Sunday 25 September

The old football cliche - 'A game of two halves', was very much how yesterday afternoon went for us. We all travelled to Market Rasen hoping for two nice runs form the two nice horses that Stuart was taking there. Cloonacool, and Apasionado. Cloonacool was running in the Listed Prelude Hurdle that he won last year, and Apasionado was making his UK debut in the bumper. Cloonacool looked fantastic in the paddock, and rightly won the best turned out for the second year running (well done Megan)! He looks to have strengthened up over the summer, and looked in tip top shape! He jumped off in rear as he had last year, and travelled well enough despite the very strong pace. When Josh woke him up exiting the back straight he was running away with him, and he had to take a pull so as not to hit the front. Then it all came to a sudden stop - at the second last, the pair just got caught on an inbetween stride, Cloonacool clipped the top, and fell. Hearts stopped!! Thankfully Cloonacool was soon up and cantering away, it took Josh a little longer, and we watched anxiously until he, thankfully got to his feet too, before walking back. We believe that we would have gone very close, and in fairness, that is not a biased opinion, as the owners of the eventual winner think that too - but the good thing is that both Josh and George are back home safe and sound. There was then a wait for new boy Apasionado to strut his stuff. He had been showing everyone at home that he is a nice horse - but they have to do it on the track! I have always felt he was up to winning a UK Bumper, and was happy going into yesterdays heat - but as the afternoon wore on I kept hearing that this and that were fancied in the race - and confidence certainly wasn't as high when we gathered pre race. He too looked a picture in the paddock (well done Megan), and behaved himself. He got a little on his toes at the start, and although there was a plan in place to get some cover in mid division, Josh was left with no option but to line up wide, and slot in if he could. Apasionado travelled well in a truly run race, and knuckled down on the entry to the home straight to reel in the leader. He did so at the 2 pole, and kept his head down and galloped all the way to the line for a worthy success. Fantastic for his new owners - many of whom are new to NBR, so that was a great result. I thank them for their support, and look forward to many more good days out with him!! Josh was taken with Apasionado, and feels he will have no trouble in making the transition to hurdles as he is very well balanced and keen to please! Stuart has called this morning to say that both horses seem fine, and Josh says he is OK, so everyone lives to fight another day!!