Friday 28 February

The men and women, boys and girls of racing are a tight knit group, hewn, by evolution of sinew and muscle, joined by an unbreakable band of steel. Revelling in each others success, and feeling each others pain when things fall more on the dark side - yesterday we fell into the latter. Fences Farm is missing a head over a door this morning - Silver Wren collapsed and died mid race - a heart attack.

SW like them all will be missed - a lovely filly, owned and bred by the trainer, she was always seem with ther head over the door, more often than not having a 'chat' with anyone that would listen. She had suffered an interruption in her career due to an untimely leg injury, but was progressing nicely this season and would have run a mighty race yesterday - it was not to be, out thoughts are with all the team at Fences Farm who have one less mouth to feed this morning! On a brighter note we head off to Doncaster this afternoon with 2. Mr Maynard, owned by Sir Evelyn de Rothschild makes his hurdling debut. He was considered a decent prospect in the early days at sir Michael Stoutes, but his flat career was interrupted and he never quite lived up to those expectations - he has worked and schooled well at home, and has a decent each way chance.

Ben Turners Maypole Lass makes her handicap debut in the mares hurdle. She has been freshened up by a short break, and should go well getting her 4 yr old allowance. The ground in Doncaster remains Good, which will suit both if todays runners, and also be spot on for Dawn Commander tomorrow - he will be declared. Josh Moore will ride as unfortunately Brendan Powell has to be in Newbury for his boss, Mr Tizzard.