Tuesday 7 June

At the weekend, we made the decision to retire our 'old soldier' Bobby Gee. Bobby has been suffering with a hock injury since Feb, and although he is now 100% sound, it was felt, that with only a 50% chance of him making the racecourse again, we owed it to him to let him enjoy the rest of his days doing something a lot less taxing! Bobby has been a star for us - he came to us through Michael Kehoe, and had been in training with Keith Reveley. He was initially leased as cover for an injured mare, but went on to be the first horse for the newly formed Nick Brown Racing Club for who he was first and second in two runs. The next season he was sold to The Oakley Partnership, who had the thrill of their seeing Bobby lead a good field down the hill at Cheltenham on his first run for them. Bobby always gave 100%,and having given his absolute all at Wincanton later that season he was never quite the same.He went chasing the season after, but a breathing problem, and some sketchy jumping made for a long tough winter. He had his wind sorted last summer and went on to run so well this season, winning 2 and finishing second from 5 starts. Bobby has been a great servant, and will be sorely missed at Fences Farm - although there will be some arms that will not miss him, as he took a fierce hold up the gallops! All of his owners are thrilled that he will be able to go on to do another job, and someone will have a great horse to have a lot of fun with. Thanks Bobby - enjoy your retirement!