Track "Good To Slop".

The continuing wet weather has meant a lot of work for Paul on the gallops,

but the horses are managing to slop through it.

Lingfield Lessons.

Linda sent four horses to Lingfield this morning so that they could work on a better surface and more importantly get used to the racecourse environment.

They all seemed untroubled by the new surroundings and took no notice of the constant stream of planes overhead approaching Gatwick.  Afterwards a couple of owners who had been to watch helped with the cooling down walk.

Battling The Elements

All the staff from Linda down have been working extra hard to keep the training of the horses going through the fearsome wet weather.  Rain from the road next to the gallop has meant that Paul has had to reinstate the all weather gallop on more than one occasion.

The water flows in from the road and inundates the gallops.

The horses have had to have their tails tied up before cantering, have had talcum powder applied to stop their heels from cracking and afterwards needed extra hosing down after work.

Tail tied up for the gallops.

Well done all the Southfield team for keeping the show on the road.

Lovely Start For Oli.

Oli had his first ride as an amateur jockey today at Wolverhampton on Ebony Belle, who had run the previous day at Chelmsford.  With plenty of support at the track and good wishes from the yard in the morning, Oli made his first entrance into a parade ring as a rider.

He was loaded last into the stalls and seconds later the gates opened.  He was not able to take one of the two leading positions but got Ebony Belle travelling towards the rear of the main pack.  He held this position for the first half of the race and then encouraged her to move forward.  The partnership were a little wide around the bend but then battled on up the straight to take seventh place (a big improvement on the night before) and even earned a little prize money.

Battling to the line in 7th (yellow silks)

Everyone was really pleased with the effort of both jockey and horse.

Amateur In The Ranks.

It is good to report that Oli has now got his amateur licence after coming out top of his class in the fitness assessment.  He will be able to ride on the flat and over jumps.  Hopefully we can find him some rides in the near future.

Well Done Harry.

Although it wasn't a victory we decided that second in the Sussex National was worthy of a champagne breakfast today.

Raising a glass.

Buns in Sally's colours.

Even Uallrightharry wanted to join in!

So Close To Repeat Glory.

Linda came within 2 lengths of repeating Sussex National victory today after Itoldyou in 2015, this time with Uallrightharry.  The similarities were uncanny with both horses trying the prestigious test soon after leaving novice status, and both having lost their jockeys in their December prep race at Plumpton!  Uallrightharry looked fit and well but was the lightest framed horse in the race.  Luckily he was set to carry bottom weight.

Aimee and Harry before the race.

Brendan Powell took the ride and informed the connections that it seemed there would be a bit of pace on so he would settle in midfield.  Karen had taken Harry for some pole work earlier in the week to sharpen up his jumping.  Brendan said he would give Harry daylight to see his fences.

Linda sorts final instructions with Brendan.

Brendan was true to his word and jumped off in midfield on the outside.  Harry jumped well and put in a couple of short strides at the few fences that he was not meeting right.  He was moved up to third place going out on the final circuit but dropped to fourth three out (the open ditch) as another runner blundered and impeded him.  He regained impetus and closed on the long time leader turning into the home straight.  They jumped the second last together but the other horse found more going to the last and was able to hold Harry at the line by a length and three quarters with the same distance back from Harry to the third.

Brendan unsaddles Harry.

There was a large contingent (owners, staff, friends) from the stable and Harry gave them all, and especially owner Sally Stanier, some great memories and a wonderful day out.  Linda now boasts the best trainer record in the race over the last 5 years.

Feedback and plans for happy connections after the race.