18th May 2016

We certainly know our way to Doncaster, Frank more so than anyone who has spent most days this week up and down from home. Yesterday's store sale showed increases across the board. We have plenty to buy and if the trend continues we may find it harder than previous years. We managed to buy one yesterday lot 85, he is by one of our favourite sires in Getaway out of a black type winning mare. He will race for the Pudlicote Partnership.

We consigned 4 three year olds and managed to find new homes for 3 of them. Lot 75 lead the way selling to Colin Tizzard, he couldn't have gone to a better home, he's a horse who may not race at 4. He's absolutely stunning and has the pedigree to back up his looks, but, he may need that extra year given his size. Colin will give him the time he needs and we are naturally over the moon.

Lot 131 sold to Tim Vaughan, he a full brother to Spirit of Shankly and half brother to Bells on Sunday, he has his faults but look every bit a racehorse, I've no doubt he'll win his races, he's as hard as iron and loves his work. Lot 186 sold to the Gardener family, she's by Schiaparelli, a sire I'm tipping to be a success. She looks a sharp type who I'd expect to run in fillies bumpers at 3. She was owned by my farrier, he's had a nice touch having bought her out of a muddy field. John set his stall out and if she didn't make her reserve he was happy to run her. The same applied to lot 242, he had the best pedigree in the book and a massive update from Blow by Blow winning a Grade 1 at Punchestown. Sadly, his daddy is struggling commercially and there was little interest in him. We will run him. On the whole a very good day was had. I, like so many others put myself under huge pressure and it was nice to get them sold at a point where all involved were happy. Tomorrow Furiously Fast and Kelsey are in the horses and training section of the sale. Furiously Fast will make someone a lovely fun summer jumper and is well schooled over fences he's could run for new connections next week as he's fit, well and bursting for another run. Kelsey needs a summer of grass and fence in front of him. Both horses are 100% and at little money will give new owners a lot of fun. We roll on to Goffs Ireland in a couple of weeks or so.

Things at home are quiet enough, the steam cleaner is working at full bore and the few horses we have are doing their work. Isle of Ewe will head home for a holiday later today as we feel she's been on the go for a long time now and took her time to come out of her last run at Uttoxeter, she's a lovely filly and one to really look forward to next season.