Thursday 15 January

'The Boss', Stuart, Trish and all the team have been left both shocked and saddened by the sudden, but peaceful passing of Mrs Robeson on Tuesday evening. I know that the news will come as a shock to everyone, as it did to me. 'The Mrs' as we all knew her was taken ill suddenly on Tuesday afternoon, and died later that night - she will be sadly missed. Always of the opinion that her horses should do the talking for her, Mrs Robeson always shunned the spotlight, and to even get a photograph of her with one of her winners was an 'Everest' scale challenge. Despite this, her loss will be felt by many throughout the racing industry, as she was not only a very good trainer, producing winners such as Cettis Warbler (Mares Chase Final), Olney Lad, (Betfair Novice Chase winner at the Punchestown Festival), and Ogee (Grand Sefton Hurdle), but she was the co-owner and breeder of top notch flat horses as well. The best of these, all trained by Sir Michael Stoute, include Notnowcato (Juddmonte International Gp 1, Eclipse Gp1, The Brigadier Gerard Stakes Gp 3, and The Earl Of Sefton Stakes Gp 3), and Crystal Capella (Dual winner of The Pride stakes Gp 2, the Princess Of Wales Stakes Gp 2 and the Gp3 Middleton Stakes). Her knowledge and enthusiasm for horses, and racing was infectious, and on a personal note I owe her a great debt of gratitude, because without her inspirational work ethic, her knowledge of horses and horse people, her support, and most of all her willingness to welcome a band of strangers on to her yard every Saturday morning - I certainly wouldn't be doing what I am today. I will certainly miss our little one to one chats we had at the top of a usually windy and cold gallop on a Saturday morning - and will certainly miss her words of wisdom. I know everyone in our ownership groups will wish to pass on their condolences to Peter, The Family, Stuart, Trish and all the team and I will do this on your behalf. 'The Mrs' -Rest In Peace. Gone, but will never be forgotten, her spirit will always be present at Fences Farm, and I know she will be looking over all the yards runners for evermore.