Thursday 20 June

Ladies Day today at Royal Ascot, but as we all know the real Ladies Day was yesterday in Uttoxeter. More about the Ribblesdale later, yesterday it was a 0-100 mares handicap hurdle! Amistress flew the flag for the yard, and those of you who looked on these pages yesterday would have known that we felt she had a great chance. For once it looked as though the handicapper had left us a bit of wriggle room, and so it proved. Buried in midfield in the 15 runner event she looked cooked as they turned out the back, but is not short on courage and battled all the way up the home straight to win by just over a length. A big thankyou goes to Paddy Brennan, as it was his advice that clinched the day. Paddy had ridden her in both of her previous hurdles spins, but was adamant that a small mare like Amistress didn't need to carry 11-10 in a handicap. It was Paddy that jocked himself off, and recommended that we employ the services of Conor Shoemark - a big call, and the right one, and it is the mark of the man as a professional that he made the call to lose himself the ride!! Young Conor Shoemark rode a fantastic race and I am sure we will be using his services again in the future. Amistress, although battle scarred seems fine this morning, and is out in the field enjoying the sun on her day off!! I think she may be capable of going in again, as it would appear she can handle a step up in trip.The real Ladies came to the fore yesterday - well done Amistress and Mrs Robeson!! Now on to Royal Ascot - and in particular - The Ribblesdale. Mrs Robeson and her Brother own the Sir Michael Stoute trained, Waila. Waila is a very nice filly, and is the mount of Kieren Fallon. Fallon rode her on her last run in Sandown where she won a very good fillies maiden, the form of which has worked out very well, and after that run he was full of praise for Waila. KF doesn't lavish false praise, but he stated that Waila is possibly one of the nicest fillies he has ever ridden, which when you think of the fillies ha has sat on, can only mean she is very very good. On the Racing Post website this morning KF states that if he had the choice of any in the race he would chose her as she was very green in Sandown and will improve heaps! He classes her as outstanding each way value - and we will heed his advice!! Get On!! Good luck to connections!! We are getting through the Royal meeting now - day 3 of 5 - so bear in mind that our offer of 'FIRST MONTH FREE' when you join our racing club ends on Saturday. For more info take a look at the horses on the left, they will both be running for you this year!! More details about them can be seen on the For Sale Page! 01234 771940/ 07909 518902 for a chat about them - Give me a call - nice way to spend your winnings - which is just what Paul did yesterday after he heeded my advice and backed Amistress!! Welcome on board Paul!!