Wednesday 26 January

'She's a steal', and 'You've done very well' were two phrases I heard quite a lot yesterday after purchasing Lot 61, at the Doncaster Bloodstock Sales annual National Hunt Foal sale. Lot 61, consigned by John and Sarah Haydon's Clarendon Farm was a stunning filly by Tobougg out of Forest Pride. The dam Forest Pride was herself by Be My Native, and was placed in bumpers before going on to win 2 over hurdles and being placed over fences. She has now bred 6 winners from 7 runners, 2 of whom are black type performers, ie they have either won or been placed at the highest of levels. She has bred horses such as Our Ben,Scavenger,Countess Camilla,Charmaine Wood and Double Pride who have all been winners, so our new little girl has some very talented brothers and sisters.It is a family I have liked for many years and am thrilled to get one of them! Lot 61 was also judged to be the best filly foal in the sale at the pre sale show, which is an indication of just how nice she is! Her sire Tobougg was undefeated Group 1 2 year old champion, and a Group 1 performer at 3.He comes from the Saddlers Wells stallion line and is by a dual Group 1 winner out of a dual Group 1 winner, and is the sire of the winners of 350 races including some at the highest level. Our new filly is very very exciting, and I can't wait to see her on the course in the years to come! Thanks to Michael Kehoe for the lift up to Donny, and good luck to him and Fiona with the beautiful daughter of Fair Mix, from the family of Pearlyman, that he purchased to run in points in years to come and as a lay mate for our filly. A good day at the sales was capped by Sunday Sharpners run at Leicester, where he finished 3rd just under 4 lengths behind a 117 rated rival! A really good step in the right direction and he is obviously progressing very well! While at the sales Stuart rang to say that Omaruru had done a sparkling piece of work and will be aimed at races on or around the 5th Feb. Grey Bobby has a ballot of 24 for his race on Sunday at Hereford, but should get in off of that (just). Lureyno runs this afternoon at Huntingdon, we hope this lovely horse can start to improve with experience - just like Sunny did yesterday!