Wednesday 30 January

Three made the trip to Lingfield for their Jumpers Bumpers card, and they all ran really well. First up, The Fonz who travelled nicely until the lack of a recent run caught him out. This outing for TF was ideal as it just kept him ticking over and interested during the long winter months when he can't run on the soft ground. Next up was Colebrooke who was equipped with cheekpieces for the first time. C travelled well and ran a great race to be 4th. We were all delighted with him, and he seemed to really enjoy himself. He will return to hurdling next month. Grassfinch was the last one and she ran a blinder to be 2nd. Under the pump for most of the final mile she stayed on valiantly and ran right up to form. In the paddock Mick fitzgerald suggested that she should get an allowance for her size, as she is so tiny, but what she lacks in stature, she more than makes up for in guts, heart and determination! It was a good day, and the three horses all ran with great credit. They all seem fine afterwards, and seemed to have really enjoyed something a little different. I hope that these fixtures can become a regular part of the programme through the worst of the winter. They provide a great opportunity for horses that can't run on the deep ground to get out and about. Horses like Ogee and The Fonz benefit greatly from them, especially Ogee who can really only run on his favoured summer ground, but finds only 2 races that he can run in through that entire period! Back at home Smart Exit really caught the eye during his exercise yesterday. He moved beautifully and did it all very easily. SE has worked this morning and gone very well and has earnt himself an entry in Huntingdon next week (Thursday 3m 2f handicap hurdle). Tannerman is in great form. He will not go to Towcester tomorrow due to the heavy ground, he does have an entry in Southwell next week, but they are reported to be very pessimistic about racing as well!! We will continue to give him entries. San Telm is entered in Sandown on Saturday, and will be scoped tomorrow before he is declared. He will need to be at the top of his game in that one!! While in Lingfield yesterday we overheard two course employees dicussing the possibility of them hosting another Jumpers Bumper card in the next week/ten days, so this morning Benefit Cut strode on as he will be entered in one if there is a suitable race for him. He went very very well this morning and seems back to his impressive best, great to see him back on track!!