Friday 29 April

Some days just stay in the mind, and for those of us with horses at Fences Farm, April 28th is one of those days!! Unfortunately for the wrong reason. Ten years ago on that date Olney Lad suffered what was to prove a fatal injury in the process of winning at the Punchestown Festival. On April 28th 2007 Coralbrook collapsed and died on the run in at Market Rasen - and yesterday I am sorry to say that the Aril 28th curse struck again. San Telm fractured a knee in a routine piece of work, and sadly had to be put to sleep. San Telm was the sweetest little horse, but a real brave and gutsy trier. He was beaten on his debut for the yard, and we were slightly disappointed, but the winner that day was one Coneygree and we know what he has gone on to do!! He won his maiden hurdle in Fakenham in his first season with us, and went on to win a nice race in Haydock in his second year. He even managed to win a chase despite not having the best back in the world, and really not having much of a liking for the larger obstacles. This is testament to how much he tried, and wanted to please everybody. He just had 1 run last season in Cheltenham where he ended up getting bashed and banged about, and was never quite right afterwards, but we kept the faith, and he came back again this year winning in Market Rasen, before running a mighty race to be third in Cheltenham on what proved to be his final start. It was a bit of an open secret that he was my favourite, and like the rest of his owners, and those that have been associated with him in the past, I will miss him!! He will leave a hole in a yard that has already lost good horses, Benefit Cut and Dawn Commander in recent months, and suffered the blow of being forced to retire two really promising mares in Native Princess and Savingforvegas due to injury. Our thoughts are with all of the staff at the yard, especially Bev, and to Stuart for his efforts on a difficult day for everyone. April 28th is imprinted on our minds - RIP San Telm. Bold Conquest is declared to run tomorrow in Uttoxeter. 19 run and Josh rides. He won the race last year, but has 7lbs more to carry this time, and 7 more runners to face - it probably makes it 7 times harder to win. Christmas Twenty has entries in Kempton and Wetherby, and we will discuss where to go tomorrow. At first glance, Kempton is closer, but Wetherby looks easier.