We went to The Butchers Arms last night for Doug's birthday meal and it was a real treat. They just seem to know how to make everything perfect right down to the smallest detail and consequently you don't mind spending that little bit more. Leno, the proprietor has been there for fifty years and still seems to love his job and his customers, which is quite extraordinary for someone who has been in the job for so long. For Doug's birthday I am trying to get his Grandma's racing colours made up and registered with the Jockey Club - the problem at the moment is that they are taken by someone else so we need to come up with a slight alternative. His Grandma, Kitty Harkin was a very successful race horse owner with many winning horses, one of which was called 'Red Page' who was a most prolific winning horse and Doug can remember him being retired on the farm. It would be lovely for her colours to be on the track again. Today was seriously hot for the time of year. We haven't had any rain now for ages. I have entered Doris for a bumper race at Towcester on Monday and we have just walked the course. They are watering and the ground at the moment is good, although they are giving it out as good to firm. I'm whittling as I'm worried it will be too fast for her but having said that she seems to have plenty of gears. I have to declare her by ten tomorrow so will sleep on it and make up my mind then. I picked up Dove from the stud today - she has been covered three times in two days, so we luckily got the timing right. The vet is coming in Monday to check her ovulation and possibly put a couple of stitches in to be on the safe side. She seems very chilled out and 'mellow'. It will be interesting to see if she is easier to ride now that she is 'barefoot and pregnant'...