29th March 2016

Hexham is a long way from Herefordshire but well worth a visit, it is in the most stunning area and like going into a time walk – a very pleasant one though. The owners and trainers could do with a bit of an extension!

Isle of Ewe ran a great race finishing second, Hexham is a funny track and I certainly learnt a lot about it today having watched 5 of the 6 races. Although, a lot of it appears to be down hill you need to stay and I would think it is difficult for horses to get into any sort of rhythm. It would also be very easy to get stopped on the home turn by tiring horses, one needs to be in the front rank at the second last hurdle. It isn’t a simple track and no doubt tricky enough to ride, it certainly looked that way anyhow. I took the scenic route home, from Hexham I went over the moors to Penrith before picking up the M6. It was a beautiful evening and the scenery is spectacular. Should you ever visit Hexham drive that road, it is a must.

I am now creeping off to bed having beaten my sat nav by a convincing 41 mins. Home in just over 4 hours.