Sunday 13 November

Sneaking Budge made his long awaited return yesterday, in a 2m 4f handicap hurdle. Off since winning in January, he has been working very well at home, and we were very much looking forward to seeing him again. Rain arrived and the ground was pretty soft, but a winner on Heavy - this was not a concern. Paddy Brennan rode. SB had only run in two juvenile hurdles, so the step up to handicap company was a very big step, and his lack of experience was a concern before the off. Jumping off rear of mid division, he was quite keen over the first couple, and failed to settle properly. As the race went on he got better, and travelled beautifully into the race as they crested the ridge. He was going beautifully as they turned in and I was getting quite excited, but then the stamina ran out, and he faded. Paddy pulled him up quickly, but nothing was amiss, he just didn't want to give him a hard time when his chance had gone. SB seems fine; Stuart reports that he came off of the lorry fine last night. He will have knocked off his ring rustiness, and gained valuable experience yesterday, and will be dropped to 2m for his next run in 3-4 weeks.