Friday 20 November

Sad news to report this morning. We lost Dawn Commander yesterday evening. DC was found to be suffering from a severe colic, and quickly referred to Newmarkets Equine Hospital, but on arrival he was in acute pain and discomfort, and tests showed that his condition was inoperable, and he was put to sleep to avoid further suffering. His death will leave a big hole in the yard, as he had been a star. His quirky ways were just him - and he could never be described as normal, but he was very talented winning 4 of his 11 races since joining us from Charlie Longsdons, rising to a career high mark of 142, and giving Stuart his first winner in Warwick in May. DC took a bit of knowing, and although all his owners are obviously very upset with the news, we all feel very deeply for the team at Fences Farm, who lived and worked with him, especially Megan, who did everything with him and adored the little grey. Empty stables are never very nice = out thoughts are with them all! It was a tough job to ring round his owners last night, and let them know, but it will be even harder to be in the yard and not see his grey head over the door! DC gave us all some great days, and will be missed, but we can look back on his 11 runs for us with pride and relive his victories - he took us to some very smart places - even if he didn't always read the script and behave. It was last November when he decided to flip himself over in the saddling boxes in Cheltenham! Thanks to John Bartlett for the photos. RIP DC. We have to move on - and today we have Cloonacool in Ascot. A competitive heat, but C is in great form, and should give a good account - especially if there is a good gallop. Many of his owners were also with DC, so victory today would be a poignant success.