Wednesday 24 December

We have decided where we are going with Cloonacool at the weekend. He will take his chance in Kempton. He goes here really due to the weather forecast, it looks like there is a band of heavy weather coming in from the east on Friday (Boxing Day) and lingers most of the night, and on into Saturday. The ground in Kempton is currently Good To Soft, with one small soft patch over by the lake. More rin will make this soft, and Kempton never gets too holding. Leicester (for Sunday) on the other hand is already soft, and will only get heavy. Cloonacool will have the burden of top weight in very heavy holding ground - which is not ideal when we have some nice targets in the spring. So for those reasons we have decided to go to Kempton on the 27th. Now - this brings with it some 'badge nightmares'! We are really only allowed 8 - but I have managed to secure a larger compliment, on the understanding that we will use the Kauto Star Bar as our base once again. Unfortunately this will not be a private facility for us this time, as it was when Dawn Commander won for us earlier in the year, but it will still serve as a good base for everyone. Further details I will pass on when I ring to confirm Cloonacool's declaration on Boxing Day. Talking of which - if there are any owners that know they are or are not coming, and will not be available on their phones mid morning on Boxing Day, please could you let me know what you are doing before I try to get hold of you - thanks! Elsewhere, all is well, and we look like having San Telm and Dawn Commander back in harness by the weekend. Paddy The Deejay is a lovely horse, very uncomplicated and just gets on with life - he has scoped clean and will have a run in a bumper within the next couple of weeks - his work is being stepped up slowly. Smart Exit is back to his best and will run in the middle of January, as is Benefit Cut, who should be out again on or around the 10th of January. Maypole Lass continues in light work, and is in super form with herself, as is Native Princess, who has put a nice bit of weight back on, and will be prepared for another all weather bumper at the end of January. Anyway - enough of my ramblings - it just leaves me to say to all our owners, followers and supporters - have a very Merry Christmas!!