Monday 28 February

It tested the resolve on top of the hill on Saturday morning! Wet and cold, but the way the horses worked was enough to warm us up. First lot, Lureyno worked with Willow Wren, and both went very well, Willow in particular seems in great form, and it is just a case of waiting for some decent ground for her. Over breakfast we welcomed Andy Shaw for his first visit to Fences Farm. Andy has a share in Omaruru, and had been wanting to find the time to visit the yard for some time. He made the trip down from his home in Nottingham in good time but unfortunately couldn't bring any better weather with him!! Also 'enjoying' a morning on the gallops were John and Karen Brierley, who were down from their home in the North East, and took the opportunity to pop in and see Omaruru with Alan and Sarah Garratt who introduced them to the joys of racehorse ownership over one or two too many glasses of wine while on holiday in France last year!Also enduring the wind and cold, and a trip on Mrs Robesons quad bike was Ann Garratt, and I am sure that all the folks up there were very pleased with the way that their boy worked! Omaruru worked with Ogee (poss Doncaster Sat) and did it very very well. Omaruru is entered at Newbury on Friday and is an intended runner. Kikos and Important Business both had a little canter third lot and are looking good. Grey Bobby cantered first lot, and we are still trying to get another run in to him this time, but he does need to put some weight back on first. After watching work I managed to get over to Michael and Fiona Kehoes to see the youngsters over there. I was really pleased with them - The Kayf Tara 3 yr old filly looks great, and I am looking forward to seeing her canter in the spring, she is very athletic and looks to have all the attributes of her illustrious realtives, who include Grey Shot. The 2 yr old gelding by Overbury is simply stunning, and looks every inch a chaser at this age. He is developing very very well and will be broken in in the spring. The Tobougg filly purchased last month is coming on well too, all three have enormous potential.