14th March 2017

We worked Pinnacle Peter, Equus Amadeus, Triopas, Russian Service, Brandon Hill, Jester Jet, Bhakti, Artic Sword, Black Bow and Super Sid.

What a fantastic days racing at Cheltenham this afternoon, for the last couple of years I have chosen to watch RUK as I just couldn’t cope with the constant reference to “fractions” on Channel 4. ITV are doing a brilliant job of broadcasting racing and I'm throughly enjoying it.

The highlight of my day was the Champion hurdle, My Tent or Yours is a horse I’ve always followed and have a soft spot for. I can’t believe there will ever be another man like JP in national hunt racing, for him to have the first 2 home in the Champion hurdle and to be trained by NJH is very poignant in that Buveur D’Air was JP’s 50^th festival winner and Nicky Henderson became the first trainer to train the winner of 6 Champion Hurdles. A fair achievement for both men. I have had plenty of dealings with Nicky Henderson and you couldn’t meet a better bloke, he’s always willing to offer advise when asked and has been extremely kind to me over the years. JP is a massive supporter of both big and small trainers. As AP eluded to on TV JP loves winning but never complains when horses disappoint. He ploughs money into the sport and deserves ever winner he has, he keeps lesser horses in training to support trainers and staff.

Albert is running the yard sweepstake, winner picks up all. It is just a shame we’ve got 3 more days to go. The slow ground certainly slowed the races down, the number of fallers seemed less than in previous years.

Sky Pirate heads to the festival sale tomorrow, he is sure to be well received and is a seriously decent horse.