Singlefarmpayment, Kelsey, Lamanver Alchemy, Hag Stone,Very Intense, Legal Exit and Chase end Charlie worked on the woodchip. If all goes to plan, Kelsey and Lamanver Alchemy go to Wetherby on 27th, Alchemy also has an entry at Fontwell on 26th, there is a race for her at Warwick in the New Year but I’m reluctant to start her over 2.5 mile. Hag Stone has an entry at Wincanton but I’ll probably wait for better ground for him. Chase End Charlie has an entry at Chepstow on 27th but I don’t think he wants heavy ground. Singlefarmpayment heads to Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. Very Intense may go to Fakenham on New Year’s Day with All Star Vinnie if he doesn’t go to Taunton on 30th with Pinnacle Panda; Legal Exit has a race at Doncaster in his sights in the New Year.
What does become very apparent at this time of year is the jockey situation, most owners want the best available and understandably so. Naturally, the best jockeys go to the bigger meetings leaving owners with very limited options elsewhere. The up side is, young lads may get a chance they wouldn’t have otherwise have been given.
This weather is depressing but summer is coming, the shortest day is behind us and it can only improve, at least the day light hours will if nothing else.
After I changed the hurdles for fences on the schooling strip I made another trip to Ledbury - all went smoothly and I didn’t fall out with anyone - nor did I speed.
My mother-in-law bought me some lovely stone balls for Christmas to keep people off the grass by the house. She keeps making reference to liking my balls, all very disconcerting.