Saturday 31 August

It will be all change at Fences Farm from Monday. For the past 12 years the horses have done all their work on the woodchip gallop, but early next week the diggers will be in and the old surface will be ripped up and replaced with a new, all different one. The current surface still works well when the weather is 'normal', but as they found last winter - excessively wet conditions can lead to problems so the time has come to make the not inconsiderable investment and re-do it. At the moment it is riding very well, and it was busy this morning. First lot, Howard Cooke was in, and he got to see all his horses do something. Benefit Cut did his first proper piece of work of the season, and he looked very impressive, leaving his galloping companion for dead up the hill and pulling further and further away on the top. His work was visually impressive and he is bang on track for his seasonal debut in 4 weeks time. Also out first lot were Howards other charges - San Telm and Smart Exit who did two canters along with Omaruru. After breakfast we welcomed Alroy, Phil and Den to Fences Farm for the first time. They came to see Guest Of Honour who they have an interest in for the season, and saw him to 2 lovely canters. Third lot were a bunch that are slightly further forward in their work and they all got to go a bit quicker. Norse Wren and Grassfinch lead the way, with Reyno, Silver Wren, Carloina Wren, and Ereyna in behind. They all went very well. Ogee spent the morning relaxing in the sun.