Tuesday 24 November

After a recent spell of unbelievable results, the weekend sort of bit us in the bum a bit, and reminded us what a difficult game Racing is. After the sad, and sudden loss of Dawn Commander on Thursday evening, Cloonacool didn't quite do what was expected on Friday. On Saturday, Bonellis Warbler confirmed what Stuart had feared at home - that she was a bit slow, and on Sunday, San Telm paid the price for trying to make a race of it with a superior rival, and ended up being pulled up as he entered the wings of the last when another horse refused in front of him! Josh made the right call, as although ST would have finished a well beaten second, he was very tired, and he took the safest and fairest option! The good news is that all three have returned to Fences Farm in good order, C and ST will go again next month, but Stuart will look for an alternative career for BW. This week we venture into new territory - Sneaking Budge will be our first runner on the flat from Fences Farm. Our colours have been successful on the flat, but that was back in 1999, when Outplacement won a very moderate staying handicap around Southwell when in the care of our first trainer Roy Bowring. At 50-1 - a day I will always remember! On Thursday evening Sneaking Budge will run in Chelmsford. SB was purchased at the autumn Horses In Training sale in Newmarket, and will have a juvenile hurdling career. He has schooled really well, and his recent work has been very good. Stuart has been experimenting with him, and has tried a number of different things with him which seem to have benefitted enormously. The reason for the run on the flat is just to get to know him a little. We have no pretentions of winning the race, but it will serve a useful purpose, and allow us to get to know him a lot better before he jumps a hurdle in public next month. Stevie Donahoe will ride. I will be in touch with all Dawn Commander owners today to see if they would like to buy a share in him - those that do can have a badge for Thursday evening if they fancy a different evening out - he is in the 6.40pm. I will be offering DC owners a share in SB for £500 (inc VAT). This is less than I actually paid for him, but I think it is the fairest thing to do. The weekly/monthly fees will remain the same. Please let me know what you would like to do, so that I can offer any shares that are not taken by existing members to others. SB is beautifully bred and has schooled really well - have a look at him on the For Sale Page. Savingforvegas will make her UK debut for Ben Turner in a mares bumper in Wetherby tomorrow. She is hardy and tough, and will put her experience to use in ground that we are told will suit. She will be hurdling after this fact finding run. On Friday Bold Conquest looks like going to Doncaster - the ground should be perfect for him! He is in great form.