It's A Sheila Thing made the long trip to Wolverhampton worthwhile when she showed improved form, according to official ratings, to finish third in the claiming race.  Upped in trip to 9 and a half furlongs and ridden by Steve Drowne she was always close to the pace.  She came up the rail in the home straight where she was hampered, but switched out she ran on to finish third under three lengths behind the much higher rated winner.

It's A Sheila Thing pulls out in third after meeting interference up the rail.

More From Ireland.

Those on the trip to Ireland attended the local drag hunt on the Sunday.

 

Some were spectators.

While others took a more active role!

 

 

Irish Getaway.

Linda, Paul and a few owners are on a short break in Ireland, staying at Bunglasha.  Their initial disappointment at a little rain and temperatures of only 7 degrees was soon banished as they learnt that it was 2 degrees and snowing at the stables.  A drop in at Goosers and some wonderful scenery is making for a great visit.  Karen, Ben and James have joined them today, and some of them hope to be out drag hunting tomorrow.

Goosers

 

 

Winter's Here!

What a change in the weather, with a sudden drop in temperature and a variety of soakings from above.  True National Hunt weather!  We went down to the track in snow, then sleet, and finally rain, to watch the horses slosh around.

Dick did his best to keep the track drained.

 

Owners sought shelter under the trees.

The horses seemed to enjoy it all.



The hot breakfast after this lot had finished was very welcome.

 



Soggy, Satisfying Saturday.

There was rain in the air yesterday as the breakfast crowd gathered but it was an interesting morning.  It was good to welcome two new owners to the Saturday get together, the chatter was lively and plans for the horses over the next few weeks were put together.  It was really good to see a couple of the horses school over the hurdles and fences.

 

We were also treated to the following video, taken by Karen, showing how happy Red Anchor was after his comeback race this week, along with his equine friend Dillon.

One Too Good.



Maccabees finished second in a three mile plus handicap hurdle at Fontwell (6/11/15).  Ridden by Thomas Cheesman, he looked keen going to post and didn't seem to want to settle.  He was close in touch as the field went on their three laps.  Due to the deteriorating ground in the rain, the field ran wide under the trees in the back straight and on the stands side in the home straight looking for better ground and adding another half furlong to the distance.  On the final circuit Maccabees started to drop back as the leading two runners pulled away, but as is his custom, he stormed up the home straight reeling in all but the winner, who carried a light weight, going down by 24 lengths.