Thursday 4 November

Certainly a day that epitomised the ups and down of this great sport yesterday. The day started with a blow - Sam riding in the opening race at Chepstow got only as far as the first when his mount ducked violently left and was bowled over by the runners in behind it. Sam took a very heavy fall and was concussed for several minutes, delaying the next race. He was put on a board and taken carefully back to the medical room, where he came round, but remained very dazed. He was then transfered to the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport where, last night he has been dignosed with a fracture of the C1 vertebra, which is obviously very painfull, but at least he retains full feeling and mobility but will obviously be off games for a while.On behalf of everyone, we wish him a full and speedy recovery, and look forward to the day when he is back riding in our colours. After this drama Stuart and I had to make a quick choice of replacement jockey. Jimmy Macarthy rode in the first but was off to Warwick, but he was a great help, and had a word with Noel Fehily who agreed to ride Bobby Gee. Noel gave Bobby a peach of a ride, making the running and, as Noel said 'Jumping like a cat' he ran a blinder to finish second to a Twiston Davies handicap blot, in turn pulling 14 lengths away from the third. We were thrilled with Bobby and thanks to Noel for taking the ride at such short notice.Earlier in the afternoon, away from the dramas of Chepstow, Omaruru had his second spin in a hurdle. Having been mad keen and nearly unrideable on his debut for us, Mark Bradburne was instructed to bury him at the back and creep through to finish as well as he could. We stood watching the screen at Chepstow in a state of near shock as Mark carried out his instructions to the letter and Omaruru crept through the field to finish a fast finishing second to a horse that Alan King rates very highly and was considering it as his Triumph Hurdle prospect!! He looks like being a lot of fun, and if he continues this upward curve he could well take his owners to some very nice places!! Remember there are still shares available in him, which will be held at the original price of £400 + £20/week until Monday!! Please give me a call if you are interested in joining in the fun it could be a great trip!! 07909 518902