Wednesday 21 December

Silver Wren travels across country to rural and rustic Ludlow today to compete in the 2m 5f mares novices hurdle at the Shropshire track. Her last run was very encouraging, in what appeared at the time a good race, against the boys. She seems to have come on again in her work at home and she could well run better than her tissue price of 20/1 suggests if coping with the slightly softer going. Sam rides. Smart Exit will have a shoe put back on for the first time since he developed an abcess in his foot over the weekend - hopefully he will not have been put back too far by his enforced mini break (we will know more over the next few days). Colebrooke seems OK after his run, and it will be interesting what the handicapper does with him next week (he needs to come down)! Montegonian is still on course for Wetherby on 27th, just as long as it does not come up too testing - we don't want to be pulling a big lad like him about on very soft ground on his hurdling debut. Talking of Montey, it was our pleasure to show Gary Beaver and his partner Sarah, and their (very) young son Archie around Fences Farm last Saturday morning. Gary is a very keen racing fan and has taken a share in Montegonian. It is his first foray into racehorse ownership and we wish him luck with the 'Gentle Giant'.Gary will be making the trip to Wetherby on 27th (if we go) and so could you - just give me a call and you could be in the paddock as an owner with him! 07909 518902.