Friday 2 October

After a recent run of great performances, I suppose it was always going to happen! A day that bought us back down to earth - and Oh how it happened! Starting at Warwick. Christmas Twenty, although not perfect travelled to the races on the lorry in better fashion than his trip to Southwell. He was behaved in the prelims, until Josh was legged up, when he through a bit of a fit. Josh was pinned beneath him, and was lucky to come out unscathed himself. After being checked by the vets in the paddock, Josh led him to the start where he was checked again and allowed to run. After jumping 2 flights of hurdles he was not travelling and Josh pulled him up after the third. He was checked again by the vets who could find nothing wrong, and he came home - still not settling on the lorry. He did not eat last night, and was checked by the yard vet this morning who can find nothing wrong with him, and has been turned out in the paddock where he is grazing away as we speak. It is back to the drawing board with this one - he has plenty of ability - it just needs to be unlocked. We will let the dust settle, and look at ways of going forward rather than regressing. Thanks to Josh Moore who was very good and did all he could with the horse. With Stu at Warwick I made the trip to Bangor, with Trish, for Native Princess. She was second favourite for her race, but had a tougher task on her hands than when winning in Fontwell. Paddy Brennan rode, and the mare could not get in any sort of rhythm, she made many mistakes, and it was only her class that kept her in with a chance approaching 2 out. She finished 4th, and came back with a nasty cut above her off knee. Then we heard the bing bong of the Stewards Enquiry. Paddy had weighed in light - which after the enquiry left Native Princess disqualified from her 4th place.It was not the day that Trish who was with NP at Bangor had wanted either - there was a lot to deal with!! Her wound was stapled at the racecourse stables, and the vet has had a look at it this morning, and is happy with it. She will have a few days off and resume light duties as normal. Not the sort of day we are used to - but they happen, and we will consign that one to file named Rubbish and look forward. Looking forward, San Telm is declared to run in Uttoxeter on Sunday. Their ground is good, and they are watering to maintain. Josh has to be in Huntingdon, so Sam Twiston Davies takes over - he will be well suited to the horse. Stuart will walk the course before racing and if he deems it to be too quick, ST will not run, but at the moment we are all geared up to run. He will have cheekpieces on for the first time, and seems to be back to his best!! Hoping for a better day on Sunday!!