Sunday 1 October

Four horses set off from Fences Farm yesterday morning, and all four ran really well. Molly Childers was first up, and in a race where the crawled for 3/4 of a mile she ran well. On hurdling debut, her technique improved as the race went on, and she stayed on very well from the back of the last to finish third. We always felt that the trip may be on the sharp side on a quick track like Market Rasen, and so it proved. Jack Quinlan on the winner stole the race, but we were all very happy with MC. A clear round, and a run without jinks and kinks was what wasrequired and we got just that. She will go again at 2 miles, but on a stiffer track next time. Thanks very much to the brave soul who, almost before she had pulled up, rang and witheld his number to tell me what a poor ride she had received. He obviously gave me the full extent of his knowledge as the call lasted one short sentence, and he hung up before I could respond!! He certainly didn't sound like AP McCoy to me so I will not take much notice of him!! (ARXXHOLE)!!! Cloonacool and Land League next up in the Listed Prelude Hurdle. Cloonacool ridden with cover by Paddy Brennan was not just keen, he was mad! (Paddys description), he certainly did too much for the first 3/4 of a mile, and had nothing left at the business end. Paddy is sure that his early antics cost him the race - he is sure that CC retains all of his ability, and races of the quality of yesterdays heat are still very much within his grasp! It was great to see him have his mojo back! Land League ran well, the trip on the track not suiting. Brendan made use of him so as to not let it turn into a sprint, which he slightly regretted after the race. LL ran a great race nonetheless, and will now switch his attention to chasing. The last of the four runners was Howard Cookes lovely 5 yr old Theclockisticking, who ran a cracking race to finish second in the concluding bumper. He has a nice future. All the horses seem fine this morning, Molly went for a canter, Cloonacool walked out in hand as he came back with a few cuts and scrapes, but will be fine in a couple of days.