Monday 3 October

An action packed weekend started on Saturday morning when we welcomed Andrew Lambert and Kevin and Jo Hornby over first lot to see Kikos breeze, and to see Omaruru. Kikos and The Fonz breezed well. San Telm also did a short canter and went nicely. After breakfast we set off for Fontwell with E Major. EM is a bonny little chap, but has suffered with bad feet, and Saturday was the first time in a long time that he had worn proper shoes - all be it stuck on not nailed. The ground at Fontwell was perfect, and they had done an amazing job given the unseasonably warm weather! EM ran a blinder (for a horse we still felt was off too high a mark)!! Tracking the leaders, he stormed past them as they turned into the home staright and stormed up the hill for a 12 length success. A great run, but apologies to the coach load of racegoers from (believe it or not) Newport Pagnell, who walked past the lorry as EM came off and asked if he would win - only to be told by two experts (Stuart and me) in unison - NO! Ooops sorry boys! A good trip home and a nice night out on Saturday was followed by a 9.00am meeting at Fences Farm with Mr Martin Shenfield, who came to see San Telm. We gave him the tour and he met the horses, and liked the look of San Telm. While having breakfast Annie phoned to say that she thought Omaruru was not himself, and although eating and behaving 90% normally Stuart took no risks and phoned the vet. Ed was on the scene very quickly and it became apparent that Omar was colicing once again, after scans and rectal examinations it was clear that once again their was a degree of displacement and possible entrapment which meant this was once again a very serious situation for the big man. Our only hope was that is was gas, and that when that was shifted everthing would sort itself out. Often the situation can be eased with extensive lungeing, but as he is post op, this was not possible. We left for the races under a bit of a cloud. The Fonz made his hurdling debut in the first, and this decent horse off the flat ran a very satisfactory race, making a small mistake 3 out and finishing 6th. Next up was Kikos, who looked fantastic, and grabbed a soft lead as the race started. This was ideal and he ran his another cracker to be 2nd. A great day out for the club again! While in the paddock with Kikos we heard that Omaruru had started to shift the gas (a case of a fart being music to our ears)! Which was great news, Ed was back out to check him over at tea time and was very pleased with his progress, and suggested Omar was walked regularly through the night and given a few small sloppy feeds. As I write Stuart is looking forward to a bit of kip as he was on duty through the night, but is happy with Omar. Ed is in again this morning to vet San Telm, and he will of course give Omar another thorough exam. Thanks to everyone at Fences, especially Annie who was quick to realise that Omar was not himself yesterday, and Stuart who has been on duty all night - we appreciate all your efforts!