sorts of lessons all the way round, and nearly won in the process!! When you know what has gone before and the efforts that have been made by the team at Fences Farm, and Sam (with his regular visits to school), you realise what a great result it was for all concerned, even if we did get beaten by 18 inches!! I think I was as nervous as I have ever been before a race as I do think the world of Bob, and know what he is capable of when he learns his trade, so it was a great relief to see him run so well. There is still a 1/4 share available to purchase in this tough, reliable and thoroughly genuine horse who will be out again in about 3 weeks, so please get in touch as he must go close next time!! (07909 518902). Jardin De Vienne was sixth in the handicap hurdle, and although initially a bit annoyed with him, I changed my mind slighlty when I watched the replay. Having set a scorching pace (6 seconds faster than any other race on the card) he was still travelling well when he entered the straight, only to flounder badly on the heavy patch of ground at that point. The rest of the field passed him and he looked booked for last place until he met some better ground when the rest of the field had flown and stayed on again, to be beaten only 17 lengths. The other horse that tried to force the strong pace with him was eventually tailed off last. So all in all it was not a bad run, and Sam is convinced that JDV will win a race, but it may take a drop in grade to acheive it! He will be schooled over fences to see how that goes and open up some more opportunities.