Monday 31 May

A beautiful (if slightly blustery) afternoon at Uttoxeter yesterday. 12mm of rain in nthe previous 24 hours had taken any 'sting'out of the ground but it still walked just on the fast side of good, which was ideal. Important Business having his second start over fences after a break looked fantastic in the paddock, and Alice picked up another 'Best Turned Out' - well done to her, and the rest of the girls who we reckon win over 80% of these awards at the races, and it is a reflection of the hard work and dedication that they put in to their jobs - thanks girls! IB jumped for fun and looked all over the winner as he took it up 3 from home, but it is never over until it is over, and even with 2 magnificent leaps at the last 2 he was overhauled in the last 50 yards to be beaten into second. A very good run, but a feeling of bitter disappointment for the horse, who is a grand lad, but just seems to find one too good, (must be badly placed by us)! His time will come, and being one of the highest rated maidens in the country, it should come sooner rather than later.A decent shift in the bar afterwards, and some really good fun had by all - including a fascinating debate on the relative merits of Sam Fox against Linda Lusardi! Don't ask me how that one came about, but there were good arguments for and against each, and I am pleased to report that Linda came out on top! Showing our ages again!!