PUNCHESTOWN

Olney Lad.

26/4/2006

Lads off to Ireland!!

We set off at 6.00am to get the ferry from Holyhead, Lad travels fine and we even manage to get a pick of grass for him in a paddock in the middle of Wales somewhere as we have our own breakfast.(This horse really is spoilt)!!!

He takes the ferry crossing well, and we arrive at Punchestown Racecourse at 5.00pm

27/4/2006

Lad looks better than we do this morning!!

He ate his tea from last night and had a good drink so it seems he is nicely settled.
Lad has 2 good canters in the middle of the course, and really did seem to move well on the quicker ground.Stuart and I walked the course and found it to be genuinely good ground, safe, but we could have used a bit of rain, but that was not likely as the sun was beating down and it was the most fantastic weather.

Nothing more to do today other than enjoy an afternoon at the races and this famous Irish craic!!

28/4/2006

Lad ate all his tea again last night so at least the petrol tank is full!
He had a walk and a trot out just to stretch his legs before breakfast.
Stuart and I walked the course again and after overnight watering the ground was still good, they really did a wonderful job with the ground in the face of some very drying conditions. Still perhaps a bit quick for us though??

Nearly race time and Lad entered the pre-pararde ring looing magnificent, actually a little bit on his toes (not like him at all) he really was primed and ready to go. I'd never seen him look better, Mrs Robeson had him at his peak for sure.

Quite a few of the Partners managed to get over to the meeting and after pulling themselves away from the complimentary lunch (and alcohol)in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Lounge they finally made it to the paddock.

What a buzz the atmosphere was fantastic!!

The race itself went much to plan, Jimmy jumped out in front and said catch me if you can. It was good to have him back in the plate and very good of him to come over at short notice, thanks Jimmy.

Approching 3 out there were a few struggling in behind but it looked as if we were booked for second as Wolf Creek loomed up on the outside approaching the second last, but Lad and Jimmy had different ideas and battled and fought from the back of the last for a brilliant 5 length success!!

An amazing feeling!! This is why we get involved in race horse ownership!!! I've never seen a happier group of owners!!I don't mind admitting that I shed a tear!!

To be the only UK winner at the Festival was an incredible achievement and a great training performance by Mrs Robeson and all the staff at Fences Farm.

Thanks also to eveyone at Punchestown who made our stay so unforgetable. (Especially Jerry The Bus)

We will be back!!