Monday 14 October

It was one for the girls last week - when 3 of our lovely mares made their seasonal debuts. It all kicked off on Wednesday, when Getaway Mixie went to Ludlow for the bumper, and Figarella Borget made her hurdling debut in Wincanton. FB got the ball rolling with a lovely round of jumping to finish 4th. She travelled and jumped beautifully, until weakening out of it with a couple of furlongs to run. Ciaran was delighted with her, and commented how much she had changed from the spring. He said her performance was just down to her still being weak, and that the best policy would be to mind her for the rest of this year, and have her stronger in the spring. There was a small clutch of her owners in Wincanton, and they, like those watching on the TV/computers or phones, all got a bit excited as she turned in as she was showing up really well. The plan to give her an easy autumn has been made for us, as she gave her all in the race and has come back a bit sore. The vet looked at her today, and has found a few areas that need some attention - nothing terminal, but just things that at this stage look like they will take 2-3 months to rectify, so that has meant that all is on hold for now. One thing is for sure - she has plenty of speed, and the lay off will not do her any harm in the short term. Getaway Mixie was another to show plenty of boot in her bumper, and again, like FB, it looked like she would take a hand in the finish as they turned in. Josh certainly thought so at the time, but for whatever reason, she didn't pick up, and he let her come home in her own time. The run was a shade disappointing, as all reports of her homework had been glowing - nothing has come to light, and she seems in great order, so she will now go over hurdles. A similar thing happened last season with Havana Hermano, who was fancied to go well in his debut bumper, but failed to pick up, and he went on to show pretty decent form over hurdles, so maybe it will be the same for GM - although we do have to remember the trials and tribulations her body has been through! The last of the Ladies to strut her stuff, was Go Millie Go, who made her long anticipated hurdling debut in a very hot mares hurdle in Chepstow on Friday. The opposition was about as strong as it could be for the time of year, and the rain turned the ground plenty juicy enough for her. She was settled in rear, and took a good grip over the first mile, She took Ciaran down the hill and was travelling beautifully as they levelled up for home. She jumped brilliantly, and ran a superb race to be 5th beaten just 13 lengths. This was some run in that company, and Ciaran reported that she gave him a lovely feel, and felt like a very nice mare. She will have her sights lowered next time and contest and ordinary little race, after which we can start to make a bit of a plan for her. She is one to keep on side for sure! Land League is entered in Kempton on Sunday - a 3m chase.