What a difference a few days make!

After the recent winds and relentless rain, the weather has changed dramatically.  The sun has brought on the horses' summer coats, while the riders have been removing theirs!

More hard work rewarded.

Karen earned £100 when Rowe Park was judged "Best Turned Out" at Goodwood last Saturday.

All weather workers.

The recent wet weather has not been the most pleasant for training the horses and we have been grateful for our all weather track and the dedication of the staff who have gone out in wind and rain.

Smiles at Plumpton

She's Humble finished a close 3rd of 4 today in a 2 mile 1 furlong handicap chase.  Carrying top weight and ridden by Charlie Studd, she tracked the leader on the first circuit and, jumping well, she was still close enough going into the railway bend on the final lap.  Unfortunately the first fence in the straight was being omitted and this meant a long section on the flat to the final fence.  The leading two began to pull away but another good jump at the last saw her stay on, only being beaten for second place by a fast diminishing neck, in what proved to be the fastest race of the day.  She did, however, win £25 for Shannon as the best turned out (see photo below with Shannon clutching the envelope with the money). Photos by www.louisebrucephotography.co.uk  More news, photos and videos of Humble on http://richardyoung020.magix.net

New Blood at Saywell.

A couple of the mares at our Saywell set up have recently had foals.  They are very friendly and full of curiosity when you enter their paddock.  They enjoy being handled and their experienced mothers are content to let it happen.  Hopefully they will develop into fine racehorses in a couple of years.

Still Knocking On The Door.

Knock Boy again went close without the ultimate success at Folkestone today.  Ridden by Jamie Moore, he was settled in the group behind the leader and jumped well.  He was well in contention coming round the final bend with Jamie trying to produce him as late as possible.  He was cutting the gap on the leader approaching the last but did not put in the good jump he needed and lost a little momentum.  He finished second, beaten 2 and threequarter lengths.

Plumpton encouragement for the future.

Three horses went to Plumpton today, and while none of them won they all gave encouraging displays.  First up was She's Jolly in the mares novices chase.  She jumped well and held her place until the last half mile.  The highly rated odds on favourite pulled away and Jolly eventually finished 3rd.  Although beaten a fair way she showed that she has ability and when she gets a handicap mark she should soon be fighting out finishes.  Stable lass, Shannon Gates, won £25 with Jolly for "Best Turned Out".

Andrew Thornton feeds back after Jolly is 3rd.

Next up was She's Humble.  She had been upped in grade after her win last time and found the pace set by these classier horses too hot to handle on the sticky ground.  She eventually finished a staying on 4th.  If the handicapper drops her back to 95, as he would be entitled to do after this, or Humble attempts a longer distance she could be close to winning again.

She's Humble before racing today.

Humble's website is http://richardyoung020.magix.net

Finally Fifi L'Amour went to post in the gloom for a mares handicap hurdle.  This was her first handicap and she had been given a mark of 95.  She started towards the rear and gradually made progress to be in the leading group down the far side on the final circuit.  She could not go on with the leading three up the home straight, but battled well to hold on to 4th.  A small drop in the weights should see her in the mix at the finish.

Fifi L'Amour in the fading light before her race.