Sunday 16 November

Yet again, Racing yesterday provided NBR with some highs and lows! Dawn Commander declared in a listed handicap hurdle at the home of National Hunt racing, Cheltenham. A dream for so many to tread the turf of the Cheltenham Paddock, one realised by DC's owners yesterday - just a pity their horse failed to grace the parade ring as well! Hence the low. Everyone waiting in the paddock as we saddle their little grey horse, but unfortunately they didn't get to see him, as he got in a bit of a stew in the pre parade ring, and while Stuart and I saddled him, he reared - flipped back against the back wall of the saddling box before slipping down into a heap in the corner. He as soon up, but he had cut his wither, and Stuart was sure we shouldn't run, a view shared by the vet. He headed back to the stable as I headed to the paddock to break the news. At the time we only knew about the cut, but as he neared the stables he started to become lame behind, The vet treated the cut, and gave him pain relief for his lameness. He was soon on the way home. With these injuries it is hard to say what he has done - it could be a small fracture, or it could be a badly pulled muscle, or he could have just ricked something, as he slid down in a heap. He travelled home fine, was better than expected getting off the lorry and got his head straight in his food. Stuart reports him to be fine this morning - he has had a short slow walk out of his box, and seems OK, although he is still on pain relief. The vet will look at him tomorrow, when we will have a better idea of what we are dealing with. He is in the best of hands! Cloonacool will not run in Warwick on Wednesday, we will go right handed again. Market Rasen on Thursday, and Kempton the next Monday are favoured options.