Sunday 13 October

Saturday, as in all racing yards is 'work morning'. It is the morning that the horses gallop, and yesterdays efforts at Fences Farm were very encouraging! Colebrooke was out first lot and worked well. He is a very lazy little horse, and Stuart did pop a pair of blinkers on him last week, which seemed to activate his mind. He only needs another couple of bits of work and he will be ready to run. Over the course of the next few days, in conjunction with his owners, Ben and Jay, we will formulate a plan for him. There are a number of options - 2 -2 1/2 mile handicap hurdles, or even novice chases, as he has schooled very well over the bigger obstacles. Like many 4 yr olds that have a successful juvenile career he found life a bit tough last year, but should be back to winning ways this season.John, Tracey and Martyn were in after breakfast and saw Benefit Cut work with a very impressive Reyno. Reyno seems to have improved hand over fist since last season, and is a very impressive workhorse at home, showing plenty of speed! BC had to go to work to keep up!! Guest Of Honour worked very impressively upsides Silver Wren, with GOH coming out on top, his outing to Fontwell has at least brought him on in terms of fitness, and we will start looking for a race for him in 10-14 days. San Telm was the eyecatcher this week. He worked upsides Grassfinch, who is a very reliable yardstick, and comfortably beat her in his work. He was 2 lengths clear as they reached us, simply changed legs and stretched further clear. He was very impressive - and now all we have to do is find the right race for him. He will have entries next Friday and Saturday in Cheltenham, but we also have the option of Chepstow and Aintree the weekend after. Third lot, John and Tracey got to see some schooling. New girl, Maypole Lass was joined by Ereyna and continued her education over hurdles, under the watchful eye of the 'Godfather of British Showjumping' and former multiple Olympian - Peter Robeson. First of all she popped over a little grid (below) and as you can see, thoroughly enjoyed herself! She is very intelligent, willing and able, which will stand her in good stead for her new career. After getting her eye in over the grid she went on to follow Ereyna up three flights of hurdles, and as you can see - she is a real natural! Smart Exit was on the easy list this weekend, as he has just got a slightly swollen joint - the vet will look at this on Monday - but it looks very similar to the problem he had at this time last season, and it should not hold him up for too long. Omaruru is also off full games for a day or two as Stuart is still not 100% happy with him, he will be checked over by the vet again on Monday.