Thursday 14 September

Kayla made her chasing debut in Uttoxeter yesterday, and ran a cracker to be third in a Class 3 Novice Chase. This poor little mare gets no help from the handicapper over hurdles, and it looked as though she was getting fed up with it - if she wasn't Stuart certainly was - so she was schooled over fences at home - where she was very good - and given a go. Ciaran Gethings was due to ride, but after picking up a spare ride in the first - it gave him a very nasty fall, and he was taken to hospital in stoke. At first the medical staff thought he had some serious injuries, but it looks as though it is nothing more serious than rib damage at this stage. Our best wishes to him for a speedy recovery! Brendan Powell was quick to step up to the plate, and he gave her a lovely ride. She settled in rear, jumped very well, never really putting a foot wrong - and stayed on up the straight to finish third. She really seemed to enjoy it - we certainly did, and now Stuart has options with her. Back at home on Cloonacool 'Cough Watch' - yesterday he didn't have a cough at all, so it looks as though, fingers crossed, he is improving. Maria's Benefit had a short walk out after her run on Tuesday. She has staples in a cut on her near hind, but other than that she is really well. A Mares maiden/novice hurdle is surely at her mercy with the experience under her belt. Kaloci had a short trip to the vets yesterday - just to have a few warts removed. She was rubbing them and making them bleed, so she just had them lasered off. She cantered before she went and is in the rudest of health - she is such a likeable mare - she may be little, but she is so tough and full of spirit - she has some buck on her!! The more I see of her the more I like her - she is going to be so much fun!!