Saturday 13 February

A chilly but mainly dry morning on top of the hill. Second lot, Alan and Nigel were in to see Bold Conquest and Cloonacool work. As you can see from the video, they both went well. Stuart schooled Bold Conquest over fences yesterday, and he was very good, which gives us the option of trying him in the Cambridgeshire National in Huntingdon at the start of March. It gives us another option as Paddy said after Doncaster that a real stamina test over fences would be ideal. The video shows San Telm (far side) in front with Focusing (Fakenham Fri, or Ascot Sat). Second two are Bold Conquest on the near side of Pine Warbler (Lingfield, Fontwell), with Reyno (Far Side) with Clonacool in behind. Stuart rode Cloonacool himself yesterday and says he is in fine form! Alan also got to see his other boy, Sneaking Budge in his stable. SB is being a very good patient, and is still being frequently walked out in hand. The new horse arrived today, unfortunately after I had left, but Megan says he is chilled out and has settled in well. He is called Visible Light, and is an 8yr old gelding by Shantou out of an unraced mare who is the half sister to the bumper/smart 2 mile hurdler Staying Article. I really like his sire, Shantou who gets really tough genuine horses. This lad has a rating of 86 in Ireland, but will be ideally suited to running in the UK, and looks tailor made for a couple of handicap hurdles this spring. 2 of the five shares remain, pieced at £2,500 each - plus £400/month training/keep fee. Please call on 07909 518902 or email info@nickbrownracing.co.uk for further details.