Time To Relax

After working so very hard all year the staff were able to relax and enjoy a Christmas party at the yard.

Well done team, you've earned it.

It's Becoming A Habit!

Champagne breakfast is becoming a habit at Southfield Stables, but what a nice habit to have!  Despite the owners of Breden not being there, his second success in the last few weeks was celebrated by the Saturday regulars.

Raising a glass to Breden

There was also a cake in Breden's colours to follow the sausages,tomatoes, hash browns, bacon, scrambled egg and toast.  Everyone was then able to go out and watch some schooling over the jumps in the gallops field.

Breden At The Double

Breden made it two wins on the bounce when he gained victory at Chelmsford City this evening in a class 3 one mile handicap.  Again ridden by Robert Winston he tracked the leaders on the inside rail until entering the straight.  Off the bend space opened up for him on the inside and he readily took the lead a furlong out and held on to the line, winning by a length.
There are plans for him to possibly go to Dundalk or Cannes for a qualifier in the Fast-Track series.

Exciting Times For Old And New.

There was an air of excitement around at Lingfield today as Due South came back after two years off the racecourse in the colours of Pauline Reynolds who was experiencing sole ownership for the first time.  When Due South had to be rested after a leg injury Pauline was prepared to take him on and give him the time he needed for a second chance.  Seeing her colours on a racecourse for the first time was a great thrill.

Due South in a rainy parade ring.

The long absence and short nature of the race was never going to allow Due South to show his best, but he completed and Pauline is already plotting the future campaign.

Post race feedback from Jack Sherwood.

Celebration Fizz.

Breden's Monday Kempton victory has been well celebrated.   Winning owner, Bill, brought down some bubbly to Saturday breakfast, toasts were drunk and a replay of the race viewed several times.

Bill pours the champagne.

A toast is drunk.

As Linda had runners at two courses today the staff celebrated Breden's victory earlier in the week but with no less enthusiasm.

The staff enjoy their celebration.

Chilled Out Breden Makes It Look Easy

After a chilling out on the beach with Itoldyou on Saturday in preparation for a race at Kempton this evening, Breden showed it had had the desired effect by easily taking the Class 3 one mile handicap.  From the unhelpful wide out draw Robert Winston made sure he got up into a position just behind the leaders before switching him off in cruise control until they got into the home straight.  He was then moved up on the outside and without any fuss moved into the lead.  He eased away through the final furlong taking victory by 2 lengths.

Breden (right) at the beach.

New experience no barrier for Nancy!

Nancy (Invincible Sea) went to Lingfield today for barrier trials.  Alex, riding her, also gained experience.  Both horse and rider performed well with no problems, while owner Tony Betteridge felt, "excited for the future," having been present for the trials.

Alex and Nancy are led up.

They go in without a problem.