New Year. Great Start.

Linda started 2017 with a winner!  Kayflin won the 2 and a half mile handicap hurdle on today's Plumpton card.  She looked really well in herself before the race.

Kayflin before the race.

Ridden by Tom Garner, she was covered up in the pack for the first circuit and a half.  This seemed to relax her and she didn't know she was in a race.  As a few horses pulled away from the pack down the back straight on the final circuit she went with them, still travelling easily.  Turning into the home straight she cruised alongside the leader before taking the lead.  Tom now had to get to work to let her know what was required, as the favourite in second place wasn't giving in easily.  She had been in this situation in the past and faded,but the hood seemed to make a difference and after a good jump at the final flight she stayed on to win by a length and a quarter.

Kayflin leads over the last.

James and a pleased looking Kayflin.

The stable celebrate the success.

Christmas Crackers

The build up for the Boxing Day runners took on a festive theme.

Mab Dab

        Itoldyou

However unconventional, it worked a treat with both horses winning the "Best Turned Out" award, £25 for Katie and Mab Dab and £25 for Alex and Itoldyou, though neither of them appeared in tinsel on the course.

Katie after the race with Mab Dab

It had an even better effect on Itoldyou as he finished a very competitive 3 and a quarter mile chase in second place. He was one of 12 who went to post and Tommy Dowling had him in 4th to 6th position for the first couple of circuits. He jumped well.  He was one of three who pulled clear of the pack going out on the final circuit and a great jump at the fourth last saw him take the lead.  He stumbled a bit on landing at the second last but kept on going, still leading over the last.  However one of the pack had made steady progress up the home straight and joined him just after the last.  They had a great battle to the line with Itoldyou finally being beaten into second place by half a length but well clear of the third placed horse.  

 

Alex and Katie lead Itoldyou in.

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.