Tuesday 4 August

Great to see Ian and Mary Burchell over at Fences Farm on Saturday morning. Ian and Mary have been long term supporters, and have had shares in plenty of horses with us. Mary reminded me on Saturday, that every horse they have had with us has been a winner - so, despite moving to Naples, Florida within the month, they wish to remain connected with the NBR 'Family', and will remain share holders in both Native Princess and San Telm. Mary and Ian got to see San Telm (Top) trot past on the gallop. ST is in fantastic form - he is acting like a three year old, and is moving really well. He has come through his pre training in great order, and will start to canter later this week. Native Princess was asked to go just a shade quicker on Saturday, and we saw her go very nicely in behind Christmas Twenty (middle) and Bold Conquest. All three of these are a few weeks ahead of the rest of the string, and will be ready to run in about 4 weeks. Christmas Twenty looks a million dollars, and really looked the part on Saturday. He is very athletic, and has a long raking stride. He is showing everyone all the right signs at the moment anyway! Bold Conquest is also showing a great enthusiasm for life as well, and is in great form, he will be aimed at a beginners chase in Uttoxeter in early September. Cloonacool is also in great heart, and is taking a good hold in his work (third down), he is still on course for racecourse gallop with a galloping companion in September, before heading to Market Rasen at the end of that month. Smart Exit is fine after his wind op, but he will have a little light therapy to ease some tight muscles he has, after being through a general anaesthetic. Maypole Lass could not cope with the drop in trip on Friday, but once again ran a solid race to finish fourth. She is on the market, and we look to have found a home for her in the point to point field. Dawn Commander has joined two friends in the top field, and will have a long holiday. He has settled in well.