Rowan Cope - 'the guru' came to school the horses first thing this morning. Rowan has sadly retired from race riding now because he is too fat. Yes, fat! He now gets his adrenalin buzz from team chasing and won yesterday at the VWH. He certainly got results for us - winning five races on Dove and one on Skye (our only two runners at that stage) It is so difficult to find the right jockey now, one with natural horsemanship but also that competitive edge and the intelligence to see how a race should be run. We have just been let down by Peter Mann who was supposed to be riding Dove at Brocklesby as he has got a better offer at Larkhill. You can't blame him I suppose as there is a chance that she might not start, but if she does, then he may have made the wrong decision.
After schooling I took Red up the gallop three times, she went very well and is improving, but still not quite there. (recovery rate 102 bpm)
Dove and Dream went hunting with the Pytchley. We met at Flore Fields and hunted around the Althorp Estate, owned by Earl Spencer. Lots of grass and good riding but no foxes. The game keeper is obviously doing a very good job. Dove was beautifully behaved and didn't even think about planting. We tried to put her in a 'race situation' where we circled while the others galloped off and then let her go, in the past she would definitely have thrown her toys out the pram but this time she was as good as gold. Maybe we are getting somewhere....?!

Got back at 4 pm and then had to catch up on the orders until 7.30 pm. We are going to Cheltenham tomorrow, so want to get it all done.

Rowan schooling Frog