Invincible Steps up.

Invincible Sea stepped up on her Kempton debut by finishing third at Lingfield today over 7 furlongs.  William Cox jumped her out well and put her into the lead before the end of the first furlong.  She continued to lead all the way to the straight where several horses behind her were struggling.  Only in the final furlong was she collared by the two short priced market leaders (finally beaten 2 and a quarter lengths), but she ran on well to hold the rest of the 13 strong field.

Christmas Social Celebrations

Last night the annual Christmas Social Evening for owners and staff took place at Hecton Farm.  This was a lovely setting for the occasion.  The evening took the now established form of a quiz, but the evening began with a presentation to Karen from owners and work colleagues for all that she does for them over and above the usual requirements.

Karen unwraps her gift, a much desired new saddle.

Then it was time for the "horse" themed quiz.  Thanks to the hard work of owner John Reynolds it was possible to have teams in all of the downstairs rooms with televisions linked to the question master's computer for sound and video.

The question master, suitably dressed as a jester, in the Elizabethan farmhouse.

Teams settle in.

In a close fought finish with team "20 Pounds Up" beating "Seagulls" by just two points.  

It was an excellent evening and great thanks must be given to Linda and Paul for putting up with the disruption in their home.

Mixed Four..tunes!

For the first time ever Linda had 4 horses running in the same race at Plumpton this afternoon.  With everyone trying to get a run into their novice hurdlers the opportunity had to be taken even if the conditions didn't suit all of them.  The owners gathered in the paddock then moved fractionally apart into groups for their respective horses.

Linda's owners split into groups.

The horses were all beautifully turned out.

Dragon Tattoo

 Royal Concorde

 Uallrightharry

Our Girl Acorn

Uallrighthary looked as if he would be in the frame for certain when falling three out, Royal Concorde came 6th, Dragon Tattoo 9th and Our Girl Acorn 10th.

A very busy day for Linda and the team!

Time To Relax

After working so very hard all year the staff were able to relax and enjoy a Christmas party at the yard.

Well done team, you've earned it.

It's Becoming A Habit!

Champagne breakfast is becoming a habit at Southfield Stables, but what a nice habit to have!  Despite the owners of Breden not being there, his second success in the last few weeks was celebrated by the Saturday regulars.

Raising a glass to Breden

There was also a cake in Breden's colours to follow the sausages,tomatoes, hash browns, bacon, scrambled egg and toast.  Everyone was then able to go out and watch some schooling over the jumps in the gallops field.

Breden At The Double

Breden made it two wins on the bounce when he gained victory at Chelmsford City this evening in a class 3 one mile handicap.  Again ridden by Robert Winston he tracked the leaders on the inside rail until entering the straight.  Off the bend space opened up for him on the inside and he readily took the lead a furlong out and held on to the line, winning by a length.
There are plans for him to possibly go to Dundalk or Cannes for a qualifier in the Fast-Track series.

Exciting Times For Old And New.

There was an air of excitement around at Lingfield today as Due South came back after two years off the racecourse in the colours of Pauline Reynolds who was experiencing sole ownership for the first time.  When Due South had to be rested after a leg injury Pauline was prepared to take him on and give him the time he needed for a second chance.  Seeing her colours on a racecourse for the first time was a great thrill.

Due South in a rainy parade ring.

The long absence and short nature of the race was never going to allow Due South to show his best, but he completed and Pauline is already plotting the future campaign.

Post race feedback from Jack Sherwood.

Celebration Fizz.

Breden's Monday Kempton victory has been well celebrated.   Winning owner, Bill, brought down some bubbly to Saturday breakfast, toasts were drunk and a replay of the race viewed several times.

Bill pours the champagne.

A toast is drunk.

As Linda had runners at two courses today the staff celebrated Breden's victory earlier in the week but with no less enthusiasm.

The staff enjoy their celebration.

Chilled Out Breden Makes It Look Easy

After a chilling out on the beach with Itoldyou on Saturday in preparation for a race at Kempton this evening, Breden showed it had had the desired effect by easily taking the Class 3 one mile handicap.  From the unhelpful wide out draw Robert Winston made sure he got up into a position just behind the leaders before switching him off in cruise control until they got into the home straight.  He was then moved up on the outside and without any fuss moved into the lead.  He eased away through the final furlong taking victory by 2 lengths.

Breden (right) at the beach.

New experience no barrier for Nancy!

Nancy (Invincible Sea) went to Lingfield today for barrier trials.  Alex, riding her, also gained experience.  Both horse and rider performed well with no problems, while owner Tony Betteridge felt, "excited for the future," having been present for the trials.

Alex and Nancy are led up.

They go in without a problem.

Saturday Turnout.

It was a busy breakfast at the yard on Saturday. Excellent food, great conversation and the glorious sun made watching on the gallops a delight.

Forward Planning.

The breakfast table was the focus for this morning.  One owner was looking to name their new horse and suggestions were coming from all around the table based on its breeding.  When majority opinion was obtained the name's availability was checked with the BHA and then reserved.
Meanwhile another of the owners laid out their newly registered and made colours.

Autumn Delight.

The autumn colours make mornings on the gallops a pleasure.

Looking Forward.

With Linda away for the weekend, Karen took over the Saturday breakfast gathering.  It was a time for looking forward to the months ahead and Karen was proud to show off two nice new fillies that had arrived the day before after a windy crossing from Ireland.

One of our owners was able to get close up to her newly purchased horse at the gallops.

Finally, the yard is obviously aspiring to be on a par with Nicky Henderson's.  Almost there!  Six Barrows!

Owners Open Day

Linda and her staff put on another excellent Owners Open Day this afternoon.  It started with a relaxing chat or stroll around the stables while enjoying Pimms and some nibbles.

Time for a chat with fellow owners.

Then everyone moved round to the lawn for the parade of horses.

Waiting for the parade.

Linda checks her notes for her parade commentary.

The horses are paraded.

At the end of the parade the staff gathered together for a well earned round of applause and thank yous.  

Then it was time for some delicious food.  There was a barbecue, salad, a choice of cakes and scones.  A great success, thank you Linda and team.

Not Everything Goes To Plan

Alex's big day (debut ride) ended in disappointment when his mount, Noble Attitude, had to be withdrawn at the start.  Up till then he had enjoyed the atmosphere and experience.  He walked the course with Karen and was introduced to the owners in the paddock, even though he knew them all.  He was obviously frustrated with the way things turned out but will hopefully have another chance soon.

Alex approaches the owners in the parade ring.

Receiving his instructions.

On board Noble Attitude.

Upbeat Saturday

It was a very pleasant morning at the Stables today.  It was champagne breakfast to celebrate Breden's midweek win which was re-run on the television several times, including Karen's excellent post race interview.

Champagne breakfast.

It was good to see Itoldyou back in the yard looking well after his summer break.

Itoldyou after a spell on the walker.

One of the owners went out on her horse as he started his roadwork before the season ahead.

Pauline on Due South

Alex was out on Noble Attitude preparing for his first ride in public tomorrow at Windsor after getting his Amateurs licence.

Alex on Noble Attitude

Breden Newbury Victory

Breden returned to the course that had given him his most recent victory, though this time over a shorter distance, a 1 mile handicap at Newbury this afternoon.  However with the same jockey, Robert Winston, the result was the even more emphatic than last time.  They tracked the leaders in the early part of the race before moving up to take the lead over a furlong from home.  From there they held on comfortably to the line for a two length victory.

Brilliant Barbecue

As part of Racing Staff Welfare Week Linda held a barbecue at the stable this evening.  There was plenty of great food and drink and good interaction between staff and owners who took on various challenges during the evening.  The staff, and notably Beca, won the sausage identifying competition and they then went on to win the shot putt and Jenga giving themselves the overall victory. 

Getting stuck into the food and drink.

Those attending the barbecue

Someone has work to do!

Karen is going to have to work hard getting Kingscombe ready for a show class at The Kent County Show tomorrow after he had fun rolling in the paddocks today!

Enjoying The High Life.

Linda and Paul were able to escape the daily stable routine this week when they went with friends to Royal Ascot where they were able to savour the high life of the Royal Enclosure.

Ready to set off. We expect Paul to dress like this for future Saturday breakfasts!

Having a great time.

Aintree Here We Come!

Karen took Kingscombe, owned by Peter Oppenheimer, to the Heathfield Show to compete in the Novice ROR class.  Pleased to report that they won, gaining qualification for the Aintree finals in August.

Katie also had a successful day there, having four wins with her sheep and being reserve champion.

A Sunny Saturday.

It was a lovely day for the Royal Wedding and the occasion was marked with a special cake at breakfast.

Cutting into the Union Flag cake.

But it was an even better day for watching horses on the gallops

Dragon Tattoo

and visiting the holiday field.

Sorry boys, no carrots!