Monday 19 March 2012

Jake won again!! A great days racing with Jake having his fifth win, and his fourth at his favourite course, Whitfield. This time he was hot favourite and with a different jockey, Peter Mann, the pressure was on, but neither jockey or horse let us down and Jake powered up the hill, to win going away. He left it a bit later than usual and gave us a worrying moment or two, but finished strongly and not in the least bit tired.
The two mares also ran a great race with Jess (Toby riding) leading Whisper (Peter on board) around and jumping like a stag - Whisper was a bit green to begin with but took some comfort from following Jess and both pulled up about three from home having kept with the pace nicely throughout most of the race. We were delighted with them both, and most importantly they both enjoyed themselves, something that with a mare is of the utmost importance, as if you put them off first time around they never want to do it again.
Laverty was a little star again, he ran his heart out, and on ground that was not of his liking still came a very creditable fourth. Hannah Watson rode him as both Peter and Toby had rides in the same race and they got on really well.
In the same race was Zara Phillip's horse, and it seemed strange to see her leading him around as though she was a girl groom. Sadly he injured himself during the race, we left after dark and she was still holding his head whilst the vets bandaged his hind leg - no airs and graces there - lets hope her horse makes a full recovery.
It has been a very long day catching up after the Cheltenham week and I am still behind with the office work. Another big day tomorrow and I should have caught up with all the orders. Dove is due to foal any day (due on the 18th) and she is in a penned off area outside the house that is lit up and can be seen from the bedroom window - I probably won't be getting much sleep tonight....