Monday 8 October

Over the past few days we have seen a couple of very encouraging, but very different introductions. Last Thursday San Seb made his racecourse debut. This handsome son of Mamool was purchased from the Tatersalls Ireland November sale in Fairyhouse, and is a young horse we have always liked. he was stored at the elms, before being broken in by the guys at Fences Farm last spring. he then returned in the autumn, for another round of education and was purchased by Neil Greatorex at last years Open Day. Neil formed a syndicate with his friends - The Riverport Racehorse Association, named after the town where they are all from- St Ives. The concluding bumper on the Huntingdon card had been the plan since the horse was purchased, and it was perfect with it being such a local track for everyone. SS made a lovely debut. He behaved perfectly, and ran a super race to be third. He ran green on the top bend, but knuckled down and galloped right through the line. We were all delighted, this division of the race being run 5 seconds faster than the first division, so the form looks very strong. His owners certainly had a good afternoon!! Yesterday we saw a debut of a different kind - Classic Ben made his chasing debut in Uttoxeter. There will not be many stronger heats run this season, with the past Stayers Hurdle runner up, Lil Rockerfeller lining up in the 8 strong field. The reason for taking CB there was simply down to the fact that even without the rain on Saturday, you could guarantee that the team there would have the ground in perfect shape, and the fences are so well presented for a novice chase debutant. All went to plan, CB jumped really well, ran lazily, like he does, but we think that we have learned a little bit more about him yesterday, and we will adopt different tactics next time. The aim with him will be a nice handicap in the spring, and he will be campaigned with that in mind, with a short break in January/February when the ground is at its very worst! This week - Molly Childers has an entries in Worcester on Thursday - but they will need rain, and Chepstow on Saturday and Sunday. Hopefully the ground will be suitable for her somewhere. If not we will just be patient. Maria's Benefit will go to Newton Abbot on Friday for her chasing debut.