IT’S a habitual quiet Saturday for us, which is usually the case on the weekend before Cheltenham, but I’m pleased to report that all is well with the likes of Constitution Hill, Jonbon and the rest of the squad. That said, there are still four or so days to go so we certainly shan’t be resting on our laurels – as we all know, 24 hours is a very long time in the life of a racehorse!
We decided to supplement Joyeuse for the Mares’ Hurdle after it was announced that Brighterdaysahead will take on Constitution Hill in the Unibet Champion Hurdle. It’s still very much up in the air where Lossiemouth is concerned but we’re going to give it a crack and see what happens. We all love to see these great clashes and it looks like we’re in for a real treat whatever happens.
I’d also like to say how delighted I was that Simone Meloni managed to win not just the Racing Groom mantle at the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards last week but also managed to scoop the whole thing and was crowned overall Employee of the Year! Simone is an integral part of the Seven Barrows team and I am so proud and delighted that his achievements have been recognised. All of my staff are invaluable and it’s fantastic that these awards take place where their talents can be showcased on such a large scale.
To celebrate, we all went Ten Pin Bowling, where a great time was had by all. There were a few strikes, which is all well and good on the alley, but with the Cheltenham Festival kicking off on Tuesday, I’m very much hoping we can all strike gold at Prestbury Park next week!
SANDOWN
Excello (Nico de Boinville)
He’s going back over fences, which he seems to enjoy more than over hurdles, believe it or not, and he’s come down to quite an attractive mark. Three miles around a stiff course like Sandown will really play to his strengths, but he wouldn’t want the ground to dry out too much.
HEREFORD
Broxy Music (James Bowen)
He’s yet to show a great deal on the track but works nicely, and he has had a few wind issues, which we’ve tried to rectify. He was bred by Niall Farrell, who sadly passed away last week, so it would certainly give me great pleasure if he were to run well.
Jasmine Bellevue (Max Kendrick)
He was much too keen at Ascot on his first run for us and first outing for quite some time, so he’ll certainly improve for that run, and we’re putting a hood on to try and get him to relax. Hopefully he can run well for the Kendrick family.
Uptown Lass (James Bowen)
She made her debut in a Listed race in heavy ground and now we’re in a Maiden Bumper on good ground which is a big difference! She’s a very nice mare, and I’m quite optimistic she can put her debut run behind her.
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