Grrrrrrrrrrr. Everything was perfect until we got within 12 miles of the track and the heavens opened. By the time we got there the going had changed from good to firm to good, which was still OK even though she prefers the firm. Charlie Poste (our jockey) advised us to wait before declaring her and to ask the jockeys that were returning from the last race to see what they thought of the ground. While we were waiting my heart sunk as there was another cloud burst and it absolutely poured. Charlie asked Tony Mckoy as he came in from winning the last race (he was covered in mud) what the conditions were like and he said "soft". Doug quickly walked part of the track and saw that they were going in a long way and that decided it for us. Very frustrating, but we knew we had made the right decision when we watched the race and only four got home, and all very tired, with six pulling up. It would have been perfect for Harry but not Dove who needs to be cajoled along and not put off by ground that doesn't suit her. She will probably be roughed off now as there isn't another suitable race for her until July and that's a long time to keep her going. We will bring her back early next season and have a couple of runs under rules before maybe, depending on how she has gone, putting her back in foal.
We feel a bit let down as it is such an anti climax but at least she is OK and I know we have done what is best for her which is the important thing, I will watch the weather forecast before making a decision with Red who also needs good to firm ground.
We are just out for a meal now to treat ourselves after a rather stressful day!