26th April 2018

We had a fabulous day in Punchestown yesterday, Dorking Boy acquitted himself well. I as many others do think he ran a very creditable race. Don’t forget, he’s 4 years old and was having his 2^nd run of his life against the best bumper horses in Ireland. Given everyone thinks there is an Irish dominance in the racing fraternity you can’t play on a bigger stage. He did himself and us proud and looks to have the ability to win plenty of races. A visit to Punchestown should be on your bucket list of things to do. It is extremely picturesque with a great atmosphere around the place.

Willie Mullins had a few more runners on the day than we did. What a man he is, the Irish trainers title was very interesting last year and is no different this time around.

As you may imagine the journey was lively, we soon found ourselves in a pub not too far away from the track and the lads got stuck into pints of Guinness, the pints came thick and fast soon to be followed by whisky chasers. The drinking was Grade 1 material and the gallop was relentless until we disembarked the plane back in Birmingham at 10.30 P.M. There is a lot to be said for being teetotal!

Donnytwobuckets managed to leave the racecourse unassisted having left under police guidance on his previous visit. There was no lack of slagging amongst The Galloping On the South Downs partners. It was very reminiscing of the days I spent traveling to and from p2p’s, in and out of pubs with a great bunch of lads who have remained friends to this day.

Dorking Boy is home safe and sound and will now be let down for the summer.

It was back to business this morning, The Triple Pillar, Another Drama, Enchancia and Soraya schooled over fences on the all weather strip and grass. Many other horses cantered around the sand or up the hill.

Herminator was sent over from Ireland for one more chance which he got at Warwick this afternoon. He will now be rehomed as a riding horse of some description. If you want a riding horse, hunter or team chaser please get in touch, he is a very nice person but you may spill your port at the meet if you choose to go hunting. A good home is paramount.