Wednesday 17 April

Benefit Cut yesterday finally showed us what we all knew full well, that he is a racehorse of some ability! To say that it has been a stuttering start to his hurdling career is an understatement, but we have always felt that when he learnt to settle and let himself run a race properly then we would see the best of him, making yesterdays result a surprise, but not a shock. BC came to Fences Farm with the reputation of being a decent sort, having won his debut bumper in good style and his previous trainer had told us that the way to ride him was to hold him up in rear to help him settle.His career for owners Terence Jenner and Howard Cooke started in good style finishing second in Leicester after pulling like the proverbial train for a mile and running his race backwards. We then went to Newbury in search of better company that would give him a better gallop to run into, but on this day the heavens opened and the ground was very soft - BC lost 2 shoes and the run is best forgotten. He was then under the weather for a few weeks, and had a spell on the easy list, after which he reappeared in Doncaster where the tactics that we were advised to use were once again employed. Unfortunately on the day Tom O'Brien overdid them and received a ban, but we were all delighted with the way Benny had performed after a break and on better ground. We then had a wet/snowy spell, and there was no decent ground about so BC went to Southwell for a jumpers bumper which was in a way the key to yesterdays success. We decided to employ a nose net which had helped him settle at home, and with Tom down in Taunton we put Brendan Powell up with instructions to bounce out and see if he would settle in front. The run, although on the face of it disappointing, did show us that he did settle in front far better than being held up, it also showed he hated the fibresand surface and didn't face the net. So yesterday with Brendan once again employed, and on the best ground he would have run on since his bumper win we decided to drop the net and make more use of him and it worked a treat - with him leading for 3/4 of the race and coming away for an easy 6 length success. Terence (who was there) was thrilled,Howard unfortunately could not attend, but was equally delighted, as they should be, they have a good one!! As BC is bred to be a 3 mile chaser, the fact that he has won over 2 miles over hurdles just shows what he could potentailly be!! A few pints down the pub last night to celebrate!! BC has eaten up and is fine this morning. We will see what the handicapper makes of him, and how he rates him will determine wether his next run is a handicap or another novice. Yesterday was a good day all round - Sam had a good day - in the morning he passed his HGV test, and in the afternoon came very close to riding a double in Exeter, just getting caught on the first one. To cap it all he rounded the day off in Swindon to watch his team, Swindon Town demolish the opposition! Staying with Football - congratulations to Colebrooke and San Telm's part owner Ben Turner - who last night got himself a nice little pay packet by gaining promotion to the Premiership with his team Cardiff City - a great night, and we wish him and his team mates all the best in the 'big league' Tannerman will have 2 entries in Towcester next week, and as he lives next door to Benefit Cut - I hope BC tells him how it's done!! Reyno is also entered in Fontwell on Friday. Thought of the day - amazing what a winner does - Stuart didn't limp back to the winners circle yesterday!! To join the winning team call 07909 518902 or email info@nickbrownracing.co.uk for a share in 2 horses for just £20/week (all inc) Come to Towcester next week as an owner!!