Wednesday 23 July

As I warned yesterday - quick ground may not suit Ereyna - as it happens it was so quick she didn't run! Brendan Powell, who had travelled all the way to North wales for just the one ride, rang Mrs Robeson after the first to say that the jockeys were saying that the ground was very quick, and he thought it was probably not a good idea to run. A big call from the young jockey, who with just the one ride on the night, was going to leave Bangor with no riding fee, or prize money, and having cost himself an afternoon and evening. When you factor into the equation, that Ereyna was first or second favourite depending on what book you looked at, it really was a big call, but one that everyone appreciated and admired! I know all too well how tough it is at the moment to keep up with irrigation, and with temperatures looking set to remain very high the task does not get any easier, so I can't really lay any blame at the foot of the racecourse for the quick ground. Ereyna, Alice and Yvonne made the, ultimately, wasted trip up there, but at least they all came home in one piece, and Ereyna lives to fight another day! Genny Wren looks likely to take her chance on Friday, but again, it will be touch and go as to whether Mr Maynard gets a run, with the ground on the quick side in Uttoxeter as well. A few more horses will be returning to Fences Farm shortly, including Smart Exit who has been enjoying a short holiday at Ann and Colin Garratts Ringtail Farm. When he has returned, all of our charges will be back in work, and it will not be long before we are getting to see them on the racecourse again!!