Looking Forward.

With Linda away for the weekend, Karen took over the Saturday breakfast gathering.  It was a time for looking forward to the months ahead and Karen was proud to show off two nice new fillies that had arrived the day before after a windy crossing from Ireland.

One of our owners was able to get close up to her newly purchased horse at the gallops.

Finally, the yard is obviously aspiring to be on a par with Nicky Henderson's.  Almost there!  Six Barrows!

Owners Open Day

Linda and her staff put on another excellent Owners Open Day this afternoon.  It started with a relaxing chat or stroll around the stables while enjoying Pimms and some nibbles.

Time for a chat with fellow owners.

Then everyone moved round to the lawn for the parade of horses.

Waiting for the parade.

Linda checks her notes for her parade commentary.

The horses are paraded.

At the end of the parade the staff gathered together for a well earned round of applause and thank yous.  

Then it was time for some delicious food.  There was a barbecue, salad, a choice of cakes and scones.  A great success, thank you Linda and team.

Not Everything Goes To Plan

Alex's big day (debut ride) ended in disappointment when his mount, Noble Attitude, had to be withdrawn at the start.  Up till then he had enjoyed the atmosphere and experience.  He walked the course with Karen and was introduced to the owners in the paddock, even though he knew them all.  He was obviously frustrated with the way things turned out but will hopefully have another chance soon.

Alex approaches the owners in the parade ring.

Receiving his instructions.

On board Noble Attitude.

Upbeat Saturday

It was a very pleasant morning at the Stables today.  It was champagne breakfast to celebrate Breden's midweek win which was re-run on the television several times, including Karen's excellent post race interview.

Champagne breakfast.

It was good to see Itoldyou back in the yard looking well after his summer break.

Itoldyou after a spell on the walker.

One of the owners went out on her horse as he started his roadwork before the season ahead.

Pauline on Due South

Alex was out on Noble Attitude preparing for his first ride in public tomorrow at Windsor after getting his Amateurs licence.

Alex on Noble Attitude

Breden Newbury Victory

Breden returned to the course that had given him his most recent victory, though this time over a shorter distance, a 1 mile handicap at Newbury this afternoon.  However with the same jockey, Robert Winston, the result was the even more emphatic than last time.  They tracked the leaders in the early part of the race before moving up to take the lead over a furlong from home.  From there they held on comfortably to the line for a two length victory.

Brilliant Barbecue

As part of Racing Staff Welfare Week Linda held a barbecue at the stable this evening.  There was plenty of great food and drink and good interaction between staff and owners who took on various challenges during the evening.  The staff, and notably Beca, won the sausage identifying competition and they then went on to win the shot putt and Jenga giving themselves the overall victory. 

Getting stuck into the food and drink.

Those attending the barbecue

Someone has work to do!

Karen is going to have to work hard getting Kingscombe ready for a show class at The Kent County Show tomorrow after he had fun rolling in the paddocks today!