We had a lovely but rather poignant Christmas at Blackgrounds. This will almost certainly be our last Christmas at Blackgrounds farm due to HS2 wanting to take possession on January 30th. We have no idea where we are going from here as they still haven't offered us any form of compensation. Added to that Dad has now got early onset Alzheimers disease and may not be around (in mind) next year if in body. However, it was a very happy occasion and lovely that cousin Marion and her son James could also join us. On Christmas Eve I took Dad to see all his Great Grandchildren (all six of them!) which we all thoroughly enjoyed, especially the little 'uns as they were allowed to open their presents early. We also did the Carol service in Priors Hardwick which was very special.



Marion (Pocket), James, brother Peter (Jack)  Dad, me and Poppy, Doug (Tatty), sister Rose and Eve her pooch.

 

Clan Des Obeaux - Not at all tired having won the King George in very testing conditions.

Today we went to Kempton and saw some great racing - It was fabulous to see Clan Des Obeaux win the King George so easily and Epatante was also very impressive in the Christmas hurdle. There was a very jolly crowd there, somewhat different from the Cheltenham racegoers but jolly good fun nevertheless.

Epatante having won the Christmas hurdle