Thursday 12 April

Kikos ran out a narrow margin winner on his seasonal debut at Towcester on Tuesday evening. Sent off the third favourite of the four runners (THANKYOU BOOKIES)! he set off in his usual bold front running style and although getting in tight to two out,, and going a length down between the second last and the last he came away to win by half a length, from the course specialist Red Jester. Kikos is a star, and was kind enough to give Mary Burchell the perfect Birthday present. Mary was there to see her boy take home the prize, and had the perfect night. Many Happy Returns Mary! There are still shares available in Kikos if you would like to be involved in this wonderfully tough and consistent horse, who never lets us down. His form did tail off last year, but he was suffering with a breathing issue that was rectified over the winter, and he really repaid the patience of those that have stuck with him, with his game and gutsy win! Always nice to have a local winner!! He should now go on to win more on his favoured fast ground through the summer.He was fine yesterday, and spent a few hours out in the paddock. I was not long at Towcester as I shot into Northampton to see comedian Ed Byrne at The Derngate who was very good - catch him if you can! Yesterday it was an early start, down to Cheltenham to see the horses entered in the Sale there after racing. The cream of the crop on offer, and we looked at a large number of candidates, but were eventually thwarted by folks with far far bigger budgets. 3 horses making well over £200,000 with plenty more going for over £100k. We will be patient, and wait our turn. More to look at on Saturday, and another sale next week where we are confident of getting something decent off of the flat! Good to have Jay Tabb and Ben Turner with us yesterday to get a feel for the sales trade - an eyeopener for them! E Major ran well for his seasonal debut yesterday, and will appreciate a step up in trip.