Wednesday 17 December

Wednesday morning, and the day that most of the string get to jump a few hurdles or fences. Three were eyecatching this morning. Benefit Cut attacked his fences with real relish - much like his old self, and, if as expected the results of a blood test on Friday confirms what those that ride him think, and that is he is back in great order - it will be all systems go with him. He will need about 3 bits of work to put him spot on to run again, so we hope that the blood test results are good at the end of the week. Smart Exit was also in good form. Last week he had failed to school with his usual zest, so he missed his entry at the start of this week. He seems back on track, and will be aimed at a Chepstow race in the middle of January. The third to take the eye was Cloonacool, who was electric in his schooling over the chase fences! Yes Chase fences - he ripped his jockey over them and was a bit of a job to pull up after jumping the last one! As suggested by both the lads that have ridden him in his hurdle races in the UK, he looks a natural - and a very exciting talent for the novice chase ranks next season! Exciting horse!