Sunday 11 October

The National Hunt Season really felt like it kicked into gear yesterday with a superb card in Chepstow. Smart Exit lined up in the 5.40 - more of that later. Earlier in the day, John Bartlett and Alan Gibson were in to see their horses. John bought his trusty box brownie and the photo on the right is one of many that he managed to capture!! He is getting good with it! John and Alan got to see a very impressive second lot, with a number of eyecatchers. Of ours - Cloonacool was ridden by Stu, and his work was compromised by a slipping saddle, although his workmate was very impressive! Native Princess, who has completely recovered from a badly cut knee 8 days ago, went really well, and will be out again later this month. Bold Conquest (Fakenham Fri, M Rasen Sat), went really well under Megan. Kayla (Worcester Weds) worked really well along with Reyno (Uttox Thurs). Third lot we got to see Savingforvegas do 2 canters with a couple of workmates, and she looks a very balanced and athletic filly - a great deal to look forward to! After a cuppa, we set off for Chepstow. Smart Exit had been off games for 11 months, having failed to recapture any sort of form after a very testing race in Huntingdon last November. Yesterday he was back to his best, finishing a superb second. Under a very impressive Ciaran Gethings, he travelled very sweetly and jumped really well in a competitive little heat, off of a career high mark. Everyone was delighted to have this ultra consistent chaser back to his best, and everyone is very thankful to his owners for being so patient. He has now had 11 chase starts and finished in the first 4 in all of them apart from one where he was disunited with Josh Moore. A great fun horse to own!! SE seems fine this morning, and looks like he will be heading back to Chepstow next month!!