Monday 16 January

We left Fences Farm on Saturday morning hoping that temperatures would rise after a bitterly cold Friday night that saw temperatures dip to -7, so that we could get racing with Montegonian. Tom Kerr from the Racing Post had been in touch to see if he could join us for the day and capture the emotion of having a share in a horse at a big Saturday meeting, so we were all keen for racing to go ahead. The sun did do its job and at 11am after 2 inspections the meeting was given the go ahead, so it was a quick change and off to the owners and trainers bar to meet Tom. We had a brief chat over coffee and I intoduced him to Monteys owners as they came in, as we went off to saddle the big man. Montey looked a picture, and was nibbled at in the market before the off 20-1 into 16-1, we were hopeful of a place. Sam set Montey off in rear to get him to settle, as he can be a bit keen, which he was again. Nothing major, just a good grip, but he was good over the first and in fact jumped the second well when disaster struck. A stride ater the hurdle he stumbled and fell, and couldn't get up. You immediately think the worst and hope for the best - perhaps the reins are trapped and he can't get up - surely he will in a second. Sam was unhurt and was quickly up and tended to Montey until the vets arrived. As the screens went up, hopes dropped. The vets were fantastic and after a long period of examination it became clear that our boy had broken his shoulder and that nothing could be done to save him. He had gone. I walked up the course with Sam, who had been brilliant and stayed with Montey until the end-it was a very lonely place for us both.We met his patient owners by the weighing room. It is the second time I have had to do this and I can assure you it is the worst feeling in the world - I felt sick. Montey was a talented horse who would certainly have won plenty of races and given his owners a huge amount of fun, but most of all he really was the loveliest natured horse you could ever meet and will be sorely missed. Toms piece in yesterdays piece was brilliant and captured the day perfectly - you can read it at http://www.racingpost.com/horses/home.sd?story=976396 Our condolences go out to everyone involved in the big grey giant, especially to the girls that looked after him every day - he was not with us long, but he made a big impact. Tom Kerr wanted to capture the emotion of a day at the races with a horse - well he just about got every emotion there is! I would like to thank everyone for thier kind messages - I have passed them all on.