That's racing!

Clear Sailing, a new horse to us, ran for the first time on Friday for his new owners, Circle of Trust and ran a blinder, just getting pipped at the post by one of our good neighbour, Julia Fielden's horses. Obviously frustrating as to be so close to a winner and not to get the result is harsh, but at least we were beaten by a fellow trainer from Exning! The final outcome was a 'nse' or nose! The horse was fine, a real professional who is very chilled until he gets to the paddock and then he lights up a bit. He was bought out of a claimer and his past owners did let us know he was a bit of a handful, which was good of them. However, he has been as right as rain and not a problem at all. Dickie or I take him out on his own or with one other which I think helps him immensely. As Saturday was a lovely, sunny day with us he went out in the paddocks for the day, had a lie down and a kip and enjoyed himself. We are looking forward to the next run.

Always the Sun nearly had a race the other day! My fault as I put a cross noseband on her, which she has worn before but was not happy on the day of the race. She gave the jockey a horror of a ride to the start, dumping him and then refused to come out of the stalls, let alone race! If she does not like something, she lets you know and nothing, but nothing changes her mind! She hopped back on the lorry afterwards as good as gold, had a haynet on the way home and I am only just about speaking to her now! However, all is not lost as she jumps like a bunny and was entered for Huntingdon last week. As the ground was still pretty hard by us, even by mid morning, I decided to take her out, but she will have a go shortly and I think she will enjoy it. She won't be wearing a cross noseband though! She does make me smile though as despite her little quirks as butter would not melt in the stable and you could let a kid look after her.

The others are all coming along great guns. The coats are falling out and hopefully this warm weather is here to stay for a bit.

I am looking forward to a day at Cheltenham this week - always a brilliant day out..