Oh well - that's one decision made for me - we have just walked the course at Whitfield and we are definitely not running either Red or Dream there. They have got rather carried away with the watering and have been indiscriminately dumping water on the track to the point where there are some heavy patches straight after firm ground - just perfect for breaking horses down. If it was all good to firm it would be OK, but there is nothing worse than patchy ground to make a horse lose it's action and pull a tendon. Such a shame, as Dream has never felt better and we had high hopes for her. Dove is still on for tomorrow but they forecast rain and if we get too much it will be too soft for her, and then Red is almost certainly going on Tuesday.
Yesterday Pete Mann and Johnny Bailey came to school Dream and Red - Dream was in a really bullish mood, and was charging at her fences, brushing through the top, we tried to make her pick up by putting poles in an upside down V - she still brushed through a bit and was far too keen, which is unusual for her as she is normally so lazy, anyway, she got one completely wrong and crashed through, tried to find a fifth leg but couldn't and fell some way from the fence, luckily no one was hurt, but Dream stood up, looked around in surprise and whinnied - she was really rather shocked by the experience as she has never fallen before. She had cut herself under her chin, and was a bit sore so Pete walked her around for a bit until she came sound. He then popped her over the hurdle again,(which needed serious re-building) three times each way and she jumped beautifully. She actually needed that fall to make her think and respect her fences. She finds everything too easy and it did her the world of good.
It was then Red's turn with Johnny on board - Red is normally a complete natural - they did OK but she made a complete hash of one and we very nearly had a UR and a fall both on one day. The school really sorts out the riding ability of the different jockey's and it is fascinating to watch.
We will be watching the racing this afternoon (after the Derby) and it will actually be rather nice to watch without the worry of running anything. There is a party afterwards so should be fun.
All our stables (16) were full last night, and again tonight as we have the overflow from Aston-le-Walls, there is a big competition there for two days. It's a very busy yard at the moment and I will be quite pleased when it returns to normal.
It's a very hot muggy day and I have got to mow the lawn - after which I think I deserve a long swim in the river and then racing. Perfect.