Tuesday 10 March

A busy and blustery day in Stratford yesterday, but all made worth while with a fine win for Ben and Jays, Mister Miyagi in the first division of the bumper. Purchased by the Skelton team after the retirement of Colebrook, MM made his UK debut on very soft in Uttoxeter, which Dan described yesterday as a massive mistake! The ground yesterday was much more to his liking, and given a very confident ride, he ran green in the home straight, but battled well to win what looked like a very strong heat. MM looks like a really nice horse, and will be put away now for an Autumn campaign. Really pleased for Ben and Jay, who were both there yesterday, and have been strong supporters of National Hunt Racing since they purchased a share in Bobby Gee with us a few years ago. A super way to start Cheltenham week, and what a week it looks to be! The Irish look to hold all the aces today, and we will obviously watch Douvan with interest!! But I am also hoping that Qwey proves himself to be a really decent horse in the Supreme, and in the process frank the form of Cloonacool, who finished just over 11 lengths behind him in Newbury, trying to give him 10lbs. Today that could be shown to have been an even bigger task than we first thought, although it was about trying our boy left handed again when he ran in Newbury. I am sure you will all be tuning in where and when you can, and lets's hope that all the jockeys and horses come home safe, as the world eyes fall upon the Cotswolds for the best weeks jumping on the calendar!! If anyone is in the least bit interested in what I think will run well - my pin has fallen on these - Qwey (EW), Un De Sceaux, Gallant Oscar (EW), Faugheen, The Pirates Queen (EW), Sego Success, Dromnea (EW).