24th November 2021

Lamanver Storm, Nocte Volatus, Hunting Percival and Neville’s Cross jumped eight fences this morning. Scipion, Hesque De L’isle, Piaff Bubbles and Highstakesplayer jumped hurdles on the grass. The other horses all had routine canters around the sand or up the hill. 

The reports of Liam Burke having panic attacks and sleepless nights over his involvement with therapist John Warwick is a fine example of the precarious position the smaller trainers are in on both sides of the Irish sea. The others who have been named have higher profiles and a lot less to worry about. Slander will not ruin them but could so easily have a huge impact on the lesser man and his business. I believe all the tests have been reported to be negative, but I won’t expect journalist to labour the facts as they do stories. Hopefully, Liam will be able to find the strength to hold his head high and others will not judge a man until they have been proven to be guilty. 

Racing fans don’t seem to understand the well-being of horses has to come first and foremost. No trainer or owner has an obligation to run a horse just to satisfy the crowd or punter. Nicky Henderson is one of the best trainers we have ever seen, he hasn’t trained the number of winners he has by shirking challenges.  He knows when horses are right and when they are wrong. If he doesn’t want to run Shiskin for whatever reason that is his and his owners prerogative. 

Piaff Bubbles and Lamanver Storm head to Lingfield tomorrow, to read my thoughts click here.