Thursday 8 March

Yesterday we made the trip north - very north - Catterick Bridge. But it was well worth the 400 mile round trip!! Catterick was an easy trip, and bathed in early spring sunshine when we arrived. A lovely little track, with welcoming faces and a really friendly feel. Kaloci there to contest the Mares Novices Hurdle - her third run to qualify her for the Mares Novices Hurdle Final In Newbury later this month. Again she was burdened with her penalty for winning in Leicester, but once again ran with such credit. She travelled and jumped beautifully, until her welter burden started to tell approaching the last, when she started to weaken. The task of trying to give 17lbs to the second was just a tad too much for her, but once again she went out on her sword, and finished a galant second. A great day - with a good atmosphere, and a track that we will certainly visit again. Kaloci seems fine this morning, with just a small cut to show for her troubles. Chandos Belle has entries in Plumpton and Taunton on Monday, and Huntingdon on Wednesday. I had a chat with Ciaran yesterday and he agrees that the most important determining factor as to where she runs next is the ground, and she will not run on very soft ground. The forecast looks a bit dodgy for the next few days with some heavy rain forecast, so we will have to see where the ground is best for her. One that shouldn't mind the ground is Queenohearts who is entered in the Listed Mares Bumper on Saturday. This big daughter of Flemensfirth is in great heart, and we are all looking forward to running her - the form of her Towcester win has worked out really well, and hopefully she will be able to pick up some valuable balck type. She is still a big weak girl, and is a very nice long term prospect. Should she run well on Saturday, and she comes out of her race in good order, we may look at running her at the Punchestown Festival - but if not, then she will be looked after for a hurdling career after a summer break. The search for new horses continues - please don't think that we are not trying - I am looking to replace Apasionado, and Cloonacool - but will only pull the trigger on a purchase when the right horses are there to be bought. If you would like to join in with one of our new horses when they arrive, then please get in touch. nickbrownracing@gmail.com