Christmas Social Celebrations

Last night the annual Christmas Social Evening for owners and staff took place at Hecton Farm.  This was a lovely setting for the occasion.  The evening took the now established form of a quiz, but the evening began with a presentation to Karen from owners and work colleagues for all that she does for them over and above the usual requirements.

Karen unwraps her gift, a much desired new saddle.

Then it was time for the "horse" themed quiz.  Thanks to the hard work of owner John Reynolds it was possible to have teams in all of the downstairs rooms with televisions linked to the question master's computer for sound and video.

The question master, suitably dressed as a jester, in the Elizabethan farmhouse.

Teams settle in.

In a close fought finish with team "20 Pounds Up" beating "Seagulls" by just two points.  

It was an excellent evening and great thanks must be given to Linda and Paul for putting up with the disruption in their home.

Mixed Four..tunes!

For the first time ever Linda had 4 horses running in the same race at Plumpton this afternoon.  With everyone trying to get a run into their novice hurdlers the opportunity had to be taken even if the conditions didn't suit all of them.  The owners gathered in the paddock then moved fractionally apart into groups for their respective horses.

Linda's owners split into groups.

The horses were all beautifully turned out.

Dragon Tattoo

 Royal Concorde

 Uallrightharry

Our Girl Acorn

Uallrighthary looked as if he would be in the frame for certain when falling three out, Royal Concorde came 6th, Dragon Tattoo 9th and Our Girl Acorn 10th.

A very busy day for Linda and the team!

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.