Friday 3 April

Happy Easter to everyone! Today Dawn Commander was entered for the £50,000 3 mile handicap hurdle at Aintrees Grand National Meeting next week. This has been his target since he had to have an easy time after injuring himself in the saddling boxes just before a run at Cheltenhams Open meeting in November. We are very much trying to go to Aintree as he has very respectable course and distance form, but in fairness the race may come just a week too soon, after he suffered some nasty cuts a few weeks ago. He will work tomorrow, after which a decision will be made. If he doesn't make Aintree on Thursday, he will head to Cheltenham exactly a week later. I have been down to Southcourt Stud today to show some folks Mr Maynard. MM is retired and they are looking for someone to rehome him and take him on. He is a smashing little horse, who will do any job! While there I got to see Grassfinch's first foal (by Black Sam Bellamy) who like his mum is not over big, but should be fine. The standout foal was that of Crystal Capellas, a gorgeous New Approach filly, who, if she can run like she looks will be a really nice filly!! We are looking to add to the ranks with a new horse from Ireland - watch this space - we could have a new face over a door fairly soon, with a couple of targets on our radar!