The Christmas Party

While a passion for racing and a love of horses counts for a lot, the social side of the sport is also a big attraction.  This year the Christmas Party took the form of a STAFF versus OWNERS quiz, accompanied by wine and a wide range of snacks.  The questions had a Christmas/racing theme and competition was fierce but friendly.  Several of the participants showed previously hidden areas of talent!  The quiz was won by the Staff, 70.5 points to 67.5 points.  This led into a series of paper horse races with the owners having a slight starting handicap based on their quiz defeat.  Both teams were able to claim victories in these races and everyone went home contented, after a great evening.

Nearly Knock Boy

Knock Boy was placed again when finishing 3rd in a novice handicap chase over 2 miles at Folkestone (13/12/2011).  Ridden by Charlie Studd he travelled behind the leader in 4th place most of the way before, seemingly going easily, he moved up to the leader around the turn for home.  Unfortunately he then made a bad mistake at the second last fence and lost momentum, but was able to get going again to finish 3rd beaten 7 lengths.

Humble on form.

Humble ran a good race today on ground she doesn't really like and in a field larger than she prefers.  Under Richard Johnson she was allowed to race prominently but on the better ground away from the rail.  Going down the far side on the final circuit she dropped back to 6th but stayed on strongly round the bend and up the straight to finish a pleasing 2nd just three quarters of a length behind the weakening winner.