Friday 28 March

Benefit Cut and San Telm are both declared in Ascot on Sunday. Sam Twiston Davies rides Benny in the Novice Chase where he faces 4 rivals. He seems to be on good terms with himself again, and the plan is to run well, and for him to book his ferry ticket for The Punchestown Festival. This race has always been the plan since the team were forced to abort the Cheltenham plan. Owners Terence and Howard have been patient in waiting for the horse to come back to health/form, and were very understanding about missing the festival - hopefully they will be rewarded on Sunday. Ryan Hatch takes the ride on San Telm in the Conditional Jockeys handicap hurdle. ST has been treated for a sore back since his last run, and seems to be moving much more freely - he could run a stormer off of his current mark. Thursday the yard said goodbye to Colebrooke - he has been a great servant to Fences Farm and the girls will miss him, especially his regular work rider Emma - they had a very special relationship!! He has moved to Dan Skeltons, where the owners are hoping he will rediscover his mojo. Smart Exit was a little disappointing on Tuesday - he just did not face the visor. He had schooled in them at home and was OK, but on the racecourse he resented them. He ran the race in his own time, spending much of the trip trying to look behind him! He finished fourth. He has come out of the race fine, and will remain in training in case there is some soft ground about in April. I will canvas opinion from his owners about the future, and a decision about what we do next season will be made in a week or two. Mr Maynard travels to Wetherby today. This lovely little horse has a future over hurdles, but it has to be hoped that the ground has not got too soft for him after overnight rain.