Doug's enthusiasm for Jake has got the better of him and he forgot to mention Oaka who also ran on Sunday! Unfortunately by the time it got to his race the ground had dried out considerably and it had become rather firm along the back straight which he didn't enjoy at all. He kept on changing legs and wasn't on the bridle so Will very sensibly pulled him up three fences from home. He is still very green and doesn't quite understand this racing lark yet, but when he does I know he will be a very good horse as he covers the ground effortlessly when it is softer and jumps like a stag.
Most of the horses are in good form, Paddy is settling in really well although finding the uphill gallop quite hard work at the moment as he obviously didn't do hills in Ireland. There is a heap of improvement yet to come with him which shows what a genuine horse he is to have won a competitive race in Ireland when not fully fit. He loves his new routine and is best friends with Harry whom he shares a field with. Shade is still a little sore footed behind so she won't be running on Sunday, but will be fine for the following week-end. Dream probably will run, after which we will make a decision on whether she needs a wind operation as she still makes a noise on the gallops, she will find the ground more to her liking than at Whitfield as at the moment it is good ground and will be easier for her to get the trip - although she probably isn't fast enough, bless her!
Leon has been entered for Southwell on Thursday, he will only go if it is genuine good ground as he doesn't want to be jarred up anymore than he already is, having been in training since a two year old his joints aren't great. He will be getting a well deserved holiday when the grass grows a bit more.
We have roughed Red off as there was still a tiny bit of heat in her off fore which is a warning sign not to overdo it. We would hate to break her down as she is such a lovely horse. She will come back early next season.
It has been another beautiful Spring like day, although we really need some rain now as it has become incredibly dry and the grass is struggling to grow. It is astonishing how quickly it has gone from wet to incredibly dry. We're just never satisfied are we?!