Monday 2 April

Pull Together headed to Plumpton yesterday, to contest the 2m maiden hurdle there. He had entries in all sorts of races from 2m to 2m 4f, but this one looked like the one that would most likely let him go one better than his previous 3 starts where he had finished second. You always start to look at horses when they have a string of seconds to their name, questioning their will to win, but in his case it couldn't be further from the truth, you wouldn't find a more genuine and trustworthy horse - he just kept bumping into one! Yesterday we feared a repeat as he had to give a lot of weight to the 4 yr old in the field that had run very well in an Ascot handicap the week before, but in the end we need not have worried. Given a superb tactical ride from the front by Ciaran, he jumped like a stag, and showed a super turn of foot on the crown of the bend to put his rivals under the sword, and keep on well to the line. He really deserved his win, and he will now be schooled over the big fences at home before heading out for his summer holidays. Ciaran jumped off him and said he will make a better chaser than hurdler - so his owners have an awful lot to look forward to for next season - they have been very patient with him - and it has really paid off! Sneaking Budge didn't get to go to the races today, as Market Rasen fell to the unreasonably wet weather. He has an entry in Uttoxeter on Saturday. It looks as though Land League will not get to run this week, as the ground will be too soft - his ground is coming though. Chandos Belle will bypass very heavy conditions - so we will pick and choose her targets carefully. Stuart and I had a chat yesterday, and decided that Kaloci has done enough for the season. She will head off on her holidays when (if) we get some warmer and drier weather. She has had a wonderful season, and we couldn't ask any more of her. She will be back next season, when she will contest mares handicap hurdles, and is very capable of winning off of her current mark.