Thursday 30 December

A little early, but tomorrow I will be at Warwick and then in a pub, so I thought I had better get it in quick.Mrs Robeson's Genny Wren and Bushlark are both declared tomorrow, both are in good form but have big tasks on their hands. This time of year gives us a chance to look back at the past 12 months and reflect a little. On the whole the year started slowly,Ogee's third in the William Hill Chase at the Cheltenham Festival a very high spot,and he carried the flag well in the early part of the year. Later in the spring Bobby's poor run at Uttoxeter was the catalyst to having his breathing done, and we have certainly reaped the benefit of that. He is now officially excused for being the only horse to have ever pulled up on a racecourse in our colours! And in front of the Channel 4 cameras!! As he couldn't breath we will let him off - and 1 PU in 11 years isn't too bad!! Back at Uttoxeter Kikos did us proud on his first run of the season, after this his form has taken a dip, but he will have a breathing op next month (Tuesday 4th) and will find himself on a very attractive mark when he returns! Sadly Mattaking was retired after suffering another injury but is now living a lovely life in Essex, and Important Business suffered a recurrence of his old war wound and has been off games for the past 6 months - he will be back in the new year, and his form looks rock solid.Jardin De Vienne did his bit for the cause, but was rightly retired from racing when it became obvious his heart was no longer in it. He now lives locally, and will do some shows this summer. The summer saw the purchase of 2 new recruits - Robo became a shining light and really lit up the gallops. Winning his first 2 chases for us, he was a very very smart horse, but sadly his time with us was only brief as he suffered a fatal injury at Cheltenham, but he will not be forgotten! Omaruru became the 'winter' club horse, and has excelled himself. He is beautifully bred and is only now starting to fill his enormous 17hh frame, we think he has a very bright future.It has been wonderful to welcome lots of new faces to racehorse ownership with him and it is nice to welcome you all on board. All in all a satisfactory year for our horses - 32 runners produced 6 winners, (19%) 7 seconds, 4 thirds, 3 fourths, 1 fifth, 4 sixths, 1 seventh, 1 eighth,1 UR, 2 Fell, 1 PU, and one unsighted. A pretty good return, as 53% of the runners finished in the first 3, and an amazing 62% in the first 4!! Looking to the future, we have our eyes on some nice staying chases for Bobby Gee, now rated 123 he should take his owners to some nice places from now until the end of the season. His younger brother, who will be named Grey Bobby in the next week or so, is looking very nice and should be ready to go at the end of January. Kikos will be back in the spring fresh from a wind op and should be winning again. Omaruru will continue to run throughout the winter and spring and could grow up into a very nice horse, rated 118 he should be a lot of fun! We will have the Kayf Tara filly in in the spring, and she will do her secondary school,before coming back in the Autumn to start her career. She will be syndicated in the spring. I am already looking out for replacements for Robo, he leaves some very big boots to fill, but as usual, patience and hard work are usually rewarded, and we are confident of finding something suitable. Ogee will not be out before the Festival where he will hopefully be going for the William Hill again. Have a very Happy New Year one and all, and we look forward to seeing you all again very soon, and remember if you would like to join in with the fun, then please give me a call, it can cost as little as just £20/week!! 07909 518902. Thanks very much for you continued support and may 2011 see you all healthy, wealthy and in the winners spot - a lot!!!!!