Busy, Busy, Busy.

The days leading up to Christmas have been very busy but were set rolling in good style by Maccabees' win.  A superb staff Christmas party soon followed.



Then Claude Greenwood travelled to Chelmsford City, where an improved performance saw him collect some AVC prize money for 5th place.
There was a large gathering for the final Saturday breakfast before Christmas, where cards were exchanged and Maccabees' victory was celebrated.
The following day Itoldyou and Kingscombe made the long journey to race at Fakenham.  Itoldyou earned some AVC prize money for 6th place and James won the "Best Turned Out" award with Kingscombe.
The following day saw Mabdab make his racecourse debut at Lingfield, and a very encouraging one it was being right in contention until the last half furlong and finishing 6th.

Mabdab's owner, jockey and trainer at Lingfield.



While Mabdab was at Lingfield, Claude Greenwood was back at Chelmsford City, again earning some prize money, this time for 4th place.
There is time now for a couple of easier days before Red Anchor goes to Fontwell on Boxing Day.

It's Maccabees' Moment.

Having made the frame a couple of times recently, Maccabees got the victory he deserved in the long distance handicap hurdle at Plumpton today.  Ridden by Tom Cheesman he settled in the rear half of the nine runner field for the first circuit then closed up going down the hill for the second time, taking the lead into the straight.  He possibly didn't want to be there that early and Tom gave him a breather up the hill, allowing the field to close.  Again going down the far side he started to stretch them and by the turn into the home straight there was only one to worry about.  It was a good battle over the final two flights but Maccabees always looked as if he would just hold on, which he did winning by 1 and a quarter lengths.

Co-owner Kim (left) with Maccabees.

Hunting Equals Happy.

Linda has sent Red Anchor and Claude Greenwood to a local hunt to keep them happy and hopefully freshen up their performances.  Certainly with Red Anchor it did the trick earlier in the year.  Valence Racing member Penny was on hand to see them.

It's A Sheila Thing made the long trip to Wolverhampton worthwhile when she showed improved form, according to official ratings, to finish third in the claiming race.  Upped in trip to 9 and a half furlongs and ridden by Steve Drowne she was always close to the pace.  She came up the rail in the home straight where she was hampered, but switched out she ran on to finish third under three lengths behind the much higher rated winner.

It's A Sheila Thing pulls out in third after meeting interference up the rail.

More From Ireland.

Those on the trip to Ireland attended the local drag hunt on the Sunday.

 

Some were spectators.

While others took a more active role!

 

 

Irish Getaway.

Linda, Paul and a few owners are on a short break in Ireland, staying at Bunglasha.  Their initial disappointment at a little rain and temperatures of only 7 degrees was soon banished as they learnt that it was 2 degrees and snowing at the stables.  A drop in at Goosers and some wonderful scenery is making for a great visit.  Karen, Ben and James have joined them today, and some of them hope to be out drag hunting tomorrow.

Goosers

 

 

Winter's Here!

What a change in the weather, with a sudden drop in temperature and a variety of soakings from above.  True National Hunt weather!  We went down to the track in snow, then sleet, and finally rain, to watch the horses slosh around.

Dick did his best to keep the track drained.

 

Owners sought shelter under the trees.

The horses seemed to enjoy it all.



The hot breakfast after this lot had finished was very welcome.