Sunday 19 October

It has been a bit hectic for the past few days! Thursday we went to Uttoxeter with Mairise. M ran a sound race to be third on his hurdling debut, giving his new owners a super day out. Friday we headed to Cheltenham with the ultra game little San Telm. We were setting him a bit of a task on his seasonal debut - a 0-152 handicap hurdle, at the home of National Hunt Racing!! As the little chap isn't short of pace, I have long been keen on running him off a light weight at the bottom of a decent handicap, so we gave it a go! A little rusty over the first half mile, he warmed to his task on the second circuit, and after enduring a horror passage in a rough race he stormed up the hill as quickly as anything on the afternoon to finish 5th beaten just over 13 lengths! A super run, and Tom said he would win off of his current mark. He came home in a few bandages, covering some superficial war wounds, but walked out sound on Saturday morning and should be OK to head to Haydock next month. There is still a share for sale in him - so give me a call (07909 518902). Yesterday we welcomed Howard Cooke to se Benefit Cut work nicely second lot. He worked with Dawn Commander, who had Jo and Kevin Hornby, and Alan Garratt to see him work. Both DC and BC will be entered in Aintree next weekend. Second lot also saw Cloonacool swing along, and Roy Holland was in to see his recent winner go through his paces. Shares still available in Cloonacool (just £20/week training/keep fee), again, give me a call 07909 518902. Ann Garratt saw Smart Exit work really well second lot, he will be ready to go later this month or early next month. Earlier Stuart had ridden Native Princess in her first piece after a little easier spell. He was delighted with her and said she went very nicely, with no signs of the wind defect that hindered her last year!