A fabulous day for all the horses - Popaway won the Ladies Open by 10 lengths - She jumped like a bunny and really accelerated at the end which was a surprise to everyone as we didn't think the long uphill finish would suit her at all. Probably one of her best ever performances and now we have decided to enter her for the Aintree Foxhunters. She may get balloted out as she hasn't won a hunters chase this season but we might as well enter and then see as we are sure she would love the track and the fences there.

YIPPEE!!

The Popaway partnership - Carol (Roy Hartop was sadly unwell), Julie, Roy, Immie, Rob and myself

We also had a second with King of Angels and Peter Bennett at Sandon - Suzanne had taken him up separately. He was in the first race and we had a large group of our owners standing around the lorry listening to the commentator which Suzanne had put on loudspeaker from her phone - When Peter and Elvis jumped the last fence intact and having beaten the favourite the huge cheer that went out from our lorry was one of the loudest of the day. Peter had been in on Friday morning for a jumping lesson and he has improved out of sight. We were over the moon for them both. 

We Never Give Up had El Raven on board and they gave a magnificent jumping display and finished nicely to come fourth. It was Jess's first time back after a breathing operation and you could tell she wasn't quite sure whether it had worked or not, but then suddenly realised it had and ran on well.

Glory Hunter was the last to go - I was particularly nervous about him as he had sustained a tendon injury last season and this was his first run back. As already mentioned he is also very sensitive and it was of the utmost importance that he enjoyed the experience otherwise he would not want to do it again. Immie was great with him and kept him nicely in the race until she knew he was tired but then nursed him home to finish a very creditable third. They set a scorching gallop to begin with and on the second circuit I was impressed to see how Murphy was still nicely on the bridle whilst all the others were off. Lack of racecourse fitness got the better of him but he will have come on from the race. Most importantly his legs are absolutely fine this morning. Phew. 

Glory Hunter after the race

Amy, Irena (Murphy's owner) and Holly