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.

Shrewd entry pays dividends.

A shrewd piece of placing by Linda saw Knock Boy contest a Class 3 novices chase at Kempton (21/11/2001).  With just four entries he was guaranteed prize money if he completed.  Starting at 100/1 he could never go with the odds on leader but with a good round of jumping under Charlie Studd and the departure of the second favourite, he was able to collect just under a thousand pounds for finishing 3rd.

She's Humble returns.

She's Humble returned to the racetrack after her summer break at Fontwell today.  Patiently ridden by Andrew Thornton she was able to steal 4th place on the line and earn a little prize money for her owners.

Knock Boy In The Money

Knock Boy earned a little prize money when he finished 4th in a handicap chase at Towcester today.  Riden by Jamie Moore he was settled in midfield and was moved up to the heels of the leader on the hill before the final straight.  He was not able to quicken and was caught for third place on the run in after the last.

Owners Open Day

 The Owners Open Day was well attended (all age groups) and everyone enjoyed watching some of the horses working on the gallops.

Many of the other horses were paraded on the stable block lawn while Linda, owners or breeders gave more information about each one.

Excellent refreshments were provided and all agreed that they had had a very pleasant time that whetted the appetite for the season to come.  Hopefully the Public Open Day next Saturday will be equally successful.