Monday 14 June

Where did that come from!! Was what we were all asking ourselves on Friday night, as Kikos came past the post in second place behind a horse that everyone had discounted before the race. After a journey to Aintree that was problematic for some, and nearly impossible for others, due to accidents on the M6, it was very welcome to be able to enjoy the facilities in The Papillion Suite in the grandstand. Two bars, and a very good carvery made for a very enjoyable evening - thanks to Carly Goodall, who, despite being faced with 28 owners, managed to accomomodate everyone! Kikos looked great in the paddock, and once again Rachael won the best turned out award (incidently judged by Carly, thanks for that as well)! Even though only 4 lined up there were 3 front runners in the race so it looked like it was going to be fast and furious. Sam lined up on the inner and jumped off with Quito De Tresor, and travelling at a good pace Kikos jumped well and quickened things up down the back. Jumping the cross fence Sam could see that he had Quito De Tresor, and Tanks For That beaten, but then saw that the rank outsider Smack That, who was running over a far shorter trip than usual and on much quicker ground looked as though he had only just joined in! Kikos battled away but had no answers for this handicap good thing who just kept on pulling further and further clear! Kikos ran a great race, and beat the other 2 who were running of their proper marks, so there are clearly races to be won with him from his current rating, it was just a shame that he had to run into one!! Apart from the result, we all had a great time, and a good few laughs, including when Emma even got a pat in the unsaddling enclosure for her efforts during the race!! A late arrival home, but still up at Fences for first lot on Saturday morning, and good to see Ollie there as well after his nightmare journey the night before. We saw Important Business make Rachael work very hard to hold him as he worked with plenty of zip. It was good to see Mattaking swing up the gallops again and he moved well under Stuart. Daurica and E Major also went well. After breakfast we went and got Bobby Gee from his summer pasture as he is booked in to have his breathing op done tomorrow. Geoff Lane the worlds leading authority on this type of proceedure is perfoming the operation, and as he is due to go to America soon for a spell out there, so Bobbys op has been brought forward a few days. Bobby will return to Fences Farm on Thursday where he will remain on box rest for a couple of weeks before beginning his pre training for next season.Kikos seems to be fine after his run, and enjoyed the day in the paddock in the sun. No runners this week, but I will not be idle as I will be on the look out for a horse to fill a new Partnership, in which there are only a couple of places left, so if you want to put your name forward then do so quickly, email info@nickbrownracing.co.uk or give me a call on 07909 518902 for a no obligation chat.