Where are they…???
Lots of exciting things going on at the yard just now as I am sure those who follow our social media will know. We have a couple of very exciting new faces coming in to the yard, lots of runners entered up and a few returning favourites as well.
I always think we just stop mentioning some horses and people must wonder where they are so I am going to update you on a few favourites.
Our yard star Rockley Point’s form had dwindled away and he was not looking too enthusiastic in races over the winter, although he was still in great heart at home. Previously a winner of 7 races and over £50k in prize money he just was not performing with his usual zest. I made the decision to give him a good long summer holiday and see how he came back into work after that. He returned home today having spent 2 months with Nicola, a friend and owner based down in Glossop. He has been living out in the sunshine and filling his belly with grass 24 hours a day. Hopefully he gives us the right signs when he starts back to work.
He was accompanied on his holidays by Castlegrange, a NH horse who joined us at the start of the year but we did not get him out in time to enjoy his preferred soft ground. I am sure a holiday will have done him no end of good and he will also start back to work this week.
Castlegrange and Rockley Point on their holidays with Nicola’s son Joss
Nellie French has enjoyed a good holiday as well, she just wasn’t firing on all cylinders in the spring. In 2021 she suffered a hairline fracture to her pelvis and had quite a tricky rehabilitation. Although she has since won a race she never really got a proper holiday last year as all her time off was spent on rehab, so she has well and truly made up for that now. She got her shoes back on today and is back into work ready for an autumn/winter campaign.
Getaway Gerry is another who is just back into work. He suffered a frustrating tendon injury around New Year 2021, he was given 12 months rest and recuperation before being brought back into work. Unfortunately with the dry spring and summer we have had by the time he was fit the ground was just too quick to run. The decision was made to give him that little extra time and prepare him for an autumn campaign. Hopefully patience pays off!
Getaway Gerry
Another horse you haven’t heard much about in a while is Flaming Glory. Blaze, as he is known in the yard almost got his head in front a couple of times but things often just didn’t go his way. We thought he would be a nice pointer for the staff to ride and that it may just suit him doing that job as it is a slightly slower pace of life. However, he gave himself a very serious strike injury in February at Friarshaugh. It is a testament to our amazing vet Sarah and the team at the yard that Blaze is still with us and is well on the way to recovery. There have been a lot of bandage changes, worry, sleepless nights and also a lot of tears over the past 5 months. It has not been an easy journey. Today he was sat on for the first time since his injury as he begins the next stage of his rehab. We do not know where his journey will take him next, the next set of scans will likely reveal what job will be most suitable for him. We have not ruled out racing but his next steps will depend on veterinary advice. Blaze has his temperament in his favour as he is a big kind horse that could turn his hoof to any job .
Flaming Glory, first time back under saddle following a serious injury
This weekend we have a few runners ready to go. Far From A Ruby heads to Wolverhampton on Friday for URSA Major Racing with Sam James on board. It looks a nice option and gets us out 2lb in front of the handicapper. On the same day we have Spartakos and Artemis Flyer declared at Musselburgh for Making Headway Racing with Phil Dennis booked for both. Spartakos would have liked more rain so we will see how the track is riding, Artemis Flyer has been in good form at home since her last run and this will be her final run for a handicap mark. It does look a warm affair though.
Gweedore holds an entry at Thirsk on Saturday whereas Samurai Sneddz will likely head to Hamilton the same day.
We have entries at Ayr Monday, Catterick Tuesday and Newcastle Wednesday. We also have an owners morning planned with Making Headway Racing on Sunday so it is a busy week ahead!