Its being a tough season here at Newstead so far this season and mildly frustrating as the horses have generally ran well without winning – and we all like winners!
The new gallop has bedded in well and we are starting to find a routine on it which suits the horses. Jampot Eddie was my test case as he is now trained almost exclusively on the sand and he ran well on his first start in a bumper at Newcastle; he didn’t blow much afterwards either! Not the fastest horse he will now go novice hurdling and will step up to three miles in time. A horse who has had many an interruption due to injury it was nice to get hi to a racecourse and run.
Other bumper horses that have ran well include Mauritian Bolt who will now go hurdling; Sir Jim who will have another bumper run before going hurdling and I was pleased with Robyn Pud, who has suffered badly from ulcers and stayed on well in a messy race and has schooled nicely since. She will go hurdling now.
All being well Waiting Patiently will go for the Tingle Creek on Boxing Day. He is in very good form with himself at home and ready to run. A clear, uninterrupted round would suit me as that way we will find out if he has the stamina for three miles.
Double W’s has now officially retired and is going to be very spoiled by Jo & Lucy Hughes who are taking him. He will be hunting, hacking and doing a bit of eventing and ROR. They have been to ride him and fell very much in love. He has done us proud and owes us nothing and we own him a happy retirement. He will be missed and these types are not easy to replace.
Clondaw Caitlin has met with a small setback – a small stress fracture and will not be seen until the end of the season. She ran so well on debut that it is disappointing but worse things happen and she will make a full recovery.