Peter Bows Out With Great Sum Raised

 

 

Peter Oppenheimer, aged 63, had his final competitive ride in today's Newmarket Town Plate.  With a large band of supporters present, and riding Knock Boy he finished out of the frame, but their efforts raised a fantastic sum, in excess of £3200, for Macmillan Cancer Support.  Peter trained really hard for this final effort and fully deserves to have raised so much for a deserving cause. Although he says that it is definitely his last attempt to finish in the first three, the bug might just get to him again next spring and you never know!

That's More Like It



Ladies Day at Fontwell (15/8/2013) seemed an appropriate occasion for She's Humble to show a big improvement in form.  Although a power cut meant no Tote, no chilled champagne, no hot coffee, no lift to the viewing box and no closed circuit television, Humble lifted the spirits with a display hinting at those of old.    Tackling a distance longer than she had ever tried before, she was jumped off by Conor Shoemark towards the back of midfield.  She was keen to race more prominently but was steadied in 5th for the first circuit.  She came close to being brought down by the favourite at the 6th fence but jumped well herself to keep in contention.  She moved up into 3rd place round the final bend and was still in that place over the last.  She could find no more and was overtaken a couple of yards from the line to finish 4th, but earned a little prize money for her owners.

Shane leads Humble in after finishing 4th.

Back And Backing

Shannon has returned from her scholarship period in South Africa and is back into the swing of things at Southfield.  She has been getting Rosemary's filly used to having someone on her back and progressed to sitting astride her at a walk.



 Sadly for us it seems likely that Shannon will soon return to South Africa, where she has been offered several jobs, though we are proud to have helped her on her career path.

 

Final Crack At The Plate.

Peter Oppenheimer is, at the age of 63, having one last attempt to finish in the first three in the Newmarket Town Plate on Saturday 24th August.  A long time owner here at Southfield, Peter will be riding Knock Boy in the race.  He is raising money for MacMillan Cancer Support, and you can read the full story and donate at www.justgiving.co.uk/peter-oppenheimer .

From Dawn till Dusk.

Racing at Southwell.  Up at dawn to load the lorry with She's Humble and an unraced 3 year old.  An early start to try to avoid the traffic and heat. Paul driving, Karen and Dick as grooms and Richard Young (Owner) aboard.

Arrived at Southwell after driving for 4 hours through heavy rain. 

Karen gave the 3 year old a racecourse gallop while the others looked at the chase course to assess Humble's chances.

The sun came out but the ground had changed from our intended "Good To Firm" to "Soft", not so good for Humble.  Still she looked great.

An error on the final circuit, added to the soft ground, finished her chance of a top three finish and she came 5th.  After an hour to let her recover it was back to the lorry for the trip home.

 

Arrived back at Southfield as the sun was setting.  A long day.

Movers And Shakers

Another jolly breakfast with fresh cherries from Dick's orchard to supplement the rolls, ham, pate, croissants, pain au chocolat, chocolate muffins and chocolate coated flapjacks.  Then a glass of champagne to celebrate Linda's mother's successful move to the stable annex.  Could this very French start to the day be a hint of racing destinations to come.



 Outside, She's Humble demonstrated her wellbeing in anticipation of a trip to the races this coming week.

 

Breakfast Briefing

The regulars had an interesting time today that illustrated the diverse features of stable life. First was the opportunity to watch Running Bull school over jumps.  After the disappointment of last Saturday's outing on the all weather at Lingfield he will be tried over hurdles at Stratford next week.

Then over a breakfast of sausages, bacon, scrambled egg, toast, chocolate brownies and lemon slices, Linda described her trip to France during the week.  She had met up with Nick and Sue Davies to discuss their horses, then visited Deauville Racetrack to view the sales and learn more about French racing with the intention of sending runners there in the future.

After that Rosemary's unbroken 2-y-o filly was brought out into the sunshine for inspection while plans for her future career were mulled over.