Monday 31 August

As mentioned in my last missive on here - the overwhelming sense amongst all of the members involved with Figarella Borget was to retire her after her latest run in Uttoxeter. She had fallen short of the level that we were hoping from her, and with her welfare in mind, it was decided to look for another job for her. Her pedigree meant that there would always be someone willing to forgive her faults, and take her on as a broodmare - and I am glad to say that later this week she will head out to Ireland to start the next phase of her career. I will keep everyone up to speed on her progress as a mum. Finding the horses a suitable home after racing is very important to us - and is something we take a lot of time over, it s always good to receive updates of our horses enjoying their new lives. There will be news on a replacement for Figarella Borget in the coming days. Her members have already been updated, and I am thrilled that all of those that have responded so far have chosen to continue on with a new filly. Another one that will head to Fergal O'Brien, so if you would be interested in joining in with a new filly, at the yard of the man that is currently leading the jumps trainers list, with 19 winners so far, at a strike rate of 27% then please get in touch - 07909 518902, or nickbrownracing@gmail.com Land League came out of his run in Uttoxeter in good order. He just needed the outing after a bit of a break, and will be better for the run. Ciaran also thinks he is better over fences, so he has been entered in Fontwell at the weekend. Fontwell's idiosyncratic figure of eight chase track is an unknown for LL as he does prefer to go right handed over fences, but if we wait for a suitable race on a right handed track we will be waiting until the last day of September - so he has been entered to see what the race looks like, and a decision on his participation will be made later in the week. The horses that went back into training in early July are getting on great, and a few of them are starting to go a bit quicker now. Blue Bikini has schooled over a few barrels and looked very athletic in the process. She looks great, and I am sure she will repay her owners patience. She is certainly on good terms with herself, as her riders at the yard will testify! Those that went back in a little later have also started to have a little canter. Both Classic Ben and Queenohearts look fabulous - I haven't seen QOH look this big and strong at this stage, ever. Down at Fergal O'Briens - Yauthym is cantering away well, and she too is in fine fettle. Another that is certainly stronger this time around is little Hi Ho Silva Lining - you may have forgotten about him. He came as a 3 yr old last summer, and we had hoped to be able to crack straight on with him and have him running in bumpers last season. Sadly his size belied his weakness, and he just wasn't up to it at that stage of his life. I am delighted to say that he has most certainly improved for a break, and this gutsy little man is going nicely. Hopefully he will stay in one piece, and repay the patience of his owners! Our pinhooking syndicate horses have all now gone to their new homes - funnily enough the last one leaves today - and will eventually end up going into training with Fergal, who loved the horse and was instrumental in his sale. In addition to all this we have been putting together the bones of another 2 partnerships - one a breeding syndicate, and one a horse to be trained and run in France. There will be further updates on these little ventures later in the week.