The lead up to Christmas is all go!!!

The days may be shorter but there has been no let up in activity at the stable as we approach Christmas.  Earlier in the week the staff enjoyed their Christmas party at the local golf club.  The photograph below is, I understand, one of the few for public display!  Whatever, it was a great evening, an excellent team bonding session and a boost for all in this gloomy weather.

On Friday Linda, Karen and several of "the girls" went to the Olympia Horse Show.  They all had a great time and especially enjoyed the "Flat" versus "Jump" jockeys competition and the Shetland Pony Grand National.

Today the first lot was larger than usual with a guest appearance from Tom Copeland who was a rider here several years ago.  He was allowed the privilege of riding the now retired Red Anchor.  Entering into the festive spirit the riders added a little tinsel to their helmets.

Breakfast was also livened up with a glass or two of Prosecco to celebrate the naming of two horses, Jolly Jet and Pippa The Dancer.

We wish all the followers of this blog a very Happy Christmas and a successful 2017.

Home From Home.

When workers at the stable want a short break what do they do?  They go out riding horses of course. Karen, accompanied by Ben, and James went to Ireland at the weekend for a spot of hunting.

And not only was the riding thrilling, but the views were stunning too.

An Encouraging Plumpton.

It was a day full of promise at Plumpton today.  Linda sent four horses, accompanied by a host of owners, to enjoy a sunny but chilly day at the races and they were soon warmed by the equine performances.  First up was Clonusker who was making his seasonal debut.  He made the running in the 2 mile handicap hurdle and it was only entering the home straight that he began to tire, eventually just being pipped on the line for 4th place.

Clonusker

Next up was Itoldyou who came back to form, finishing second in the three and a quarter mile handicap chase under Tommy Dowling.  After an indifferent start he warmed to his task, running on to take second place near the line three lengths behind the favourite.

Itoldyou comes back after finishing second.

Finally Linda ran both Royal Concorde and Hab Sab in the bumper, with both showing signs of ability when finishing close together in 5th and 6th.

Royal Concorde and Hab Sab

Training In The Wet.

Despite the recent heavy rainfall, not all wet training is done outdoors.  Linda felt that Clonusker would benefit from a session in the local water treadmill at Angley Stud in Cranbrook.  He certainly seems to be enjoying it.

Looking Good.

With the coming of the rain easing the ground, Linda was able to send horses to Plumpton today. Due South made only his second visit to a racecourse when he competed in the novice chase.  The afternoon started well for him when he won the "Best Turned Out" award earning Karen £50.  The race itself may only have had 4 runners but it was a hot contest with two of the runners trying hard to set themselves up for the £50 000 Cheltenham bonus.  While they battled away out front, Andrew Thornton gave Due South a sympathetic introduction to fences.  He jumped really well until he got tired three from home and he started to jump a bit to his right.  Andrew made sure that he finished, and with one of the fancied horses crashing out, Due South was rewarded with third place, earning £821 for his owners.

Karen leads round a beautifully turned out Due South.

Third place, well done.

Later on the card, Itoldyou made his seasonal debut and enjoyed himself, finishing 7th.

Up The Hill.

With the ground remaining dry rendering the Wierton hill gallop unusable, some horses went over to the Jarvis's all weather hill gallop at Hollingbourne where they had a good workout.

Breakfast Bonanza.

It was packed out today for Saturday breakfast.  Every chair in the kitchen area was taken by owners, including at the staff table.  They were treated to sausages, bacon, mushrooms, baked beans, hash browns, scrambled egg, and black pudding, followed by flapjacks and marmalade cake, all washed down with tea or coffee.  Thank you Linda, Paul and Dick who worked so hard.  Many of the owners made it down to the track to watch the horses work.

The horses looked well and happy as they cantered in the beautiful autumn sunshine.

The "B" riders enjoyed taking the racehorses for their cool down.