Saturday 11 April

The sun shone, and we made our way to Aintree on Thursday. Dawn Commander on the comeback trail. DC has picked up 3 races since arriving at Fences Farm, but this was by far the biggest test we had given him. His wins have all come in slightly lower grades, and importantly in smaller fields, so Thursday was always going to be tough! In the race DC never really travelled, and after slipping back through the pack, Josh sensibly pulled him up at the top of the home straight. DC has returned fine, and had a day out in the sun yesterday. He will come on for the run, and as the fields deplete through the summer he should be running well again soon. We will look at an entry for him in Warwick in a couple of weeks. Equally sunny in Fontwell yesterday, where Bold Conquest made his debut for us in the 2m 6f handicap hurdle. This was a tight race, and it would have been no surprise to finish a close sixth, as it was he ran a hugely promising 4race to be neaten just 4 lengths!! With all of our usual jockeys engaged in Aintree, Conor Shoemark took the ride, and he gave him a good spin. Bold Conquest has a slightly lazy running style, so was forced to sit and suffer in rear of a slow pace, getting a rough passage in the process - but going down the hill the final time he shot through to take up the running exiting the back straight. He ran on well up the hill, to be touched off for third in the final strides. Conor is sure he will win plenty of races, and was delighted with the run, as were we! He looks to be on a useable mark, and we have options to improve him as and when required to try and stay a step or two ahead of the handicapper!! He has come out of the race in good order, and will be out again in early May. Please note that there are only a very limited number of shares left in this lovely horse - who looks like winning very shortly - please have a look at him on the For Sale Page, and email info@nickbrownracing.co.uk for further details, or to book a time to come and see him! (or call 07909 518902) This morning Benefit Cut worked well and has been entered in Fontwell on Friday. He has an entry in Cheltenham on Wednesday, a race that looks red hot - with the top rated horse on 159 (BC is 4 lbs wrong at the weights)! But everyone will look at both races and a decision will be made as to where he goes early next week.