Sunday 2 February

Friday we headed to Kempton Park with Dawn Commander, for their Jumpers Bumpers card. DC has only been with us a matter of weeks, and was not in training when he arrived, but he has thrived since arriving at Fences Farm, and Friday was a good place to start with him. In a field of 14, made up of several horses that are higher rated than him over obstacles, and without a recent run it was a big ask to expect a win, and we thought that a mid div finish would give us plenty to build on. Brendan Powell took the ride, and the plan was to bounce out and make it a decent gallop, but the early pace was frantic, and BP had to change tactics and settle him in behind. DC hacked around at the back but was forced wide on the turn in, where in fairness we had all expected him to start to find it tough - but it was not the case, Brendan switched him inside and from looking like finishing mid division as expected he stayed on really well to finish a very good fourth. On a miserable afternoon, when it rained all afternoon, everyone there was wet, cold but ultimately delighted! It was a great way to start and the form figures suggest it was his best run in that sphere, so we may just be able to eek out a little improvement in him over hurdles too - and if that is the case he will be a really fun horse to have!! Yesterday the weather improved, and it was a gorgeous morning up the hill. As you can see from the video clip below, it was a little dark for first lot but light enough to see the 4 yr old Tobougg filly go very nicely. She is learning her trade every day, and continues to progress very nicely. She has grown into a gorgeous girl, and I am sure she has grown in the past couple of months! Bob Graham, who had endured a Planes, Trains and Automobiles style trip the day before in his (ultimately failed) attempts to get to Kempton to see DC, was in second lot to see his other horse Smart Exit work. SE (Uttoxeter Feb 8th) worked well, with Benefit Cut (poss Market Rasen Tues) going nicely in behind! Hopefully we will get a few dry days now, and the ground will dry out a bit. Colebrooke has an entry in Doncaster later in the week, and he seems in great form at home!