When the cold weather comes Linda has it covered.

Thanks to the support of owners and friends Linda is not fazed when the arctic weather arrives.  Donated old duvets have the horses warm and cosy.

Return of a favourite.

Itoldyou made his seasonal reappearance today at Plumpton.  He was beautifully turned out and it was no surprise when Karen and Alex picked up the "Best Turned Out" award of £50.  Itoldyou ran an encouraging race for first time out, just being pipped for 4th place on the line.

Itoldyou.

Mab Dab goes one better.

Mab Dab improved by one place on his recent Plumpton 3rd by finishing 2nd today in a handicap hurdle at the same course.  Ridden by Jack Sherwood he was dropped out at the rear of the five horse field and was kept to the better ground towards the outside in the three and a quarter mile contest.  He was a little sloppy at the fourth flight but otherwise jumped well on the first two circuits.  He took closer order up the hill for the final time and was two lengths behind the joint leaders when he slipped on landing over the third last.  He now found himself eight lengths behind with momentum lost.  The eventual winner easily pulled clear but Mab Dab was able to keep going to pass the rapidly tiring second placed horse to take the position for himself.  On top of this good performance Mab Dab also won the "Best Turned Out" award.
This followed and encouraging run from Hab Sab who finished 5th of eight in the same ownership in the novices' hurdle.

Mab Dab

Owner Tony Betteridge with Mab Dab after his finishing 2nd.

Promising start to the new jump campaign.

Linda had her first jump runner of the autumn today and it proved to be an encouraging start.  Mab Dab competed in a 2 and a half mile conditional jockeys handicap hurdle at Plumpton.  Ridden by Jack Sherwood he was soon prominent, travelling in second place for the first circuit and a half.  He pushed on with the leader down the back straight but came under pressure from two horses from further back turning for home.  He kept going, jumping well, to the line and finished a pleasing third.

Mab Dab

Mab Dab (extreme right) over the final flight.

Something New.

There was a "new" feel to the Saturday morning visit today.  First there was a new horse, Miss Malarky, who arrived last week.  She was out cantering with her owner present.

Miss Malarky with Bob, her owner.

Later Karen showed us the new browbands that she has had made up in the owners' colours.

Autumn sunshine brings out the crowd.

There was a big turnout for breakfast this morning as many owners enjoyed the mild autumn weather while watching their horses work.  It will only be a couple of weeks or so before the first National Hunt horses are back at the races.

Owners at the gallops today.

A Pair Of Jacks.

Jack Sherwood was at the yard this morning as he was down south for the two day Fontwell meeting.  He rode out on Mr Jack around the gallops and later joined in teaching some newcomers how to jump.

The two Jacks follow Itoldyou round the gallops.

Teaching the newcomers to jump.

Breden Follow Up.

After Breden's victory yesterday there was an extra buzz about the yard this morning.  Champagne flowed and the sun shone down on an active morning. 

Rasing a glass to Linda, the team and Breden.

Breden wonders what all the fuss was about.

Brilliant Breden

Breden recorded a victory for the yard in a 1 mile 2 furlong handicap at Newbury this afternoon.  Robert Winston settled him in midfield before making his move two furlongs from home.  In an incredibly close 4 horse finish he just held on, winning by a short head, neck and a nose at odds of 16/1.

Stringing Along.

All the National Hunt horses are settling into training for the new campaign.  Tony Betteridge was lucky enough to see his entire string out at the same time.  They all looked good after their summer break.

Tony's string; Mab Dab, Hab Sab and Madam Anna.

Follow The Leader

Penny Harrison received her prize from Linda, for being joint winner of the 2016/7 Three To Follow competition, at the yard yesterday.  Evelyn Jones, the other winner, received hers money at the Open Day last Saturday.  Following their example entries are coming in now from our owners for the 2017/8 competition. 

Another Great Open Day

Once again the weather smiled on Southfield Stables with glorious sunshine all day.  There were plenty of owners viewing their horses and looking at potential new ones. Pat Jones, breeder, was there to answer questions about some of his youngsters and all the stable staff, beautifully turned out, were on hand to serve food and drinks, answer inquiries and make sure that their charges looked their best.  A parade of horses was followed by a delicious buffet.  Another great day, thank you Linda and team.

Preparing the yard...

preparing the horses...

ready for the owners.

Settling down for the parade.

The team.

Getting moving.

Now that they are back in from their holidays the National Hunt horses are walking and trotting.

Getting back into the swing.

After a quiet period during the summer, the first signs of the coming winter campaign were showing at the yard today, ironically on one of the warmest days that this August has had to offer.  The National Hunt horses are back in and are starting to do roadwork, and there was a good turnout for breakfast with their owners coming to see them. On top of all that Linda announced that the winter menu for breakfast would be starting next week!

Itoldyou, enjoying the sunshine, is back in for the new campaign.

A Great Experience.

Oliver (stable lad) had probably his greatest thrill in racing so far when he had his first race ride in public at Lingfield this evening.  He partnered Parisian Star in a special charity race open to stable staff.  Though they didn't make the frame in the mile and a half contest, they had a great time.  Oliver was supported at the course by his parents and other colleagues from the stable.

Getting ready to weigh out.

All the jockeys before the race.

Horse and rider safely back afterwards.

Big Day Preparation.

Oliver was over at the Hollingbourne hill gallop this morning riding Parisian Star, his mount next Saturday at Lingfield in the special stable lads charity race.  His parents had come down to watch as had a few of the Saturday breakfast regulars.  Everyone was pleased with how it went and they are all looking forward with anticipation to the big day.

Hope For The Future.

Good Bond gave the impression that he could have an exciting future when he gained third place in a Lingfield maiden today.  There were only five runners in the 6 furlong race on the turf and two were well fancied to finish clear of the rest.  Good Bond was the outsider of the five.  Under Robert Tart he was keen early on and travelled close up to the leading pair.  Robert encouraged him to keep going, when the two fancied runners pulled away in the final furlong, without being over-hard on him.  He responded to the urgings and pleasingly held onto third place despite the challenges coming from behind. That was only Good Bond's second run and hopefully he will keep on improving.

Good Bond before the race, with Mia making guest lead up appearance. Trying for "Best Turned Out?"

Good Bond comes into the 3rd place spot.

A Couple Of Memorable Days

There was more chance and reason to celebrate this week.  On Thursday Dick shared a champagne breakfast with the staff, as he knew he would be unable to attend the usual Saturday one.

Dick celebrates with the staff.

Karen and Kingscombe came 2nd in the ROR class at the South Of England show on Friday.  They are looking forward to competing at Aintree in August.

Karen on Kingscombe at the South Of England Show.

The usual Saturday crowd also shared Dick's success with some champagne that he kindly left for them.

Saturday owners celebrate and watch a replay.

The now traditional celebration cake in owner's colours.

Well Deserved Victory.

Kayflin earned a well deserved second career win in the extended 2 and a half mile conditional jockeys handicap hurdle at Fontwell this evening.  Ridden by Jack Sherwood she started towards the rear of the closely grouped 6 runner field as they set off at a slow pace.  The pace was increased down the far side on the second circuit and Jack moved her up into second place before deciding to lead round the bottom bend.  He continued to keep her ahead on the final circuit, and a blunder three out failed to slow her momentum so that by the last flight they only had the attentions of the favourite to deal with.  Kayflin drifted across the line of the challenger and held on to cross the line half a length ahead.  However the interference caught the eyes of the stewards and they held an enquiry.  They justly found that the places should remain unaltered giving Kayflin the reward for her consistent efforts this year.

Kayflin on her way to victory.

Kingscombe Heading To Aintree!

Before you get excited this is not a comeback attempt at the Grand National.  Kingscombe went to the Heathfield Show with Karen on Saturday to compete in the ROR classes (Retraining Of Racehorses).  He did really well with a win, two seconds and a third place in the championship that qualified him for the finals at Aintree at his first attempt.

Kingscombe with Karen and Ben.

Mab Dab back to form.

Mab Dab put his recent disappointing Kempton run behind him by finishing second in a 3 mile 1 furlong handicap hurdle at Fontwell today.  He was possibly aided by the increase in trip and return to a left handed course.  Under Jack Sherwood he was switched off at the rear of the bunch for the first two circuits.  He was asked to take closer order going out on the final circuit and initially looked to be struggling.  However he gradually responded to his rider's urgings and, jumping fluently, he made his way forward to share the lead with the eventual winner nearing the bottom bend.  The winner was travelling easily and pulled away leaving Mab Dab to fend off the challengers.  This he did all the way up the home straight, gamely holding on to second place.

Family celebration.

There were several generations at the yard this morning to help Tony celebrate his recent success with Madam Anna.  Along with the regular Saturday morning owners they enjoyed champagne, smoked salmon, nibbles, the regular breakfast and a cake in Tony's colours before going down to the track to watch Madam Anna canter a few circuits.

A glass or two raised.

Tony and cake.

Grandchildren meet a some horses.

Madam Anna struts her stuff.

Plumpton Ladies.

It was Ladies Day at Plumpton today so it was fitting that Kayflin should put in a good performance.  She was the outsider of the six runners in the 3 mile 1 furlong handicap hurdle, ridden by Jack Sherwood.  The race was run at a crawl over the first two circuits with Kayflin lobbing along sweetly towards the rear.  As the pace picked up she moved forward down the back straight taking second place entering the railway bend just behind the eventual winner.  They moved away from the others up the home straight, but the winner was always holding her and Kayflin had to settle for a creditable second place.  On top of that Ollie won "Best Turned Out" with her.
However, not to be outdone, Madam Anna, making her racecourse debut went one better in the closing bumper.  Again ridden by Jack Sherwood she spent the first circuit towards the rear of the tightly packed 7 runners.  She moved closer to the leaders down the back straight second time round and moved into the lead round the bend.  In truth it was quickly all over as a contest and she ran out a very easy and impressive winner.  So the two girls did brilliantly on Ladies Day.

Madam Anna.

Playing To The Gallery!

She's Humble enjoyed the attention that she and her foal received at the yard today.

She was making the most of it as she is off to be covered again in the next few days, this time by leading sire Kayf Tara.

Sometimes Second Is Great.

After finishing second three times in his races since November another second place today might seem disappointing or frustrating for Itoldyou, but not a bit of it!  This time he was taking on higher class individuals in the Norfolk National, a valuable Class 3 handicap chase.  Ridden by Jack Sherwood, claiming 3 pounds, he set off in the middle of the 10 runners but quickly established a position well in touch in 4th place.  For much of the race he travelled in 3rd or 4th place close to the eventual winner.  The ground had become "good to firm" and the faster pace might have accounted for slight jumping errors at the 14th and 16th obstacles. Going out on the final circuit he was maintaining his position as 6 horses moved clear.  At the end of the back straight he had a share of second place which he cemented after the open ditch.  Rounding the home turn he moved clear of the chasing pack but was still a few lengths down on the leader approaching the last.  Here he seemed to have a difference of opinion with his jockey, deciding he couldn't manage the long one he was asked for.  He hit the fence hard but somehow Jack stayed glued to him and Itoldyou found a leg to stay upright.  The mistake didn't slow him and he ran on to the line going down by 5 lengths but 7 lengths ahead of the third placed horse.  This was a prestigious and valuable race and even second place earned him over £4000.  This takes his winnings past the £50 000 mark.
On top of all that he was awarded the "best turned out" prize of £50 which Alex gratefully received.
All in all a great day.

Itoldyou, best turned out.

Almost giving it away at the last.  Well sat!

Karen and Alex lead in the hero.

Taking his place in the 2nd spot.

Totally chilled out after the race.

Breden Bounces Back.

After nearly two years off the track Breden showed that he hadn't lost his ability when running a fine second in a Class 3 (0-95) handicap over an extended mile at Windsor today.  Ridden by Robert Tart he was slowly away and trailed the other eight runners in the early stages.  He took closer order at half way and made progress through the field approaching the final couple of furlongs.  He found himself short of room but ran on strongly when a gap appeared to take second place, one and a quarter lengths behind the winner, at the rewarding each way price of 25/1.

The Champagne Flows.

It was a great atmosphere at the yard this morning as Tony Betteridge enjoyed being the centre of the champagne breakfast following Mab Dab's Monday victory and yesterday's 2nd place with Hab Sab.

Tony and his son raise an early glass.

Paul continues to pour the champagne now that the staff have arrived.

And with a few glasses consumed plans were being made for both horses' next races.

Well Placed.

Linda found an excellent opportunity for Hab Sab to make his hurdling debut.  The two and three quarter mile novices' hurdle today at Fontwell attracted only three declarations and as one later became a non-runner Hab Sab had just one rival, a Paul Nicholls hot pot with a 133 rating. Unsurprisingly Hab Sab finished second but picked up over £1000 for his effort.

Mab Dab won the three mile one furlong handicap hurdle at Plumpton today.  Ridden by Marc Goldstein, and under top weight, he was settled at the rear early but well in touch.  He moved closer going out on the final circuit and took the lead entering the railway bend for the last time.  He went six or more lengths clear coming to the straight but began to tire.  The eventual runner up began to close but Mab Dab was just able to hold on, winning by half a length.  He jumped well; and seemed to appreciate the good to firm going in this his handicap debut, so hopefully there is more success to come for him and his owner Tony Betteridge.

Mab Dab