A Winner and Some Celebrations

We had a fabulous day at Ayr in the tipping rain last week when Elladora made all in desperate ground to win in the hands of Sam James. I was really pleased to get another win on the board with her after a few frustrating runs and several placings over the summer. Greg led her up and she also picked up the prize for BTO, she was a bit of a monkey to handle pre race but that is often a sign she will run well.

On the same day Slainte Mhath and Spartakos both ran well for fourth. Slainte Mhath was green her first time round a bend and should come on from the experience where Spartakos found the 7 furlongs on desperate ground just a little to far.

Gweedore posted another fabulous run at Musselburgh on Monday finishing 3rd beaten only a length. Running off a career high mark of 90 it was a really solid run and he now heads on his holidays. He has had a fabulous season - 13 runs with 3 wins, 3 seconds and a third with winnings of 55k. Two of his wins came live on ITV which was a huge thrill for everyone involved, what a horse to be involved with. His owners Lamont Racing have also invested in some youngstock which is very exciting for the future.

Of our other runners over the past fortnight I have been really pleased with out National Hunt squad. That’s Your Lottie put in another encouraging run finishing fourth at Kelso and gave her owners a great day out. Evita Du Mesnil was just touched off at the same meeting and showed plenty of promise for the forthcoming season. We have also had Ginger Pointe run nicely in two novice hurdle races, picking up some place prize mondey for his owners.

Evita (2nd) and Lottie (4th) returning to the parade ring

On Sunday we threw a party to celebrate our fabulous owners, horses, staff and service providers. We have had an amazing 2022 so far and decided that it was a good excuse for some champagne! We had a great afternoon/evening in Quins restaurant with live music, good food and a fair amount of booze. It was great to see owners getting to know each other and the staff got the chance to let their hair down as well. A fair few stayed down so we had lots of visitors in to the yard as well which was great to see.

A special visitor to the yard was Beryl Stevens. Beryl has shares in both Rockley Point and Elladora who both run in her colours, all organised by her son Ian. Beryl is 96 and lives in Knebworth and had never travelled up to the yard before, it was just fantastic to meet her and put a face to the name.

October brings with it my least favourite job. Clipping season has begun. It is something that will keep me very, very busy over the next 6 weeks and although satisfying when it is done it really is a fiddly and time consuming job.

Gweedore was my first clip of the season before his run at Musselburgh

We have entries at Redcar and Newcastle Friday, Catterick Saturday and Pontefract Monday. Hopefully the good form continues!!

Katie x

99 Not Out

Jackmeister Rudi Scores at Catterick