Friday 24 April

Four wins from seven starts now!! Dawn Commander did it again yesterday! Our serial self harmer has been forgiven all of his sins again! And of course - Stuart got off the mark! Huge congratulations to him, and all of the team at Fences Farm,that have had a very difficult time over the course of the past couple of months since the sad passing of Mrs Robeson in January. Their hard work is always appreciated, and I was delighted that the first winner of the new era (for the Rookie trainer) was in our colours! DC had had quite a winter - fracturing vertebra in his back after an incident in the saddling boxes in Cheltenham in November, followed by another suicide attempt, when he cut himself to bits! His trip to Aintree a couple of weeks ago, was always a big ask, and he really did not appreciate the big field. Josh who rode him that day said he was never at the races, and a lot of yesterdays win was owed to him, who was very sympathetic on the horse and didn't give him a hard time! Yesterdays small field was just the job, and with a share of £20,000 on offer, it was the right race for him! Brendan replaced the injured Josh, and gave DC a peach. Not ideal to make the running on him, but with just 3 in it, and the other 2 wanting a lead it was left to us! DC jumped for fun, and was never headed, idling in front the whole way round, he turned it on entering the home straight and was always finding more than the second placed horse. A lot of very happy faces, and a great result and a great turn out on a Thursday to see his win! Well done to all his owners! Yesterday I threw the 'Lucky Coat' in the car - just as a way of trying everything to get Stuart his first winner - and it worked again! I have taken some stick for my red jacket - Mrs Robeson used to say I looked like a large Spanish tomato - but I tell you it works!! But I have to say - it was bloody hot in it!! Anyway it did the job! DC seems fine this morning - which means he is slightly better than me!! (Slightly sore head)! And as he didn't really have a race yesterday, he will be entered form Haydock on May 9th. When the handicapper adjusts his mark (to around 145) there are very few races for him through the summer again, so we will take in Haydock, and then have a look at what we do. Stuarts head is not too bad this morning, which is just as well, as our new boy arrived at 5 O'clock this morning. Christmas Twenty is the latest addition to the ranks, and will be syndicated over the course of the next couple of weeks. Stuart says he is a fabulous looking horse, and is delighted with him! We have folks coming to see him tomorrow - if anyone would like to join them please let me know (07909 518902). Down to the sales in Cheltenham today - should be fun. Thanks to John Bartlett for the photos from yesterday!