Monday 3 March

What a weekend - spent either in Doncaster or with a headache!! We start on Friday when Mr Maynard and Maypole Lass headed north. MM was having his hurdling debut, and ran a really nice race to finish fifth. Jumping well in the main he tired between 2 out and the last. Josh was delighted with him and he will improve for the run, there will be some nice days ahead for him! Matpole Lass' run is a mystery and a disappointment. Off a handy mark and on ground that should have suited she was the first one off the bridle, ending up beaten 22 lengths. Nothing has come to light, and she seems fine - so we will look for a lower grade race, over a bit further and ride her with more restraint. It was back to Doncaster on Saturday with Dawn Commander. We had found a nice little race for him for a few quid(£20,000), and although it looked like we had Drop Out Joe to beat it was a nice race for him. Josh took the ride, and settled DC in mid field, after he had jumped the first 2 flights I knew we were in for a big run. DC was thoroughly enjoying himself, and travelled so sweetly through the race. Josh had been warned that it takes him a while to find top gear, but the way he hit top speed on Saturday was electric! DC pinged the last 2 to win by a cosy 3 1/2 lengths! Delighted owners - fantastic to see so many smiling faces!! We broke all records for the number of folks on the winners rostrum! And Doncaster did a great job in firstly getting everyone in the post race hospitality suite, and secondly supplying everyone with a glass of bubbly. The reinforcements worked well!! We had a great trip home and managed to polish off a bottle of bubbly in the lorry (never done that before)!! A good night was had by all - I think DC was in better form than most of us - he seems to have come out of the race in good order and could well head to Aintree's Grand National meeting next!! Thanks to everyone for their kind messages, racing is a great sport!! News on the yards only Cheltenham entry tomorrow. San Telm has an entry in Sandown on Friday, but will not be asked to run on bottomless ground again. Colebrooke was not entered as the weights will be published before he is reassessed tomorrow. Both C and ST will have entries in a 3m hurdle in Market Rasen on Sunday.