Wednesday 4 January

Today was trials day. Stuart has been experimenting with headgear on Cloonacool this week, he schooled in cheekpieces earlier on, and today it was the day to try the blinkers in a routine piece of work. They certainly made a difference, and the plan is to run him in Sandown on Saturday over hurdles, before resuming over fences later in the month. It was good to see John who was in to see Sneaking Budge, who cantered. SB looks fantastic, and is very much going the right way at the moment. The vet is due in to give him the all clear to go quicker, and if he does we can then start looking for races for him. Stuart rode Land League himself, and he went really well, he is a lovely prospect, and will be making his debut in 2-3 weeks. Also out second lot was Maria's Benefit, who is a little cracker - she will make her debut later this month. Chandos Belle has come out of her race in good order, and will be aimed at races around the 24 - 26 January. Plan A is to run in another juvenile hurdle, but if they look hot, we have the option of running in an all age maiden if we need to.