Thursday 30 July

To be truthful, Dawn Commander let us all down a bit on Tuesday evening. He has been in terrific form at home, and we were hopeful of a decent run, although you can never be sure with DC!! With the cheekpieces fitted, he looked to be travelling fine over the first 2 and we were quite happy, but then he began to resent the headgear, almost trying to look round them at times, and as a result barely raised a gallop. DC has been in for a very long time, and unfortunately for him his winter break was spent locked up with broken vertebra, so the best thing for him now is a holiday. He will be turned out in the top field at Fences Farm, away from everything, and will hopefully forget all about racing for a while. One or two tings on Tuesday have raised the prospect of him having a breathing issue, and so when he returns to work later this year he will have an operation to rectify any problem that he may have. He doesn't actually make a noise, but we are hearing more and more often about horses that have trouble with their wind without actually making a noise. I am pleased to report that he was galloping around his field yesterday morning, so non the worse for his outing. Apologies to all of those that made the trip, especially those who sat for half a lifetime on a closed M42! Yesterday Tim and David were in to see their horse Christmas Twenty. Both were delighted with how he looked and very much looking forward to seeing him make his rules debut. They may not have to wait for long, as he has come to hand very nicely, and a stride on on Saturday will tell Stuart where he is with him. He could well be out in about a month. Maypole Lass is declared in Bangor tomorrow, a mares maiden over just shy of 2m 4f. A drop in trip for her, but her easiest option for now. Brendan Powell rides. The new arrival I spoke of a couple of a couple ofweeks ago could arrive at the weekend - ring me if you fancy landing a punt on the flat before going juvenile hurdling! 07909 518902