17th February 2016

Unexpected pleasure!

Kelsey won nicely at Towcester today under a patient ride from Richard Johnson. We spoke beforehand and agreed we would drop out, try and get the horse to travel and jump. He didn’t really travel but did jump better when not being forced. The race came back to him and he stayed on nicely. I will look to get him back out before the handicapper gets his say. No one has done anything wrong riding Kelsey previously but dealing with Richard Johnson is a pleasure. He is the ultimate professional. His feed back is incredible and he has all the time in the world for connections before and after a race. I’ve certainly learnt a lot off him with the handful of rides he’s had for us. In my experience the win will do Kelsey the world of good - grow in confidence and can progress into a very nice novice chaser next year. He is for sale and we will keep him hurdling for this season.

Towcester was in the most beautiful setting, it still is but now has a rather unsightly greyhound track in front of the stands. The greyhound track has completely spoilt the viewing of the races if you are at ground level. I suppose better that than losing another track. Its a very friendly track and I enjoy going there, even more so when Jeremy Vine is on holiday.

This morning we schooled Pinnacle Peter over some island fences, Zac came in to ride him, Tommie gave him a lead on Legal Exit prior to his engagement at Sandown on Friday. If they’ve had the rain at Sandown we’ve had here today he will have to wait. He will not cope on heavy ground. Pinnacle Peter will head to Larkhill with Agamemon. All the others had routine canters.