Monday 19 January

Always nice to get a little help! Last week I mentioned to Stuart that it may be worth speaking to Phil Smith, Senior Handicapper, to see if he would drop Smart Exit 1lb, which would give us the option to run him in Towcester on the 29th. This morning Stuart got hold of him, and despite Mr Smith telling him he was a 'cheeky bugger - as you've only had a license for 3 days' - he has agreed that he was a bit high and dropped him that pound. SE will still have to pass a scope later in the week, as he was not right 10 days ago - but at least it give us the option, and he can have an entry. Also heading to Towcester that day could be Paddy The Deejay, who will have an entry in both a 2 mile novice hurdle, and the bumper. He will also be entered in Chepstow the day after in 2 similar heats. Others with entries will be Carolina Wren, and Reyno, who both seem in good heart. Cloonacool is still planned to run in February (7th-17th), and is in great order. San Telm is in great heart, and is doing plenty of cantering again now - he should be ready in about 4-5 weeks - looking forward to getting him back!! DC will be ridden again from the middle of this week, and is being aimed at the staying handicap in Aintree at the Grand National fixture. Benefit Cut remains on the easy list, but does appear to be on good terms with himself - we just need the science to back it up! One that is not in quite such good order is Native Princess, who was a touch lame last week, but got worse, and the vet has had a look at her. He has diagnosed a small stress fracture, and she will be on box rest for around 3 weeks, before he has another look at her. It is not too major, and she will be back. Time is on her side! Mrs Robeson's funeral is on Friday, and is, on her instructions, a very small, private, family affair. There will be a memorial service at a later date, which is to be confirmed. We are just waiting to hear if there will be flowers or donations - I would think it would be donations and if so, I will post details here so that those who wish to can, if flowers, I will arrange a wreath on behalf of everyone.