Thursday 27 November

I am pleased to report this morning that Rousing Rob is up and about after his operation yesterday. The vets that carried out the proceedure are very happy with the way things went, and are very hopeful for the future. When they went into the knee with a camera there were obvious signs of injury, indicated by the presence of blood, and when the offending spike was located it was removed and all should be well. For good measure they had a look in the other knee as well, and found that everything was in order in the near fore, so now it is just a case of being patient and looking forward to his racecourse debut, which will be next Autumn. He would probably be able to come back into training earlier, but The Chicheley Partnership have E Major to give them some sport this winter, which means Rob can have a really good rest, and get over his op. When horses undergo general anaesthetics there is always a risk that they will not come through, so it is a great relief that he is up and about this morning. Good to see Pacco win at Chepstow yesterday, he is the third winner to come out of Kikos' race at Uttoxeter, so that form looks particularly strong. Kikos will now be aimed at Bangor on December 17 when there are 2 good races for him, and we can pick the best one to declare in. He has run well at the course over hurdles, so we would hope for a good show.