Monday 24 February

A Busy weekend- with mixed results. e started off on Friday with Native Princess making her debut in the Warwick Bumper. This beautifully bred filly had been working nicely with Thursdays winner Carolina Wren, and we had hoped for a solid introduction despite it being a warm race, and her not having had a spin on turf before. Unfortunately all did not go to plan. Sam Twiston Davies who took the ride said she gave him a nice feel and was travelling nicely until her soft palate dislocated as they turned the gas on. She couldn't go with no oxygen and he was righlty easy on her from then on in. She is having the problem dealt with at the vets this morning - it is a comkon operation, and one that saw Carloina Wren's form turn round in no uncertain terms - so we are hopeful that NP will be showing her true colours in about 6 weeks! She took the whole day well, and ate up on her return. Saturday we went to Kempton with Colebrooke. He found himself in another competitive heat, but ran a solid race. He will be dropped again for his efforts and his winning turn is not far away. he was in great form pre race, and was very much on his toes, and when he can drop down to the right grade without carrying a huge weight, and get a well run 3 miles he will not be far away. Jay Tabbs Mum Sharon, and Aunt, Carole were on hand to see him run - it was their first visit to the races and they had a fabulous day. I think they're hooked, and hopefully Jay will be able to bring them both up to Fences Farm for a look round! Colebrooke has come out of the race with just a minor scrape and will be out again in a couple of weeks. Sunday we headed to Towcester with Smart Exit. He looked up against it, with a very easy recent winner from the bang in form Venetia Williams yard to beat. SE ran a very brave race in some very testing conditions but was found out by the very holding ground and the drop back to 2m 6f. He tried his hardest, and was a brave fourth. He continues to run well. we may need to tidy his breathing up over the summer as well! This week there are a few entries - of ours - Maypole Lass will head to Doncaster at the end of the week for owner Ben Turner. She has had a small break from which she has benefitted, and has been waiting for better ground which she looks like getting. We are hoping for a nice run. Mr Maynard also has an entry in Doncaster on Friday in the conditional jockeys race. This talented horse, lost his way slightly on the flat, but has done nothing but please at home and looks a lovley addition to the team on what will definitely be his favoured sound surface. It looks like being back to Doncaster on Saturday with recent winner Dawn Commander. With the ground coming in his favour we have found a nice race over 3m 1/2f and he will have an entry. He seems in fine form after his win, and is an intended runner up in Yorkshire if the ground (currently good to soft, good in places) is suitable. The forecast give us hope!! The race is a £20,000 heat and is live on Channel 4 - fun times!!