Wednesday 12 December

Sad news reached us yesterday, when Ollie Harris called to inform us of the very sudden and sad passing of his friend and colleague Adrian Kimpton yesterday morning. Ollie and Adrian joined the Racing Club a few years ago, and Adrian continued his ownership experience with Kaloci, and latterly Lilly's Arc. A frequent visitor to Fences Farm on a Saturday morning, Adrian usually showed up a few minutes late, clutching a cup of coffee - he was rarely without one, and would always enjoy his mornings - always keen to learn about the intricacies of the racing world, and enjoy the sight of the horses working on the gallops. He really enjoyed his racing, and we certainly has some great laughs with him, and he will be sorely missed. He prided himself of never missing a race that one of his horses contested and our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends. His daughter, Stephanie called today and asked if I could let everyone that knew him the news, and she will advise me of funeral arrangements when she has them, and I will post them on here. On the horse front, Classic Ben missed a golden opportunity in Fontwell yesterday, as he was found to have mucus out of his nose after schooling on Monday. A real shame as he seemed in great form, had schooled great, and the race cut up to just 3 runners. He will have a course of antibiotics and hopefully be well enough to run in the very near future. Getaway Mixie made her rules debut in a Listed Bumper on Sunday, and what was always going to be a big ask, proved so. Saying that, she travelled very well, and stopped very quickly on the crown of the bend - something that Ciaran thought was not down to a lack of ability. He thought something else had stopped her, so she was scoped post race, and found to be normal. She is now booked in for an overland scope next week to try and get to the bottom of what stopped her so quickly. If nothing comes to light she will have a run over hurdles in 3-4 weeks. Molly Childers worked well on Saturday - her first proper piece since her wind op. She will have 3 entries on the 19th. Queenohearts is still on course for Haydock on the 22nd. Our Bubba had his first canter since his wind op, and moved well. Lilly's Arc has had her sore shins treated, and is being ridden. It is in her hands as to how quickly she is back on track, but she is going the right way. Land League will head off to continue his recuperation at The Elms tomorrow, and will be joined by Go Millie Go, who is troubled by a niggley injury, and just needs some down time to let everything settle down and repair itself - she will be back in a few months, and remains an exciting prospect. Harriett has fallen in love with Figarella Borget, who is now doing a full canter, and very much pleasing everyone who has sat on her. Pull Together is having an easier time to get over his Fontwell run, but looks fab, and will be back in full work very soon. Kaloci has returned to Ireland, and I will keep everyone abreast of the plans for her, regarding covering sires etc.