Thursday 21 May

A long time between updates due to one thing or another - so this is the time to catch up! Last Friday Benefit Cut headed to Aintree, for a crack at 3m+ for the first time. Brendan took the rid, and despite looking all over the winner jumping the cross fence, he tired to finish sixth - obviously not getting the 3m 1f trip. The handicapper has finally eased him to 125, and he will drop back in trip and adopt different tactics next time. Saturday evening we went to Uttoxeter with Maypole Lass - again Brendan was in the plate. ML was back over 3 miles for just the second time in her career, and despite travelling oh so well during the race, she just missed 2 out, which disrupted he rhythm and she tired to finish a creditable third. She could well go and jump a fence now - anything to get that elusive winners bracket for her. Sunday we headed of to Stratford with Bold Conquest. He was meant to be over fences in Market Rasen, but the handicapper giving him a mark of 122 over fences put the mockers on that, so he ran over hurdles off of 116. The track was always likely to prove a problem, and with Richard Johnson in the plate he finished a decent fourth. Richard reporting that he would win off of his current mark, and that the quick track and quick ground had been his undoing. It all happened a bit quick for him. He will have a short break now, and have just a few weeks off, as we don't want to damage him on ground that is too quick for him. This week has been a bit busy for one reason or another - with a trip up to Doncaster Sales yesterday. A good trade, and some nice stores on show. Native Princess was entered in Worcester tomorrow evening, but will instead head to Southwell on June 2nd. She is in great heart, and Stuart is delighted with her. The team of horses at Fences Farm looks like being the strongest yet for next season - with additions being made all the time, and orders to fill! So much to look forward to!