Friday 30 December 2011

Lots of Pics!

Bitterly cold at Kelso yesterday and overnight rain produced testing ground, not what we wanted for Isla Pearl Fisher but we ran him and he put up a reasonable effort to finish 4th all things considered, he is bright and well this morning and the plan is to head to Musselburgh on 13th Jan to defend the Kilmany Cup (although the actual Cup of course is still sitting in a certain Mr Wyllie's cupboard, will it make it to the course on time this year??).
The ever-handsome IPF heads out to the course



 Lucy took another couple of heavy tumbles, upsides the leader on the favourite in the last, that's racing but it isn't fun..

Today she heads to Haydock to ride Lockstown in the Last Fling Chase at 2.35, one degree and snowing on the M74 she reports. After that she has four good rides at Musselburgh on New Year's Day.

Of course this week we heard that Mark Bradburne had retired after an illustrious career involving more than 350 winners including two at the Cheltenham Festival, he is a top class horseman and often rode for us when available in the North, he was marvellous at educating young horses and his insight when he came back in was invaluable.  Both his parents rode for us and speaking to Mark recently I don't think it will be too long before we have the opportunity to leg up a 3rd generation of Bradburnes!  Frank took these pictures in September, Mark coming in after his final Perth winner on Jetmaster.....


Wednesday 28 December 2011

Stormy again.....

Another westerly storm blows in off the Atlantic and batters our little farm, fierce weather but amazingly we managed to get first lot out onto the grass where they worked well, brave horses, brave riders, 2nd lot confined to the school and all-weather in shocking conditions and, well, 3rd lot were yesterday's workers so I relented and they went on the "walking machine" as dear old Francois used to call it.  I was accompanied for most of the morning by a senior man from the Charity Sector, wisely he spent much of the time sitting in my car on his Blackberry, I think he was formulating plans for the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Workriders, evil trainers........... anyway, down to earth with a bump for Lucy with two falls on her first two rides at Catterick, other two got round but on her way home now, battling the winds on  the M74.
Isla Pearl Fisher at Kelso last season
Big day tomorrow, we run Isla Pearl Fisher in the 2.40 at Kelso, 7 run, Lucy rides and the ground is soft.  He came out of his seasonal debut in mid November very well and I have been balancing a desire to run him again with a niggle in the back of my mind that I would like him to have a quiet winter campaign in the hope that we can have him in tip top condition come the spring, one thing or another has stopped me running him so far but he needs to go again now and although the ground may end up being a bit too soft for him he should still put up a bold display. Lucy also rides Edinburgh Gin Time, Mr Manson, Storm Surge and Eurohunter, the latter two both winners on their most recent visit to the track (as is IPF...)

Tuesday 27 December 2011

Magnifico

Kauto Star
Racing on the front pages for the right reasons today, the simply magnificent Kauto Star wins his fifth King George VI Chase as an 11yo with an awesome display of galloping and jumping, in doing so he warmed the heart of racing fans and the wider public that looks in on our sport every Boxing Day.  Not since Desert Orchid has the national psyche been so gripped by such an outstanding steeplechaser.  I think what endears these horses to such a wide public is that they are animals, they therefore transcend human frailties and jealousies, Kauto's brilliance is pure, a beautiful animal with exceptional athletic ability and, above all, heart and courage that has been given generously year after year in return for nothing more than care, I salute him.
pic.twitter.com/4feZkdfH
Lucy unsaddles Charingworth after winning the Castleford Chase at Wetherby
Meanwhile, a fine day here and schooling over fences first lot and working on the grass second lot led to a productive morning, looks like Isla Pearl Fisher will be heading to Kelso on Thursday, Papamoa badly needs to run somewhere and the forecast for Ayr next week continues to concern me, decsion time is nigh...
 Lucy had a fine winner on Turbolinas yesterday at Wetherby but topped it all with the biggest win of her career to date today on Charingworth in the Castleford Chase at the same track, she has four rides at Catterick tomorrow - Dynamic Drive in the 12.20, Jupiter Fidius in the 1.50, Emotive in the 2.50 and Danny John Boy in the 3.25, none of them look to have much of a chance so home safely will be the main target.

Monday 26 December 2011

Boxing Day

Boxing Day, 6.45am, the Kinneston kitchen, I come in from feeding the horses, make myself a lemsip, Lucy at the computer, packed up and ready to go, checking the traffic situation, very stormy outside, she has 5 rides at Wetherby this afternoon (4 hour drive first), then booked for one at Wetherby tomorrow, three at Catterick on Wednesday, four at Kelso Thursday and one at Haydock Friday - nothing confirmed beyond today but she heads off, nomadic, unsure where she will be spending next two nights, where she will be riding exercise, what horses she will be riding where, its a unique life, that of the NH jockey, made more unique by living on the periphary.  
Riders at Dawn
I head to the office to prepare the daily worksheet. 7.15, pitch dark blowing a gale and raining, the girls start to arrive here, by 8.30 the yard is mucked out and 8 horses are trotting in the school warming up, I head over to assess and talk to each of the riders about what I want to do, can't believe it is still to all intents and purposes dark, shortest day behind us, trying to keep things simple this morning, repeat the process for second and third lot, big winds and fresh horses, sticking to the all-weather, all twice up apart from Isla Pearl Fisher, due to run on Thursday so he goes up a third time, a bit faster, strong work, he was the only horse exercised on Xmas Day, the rest on the walker for 50 mins but him, a lone dark figure training up and down the all-weather.....will do more with them tomorrow, back on the grass, perhaps a trip to Lucinda's woodchip, some schooling, take advantage of the open weather, although these south-westerlies are unpleasant they are preferable to cold hard weather for this job. Our only other entry this week is Papamoa who may go to Haydock on Friday if weather looks dodgy for Ayr next week.

Saturday 24 December 2011

Happy Christmas!

Well, it's that time so Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2012 to everyone who follows the blog and, most importantly, thank you for taking an interest.
Isla Pearl Fisher
A mild, damp & breezy festive period with a benign forecast so happy trainer this morning as 20 horses had a couple of gentle canters on the all-weather, a quiet few days for them before we pick things up properly again on Monday.  No runners until Thursday when we will hopefully be represented by Isla Pearl Fisher at Kelso, just need the ground to dry up a little, should do, Lucy looks like being busy on Boxing Day, 5 rides at Wetherby - Turbolinas in the 1.15 for Kate Walton then four for Ferdy Murphy, The Holinwell in the 1.45 (live on Ch4), Ockey de Neulliac 2.15, Le Roi Rouge 2.45 and Sophonie in the 3.15....... we will have a busy morning here with the horses then watch Lucy and the might Kauto attempt to win his 5th "King George" in a very strong renewal, I can't wait........

Wednesday 21 December 2011

The Buffalo has wings...


Far from the madding crowd, trainer and son opt for a close up view

Mild air arrives, bringing rain but banishing the frost. Another day of ups and downs at Musselburgh yesterday, Isla Patriot unseated Lucy at the first which was frustrating, she then had a good winner on Red Tamber, finally in the dark the moment arrived as Buffalo Ballet made his debut. It's an odd sensation, a process that began with planning a horse's conception, the foaling then five and a half years of preparation is distilled into 5 minutes of agony, in the gloaming round a track that won't suit and opposition that look decent enough. Normally no pressure, but this is a horse for whom I have always had the highest regard, doubts galore of course and they heighten as he turns for home, looking one-paced and weak, then the penny drops and in the last two furlongs he sprouts wings and flies, passes about 5 horses to finish 3rd at 40-1, beaten 5l by the winner, another furlong and he would have won going away, he tanks off round to the back straight, masses of energy left. Ate up, sound this morning, he eyes the lorry while he is being jogged up, ramp is down, he wants to go again. Trainer delighted, there should be so much more to come, we train our horses to come to themselves over time, he'd never really had a proper gallop before. Problem is that he is a valuable horse, I will need to put him on the market, being realistic we are unlikely to find someone that will keep him here, will try my best and discount accordingly if anyone shows interest...

Buffalo Ballet eventually returns to the winners enclosure

Back here today frost is on its way out but enough of it about still to confine us to the AW, it's riding well though and the horses look fresh and strong. They will all work tomorrow and then be wormed and have a quiet couple of days over Christmas, no runners until Kelso next week, no harm in taking the pressure off them for a day or two.
Vet in this afternoon to scan a couple of old injuries from last season, will help us decide when to start with them again. The mid point of the season, a chance to reflect on how we have done; 6 winners from 59 runners, 5 seconds, 44% placed - this time last season 2 winners from 18 runners so a material step up, loads of ambition to keep improving, targets for 2012 - well, a runner at one of the big festivals would be nice (not sure Perth counts!), 12 winners for the season, 20% first 2, 50% placed, main thing is just to try to keep the horses sound, healthy and running well.
Main story over the past couple of months of course has been Lucy, hard to believe that 3 months ago she was still an amateur, just hope she is lucky and avoids injury and she should continue to progress, she has 5 rides at Sedgefield tomorrow - Kealigolane 12.20, Samson Collonges 1.20, Stand Clear 1.50, Stanley Bridge 2.50 and The Ferick 3.20.. fingers crossed!

Monday 19 December 2011

Musselburgh

Unpleasant morning today, drizzle on top of frozen ground, fresh Monday morning horses all combining to create a trainer's nightmare, all just about in unscathed but laid-back temperament put to the test!  Happy about the forecast, turning mild and not too wet for the next week or so, no white Christmas this year.
Buffalo Ballet (left) heads up Lucinda's woodchip with Isla Pearl Fisher
Tomorrow we run Isla Patriot in the 1.50 at Musselburgh, 11 run, Lucy rides, a slight step up in class but I am hoping the drop back in trip to 2m 4f will suit.  And then, at last,  Buffalo Ballet runs in the bumper at 3.25 also with Lucy on board, 13 run, track won't suit and the winners of the last two Musselburgh bumpers line up along with a runner up from Haydock that was subsequently sold for £100k, hmm, have to start somewhere.

Sunday 18 December 2011

Aaaaargh!

There are few things more agonising than having to pull out a warm favourite but I have done that today at Carlisle.  My view is that the very worst sort of ground is heavy with a hard frost coming out late, whilst Papamoa is a soft ground horse the holding glue-like conditions with frozen bits that arise just swing the risk-reward ratio the wrong way, let's hope he has his chance soon at Kelso or Ayr at New Year.
Rather a flat effort from Sydney at Newcastle yesterday, 8th of 13, perhaps it came a little soon after Musselburgh, perhaps he didn't handle the gluey ground, he will hopefully be back at Ayr at New Year as well.  A fine winner for Lucy in a £15,000 chase at Haydock on Storm Surge, her first big "Saturday" winner, good press including nice article in Sun

Hard frost this morning here, an early start in vain but a chance to go for a decent walk up our hill in glorious conditions.  I say in vain but such is my peculiar fascination that I enjoy surprising the horses by feeding them early some days, its curious, they all react in different ways, some are still asleep, others are always grumpy, just wanting their grub as quickly as possible, happy to try to eat me first if they have the chance.  I don't do much apart from feed, just wander quietly from stable to stable, feel the odd leg, dispense a bit of arnica to those that might be sore or who have a big day ahead of them, think, dream, make plans, it's nice, family all home for Xmas (well, apart from the nomad), all tucked up inside, hmmm, time to start worrying about the next runners which will be at Musselburgh on Tuesday, perhaps Isla Patriot and then the Buffalo, a horse I love but will not be suited by Musselburgh, needs decent ground, nearly six, where else is there to go, and Isla Pearl Fisher, back over hurdles or keep waiting, desperate to run him, the words of the late great "Duke" ring in my ear, you need three things to train racehorses - "patience, patience and patience"........   

Friday 16 December 2011

Party Time

I think the expression is "OMG" - well, didn't everyone scrub up well for the Xmas night out, great fun but not sure about all the girls wearing such high heels, made me feel a bit stumpy! Slower start this morning but no frost and all the horses worked on the all-weather, I sped off to the Carol Service where of course she read impeccably, can't really believe it was the same person that was downing the toffee vodka and black sambuca shots not many hours before - my sort of wife!  Early alarm tomorrow, Sydney Cove in the first at Newcastle, 8 am inspection, ground soft, Peter Buchanan rides, 15 run, hope to change the tactics with him, could go well in an ordinary sort of race.  Lucy at Haydock - another 8am inspection - rides Baccalaureate for Alison Thorpe in the 12.40, Storm Surge for Martin Todhunter in the 1.40 and You Know Yourself for Sue and Harvey Smith in the feature at 2.45 (live on C4).  Then to Carlisle on Sunday (haven't announced when their inspection will be yet - going to be one of those winter weekends I fear!) where we run Papamoa in the 2.40, Lucy rides 8 run, he is improving and will relish the track and conditions but its a trappy little race, Lucy also rides Edinburgh Gin Time and Ballycarberry for Lucy Normile - let's hope the weather behaves!

Thursday 15 December 2011

Big night out....

Sun shining this afternoon, most unusual, frost beckons no doubt, 8 horses first lot down on the grass but unbelievably wet so back to the all-weather for the rest of them.  Busy afternoon, Peter in to school Academy over hurdles, physios looking at a few.  Carlisle passed its first inspection so hope remains, Newcastle putting the frost covers down.  Stables night out in Perth this evening, should be lively, sadly no Lucy as she is destined for Uttoxeter and will need to head down the road tonight, she rides Stanley Bridge for Barry Murtagh in 11.35, decent chance but meeting must pass 7.30 inspection.  Mrs A most disappointed, she is filling in for Lucy at dinner, not that she minds a good night out it's just that she's reading the lesson at school carol service tomorrow and she feels she might perform better if she hasn't had a night on the tiles first, well, we'll be doing our best to lead her astray, reading to 500 people much easier through the haze of a hangover (perhaps not!).  First for Lucy last night with a live radio interview conducted secretly from her room after trainer had retired for the eveing, I think you can just hear him snoring noisily in the background, she gives a horse to follow for 2012, he could be the one, you will have to listen here on iplayer 5 live racing , wind forward 37 mins, tee hee.
A clue

Wednesday 14 December 2011

chill chill

Cold but quieter today after a storm last night though another inch of rain confines us to the all-weather and hacking in the forestry for those that worked yesterday.  Entries made for Musselburgh on Tuesday - Isla Pearl Fisher, Isla Patriot and Buffalo Ballet - the latter two the more likely runners.  Warming to the idea of running Sydney Cove at Newcastle on Saturday, looks an open race and think the ground and track will suit well.  Like to run Papamoa at Carlisle on Sunday but must be a big doubt re the weather, only question in my mind is weather it will be waterlogged before the frost sets in!  Nice race for him at Ayr at New Year so we may have to wait and at least the forecast is for more clement weather next week.
Papamoa
It is becoming increasingly apparent to me that Mrs A has somewhere (or maybe several places) in our house that she keeps chocolate biscuits and bars of chocolate to which I am not privvy. This does not appear to be for her sole consumption but rather more so that she can occasionally produce a little treat for her appreciative husband, a bit like the way in which she produces biscuits for the dogs.  I am uncertain that this is in the best interests of a harmonious marriage, it can produce periods of unnecessary stress when she is absent and the addiction strikes, if eventually found it then produces another bout of stress worrying about whether the supply is counted and a missing bar will be noticed thereby leading to a new place of concealment.  In the distant pass I seem to recall the words "with thee I share my worldly goods," oh well, no doubt she will see it as in my best interests, "in sickness and in health"....

Tuesday 13 December 2011

the joy of email.......

Rough weather today again, gales, blustery showers of snow and rain.  Good morning though with a few of the horses working on my favourite horseshoe gallop; Buffalo Ballet, Isla Pearl Fisher, Papamoa, Here's to Harry, Tipsy Dara (first time), Flaming Thistle (likewise), Isla Patriot all appearing to relish the good to soft ground - they just love it down there after working away on the all-weather and so do I, happy horse = happy trainer.  More tomorrow if the weather permits, it's about 3 weeks since we've been down there and at this time of year we have to grab every chance we have. Spectacular unseat from Lucy at the first today at Catterick on "I Got Music," Mr & Mrs A glued to the telly to see if we could see her walk away, most relieved when presenter reports her to be laughing and smiling with trainer - I don't think these TV people realise how much some people hang on to their every word in situations like that, followed up with a good second on Storm Surge, long drive home.    
Taking the plunge and ditching the tiresome aol email service and moving to nicholasalexander@kinneston.com am migrating historic data across, unfortunately this is leading to the best part of a year's worth of saved email being transferred as unread into my inbox in outlook, currently says 6604 unread emails and they are still going, interspersed with today's intake, help, what on earth am I going to do - need to postpone my Xmas shopping (again!)....

Monday 12 December 2011

Hardy Types

They come from hardy stock, those that race their horses at Ratcheugh on the Northumbrian coast in deepest December, there were certainly plenty of enthusiasts present on what turned out to be a remarkably benign day weather wise.  Masses of horses from all over the place and big fields for all the races; I was delighted that our 3 runners all performed with credit - Native Coll appeared to be travelling nicely with the leaders when he blundered 3 out and unshipped Kit, Northern Flame was given a gentle introduction to this new discipline and crept into the race late on to finish 2nd of 13 - just the sort of confidence boost he required, finally Amulree tired late on but still managed 3rd of about a dozen.
Northern Flame
Benign also here this morning, the calm before the storm perhaps, but a chance to get back on to the grass and about 15 did long steady canters, some rather fresh, perfect.  Our entries this week are Sydney Cove at Newcastle on Saturday and Papamoa at Carlisle on Sunday, Lucy heads to Catterick tomorrow where she rides I Got Music for Keith Reveley in the 2.20 and Storm Surge for Martin Todhunter in the 2.50   
Native Coll (Holly)

Saturday 10 December 2011

Fog

Freezing fog latest hazard here today but a productive morning with all the horses having a good spin on the all-weather which remains in excellent condition, early start tomorrow and an 8am inspection but here's hoping....
Some pics taken in the yard yesterday by Frank Cornfield -
The ladies barn - Little Glenshee, Goldtrek and Issabella Gem relax in the sun

Native Coll (Holly) leads Northern Flame (Kit) over the baby schooling fences

Sydney Cove (Gemma) leads  Flaming Thistle (Kelly), Commercial Express (Emma), Almost Blue (James), Academy (Amy) and Amulree (Kit) up the gallop

Academy (Amy) and Ocarina (Holly) lead the way back down

Isla Patriot and Here's to Harry

Amulree (Kit)

Friday 9 December 2011

Point-to-Point

Well, a different country today, different planet perhaps, a fine quiet winter's day and a constructive morning schooling and working on the all-weather, very wet everywhere but only minor damage from what I have seen so far.
Our first ever pre Xmas point-to-point runners on Sunday when we send 3 down to Alnwick, Kit due to ride them all and the ground is on the soft side of good.  Native Coll runs in the 12 noon (= 5.30am start for trainer, sunday lie in?), the big question for him regarding point-to-pointing is will he stay as his forte was 2 miles under rules, not sure we will find out on Sunday as it's a hot race and he isn't very fit! Amulree runs in the 1.30, 3 mile maiden, 2nd in her only previous p2p start, she is fit and I am hoping for a big run.  The enigmatic Northern Flame is double entered but probably runs in the winners of one race at 2.30, we are hoping that he will deign to show a glimmer of his talent in a competitive environment..
Lucy in action at Doncaster tomorrow, Fred Bojangles in the 2.15 and Kellystown Lad in the 3.20 (live on Ch 4)

Thursday 8 December 2011

The eye of the storm

Seeking Power (Amy)
Ferocious weather today, storm force winds and two quick lots cantering up the grass this morning, the 8 that worked hard on the all-weather yesterday were confined to the walker...... yesterday, what a day, Seeking Power ran his heart out in the 3m 1f handicap chase in extreme conditions, closing down the leaders all the way to the line to finish 3rd, luckily he doesn't read the Daily Telegraph in which he features in an entertaining article about Lucy, he's such an honest horse, just can't go very fast but I admire his courage.  Lorry was late back last night and away sharp this morning to pick a horse up from West Lothian, Jim managed to nip over the Bridge and back before the wind closed it mid morning, Jim Barclay is one of the many rocks on which this operation is founded, his help in driving the lorry etc when we are busy at this time of year is invaluable.  Conditions yesterday can be ably summed up by this little vignette.... Lucy received her first fine from the Stewards for breaking a rule - an £80 fine for pulling up and then passing a horse that was still in the race, problem was the horse still in the race had slowed to a trot having jumped the last when Lucy wisely pulled up before it and then cantered very slowly home thereby overtaking the horse still in thge race, rules say she should have stopped and waited for it to complete, for how long I wonder, darkness was falling!  hmm, rules are rules... With a meeting in Edinburgh this morning and a drinks party to attend there last night on the way back from Hexham lazy trainer stayed away with Mrs A, Hotel Missoni  was very convenient but by the time we were coming home from the Open Platform offices in the Gyle the weather had caused gridlock in central Scotland and a half hour journey took two and a half..... oh well, Kit trying to get back from Durham to sharpen up the pointers tomorrow over the fences before the scheduled start of the season on Sunday, and Lucy due to be at Doncaster by 10am tomorrow where she rides Red Lite in the 11.50, Tinseltown in the 1.35 and Oniz Tiptoes in the 3.20 - another early start beckons!

Tuesday 6 December 2011

Boooooom!

Seeking Power - just denied at Hexham
Hard frost but fantastically beautiful morning here with blue sky and snow-covered hills.  Gallop working well so all horses working on it today.  Superb day at Musselburgh for Lucy yesterday, her first double, combined odds of 100 and something to one, unbelievable.  Sydney ran a solid race, ridden from behind to get the extended trip he appeared to stay on well but couldn't get close enough to land a blow, finished 5th of 12, I think he can win again.  Tomorrow we run Seeking Power in the 3.20 at Hexham, 13 run, ground heavy, Lucy rides, subject to an inspection this afternoon, snow on the track, I always say he needs at lease two inspections from the ground to be wet enough for him to be competitive, so, here's hoping! Today Lucy is at Sedgefield riding King's Chorister in the 2.50, 8 run, an each way chance in a competitive little heat.  She has a couple of other rides at Hexham tomorrow it its on, then she is at Doncaster on Fri & Sat, we will be appearing next at the Alnwick point-to-point on Sunday where we have 3 entries, most odd point-to-pointing before Christmas, good idea.
Changing for the races on Sunday morning at 10.15 I was staring at myself in the mirror whilst shaving, reflecting, literally and metaphorically, a pause in the rush - I try to start an hour later on a Sunday so it should have been an easyish sort of morning but even in that short period there seemed to have been so many ups and downs, my head was spinning, crazy really, it's such a bizarrely intense sport to be involved in, and all about whether my horse can run faster round a  big field than someone elses.... big deal.  I was unable to attend Musselburgh yesterday, I as at a funeral with Rose, my 3 brothers and mother, someone very dear to us all, she always supported Lucy in her races having cared for her a lot as a child (that was 25 years after caring for the four of us!) and she usually phoned in the evening after she had a winner - her partner loved to bet on Lucy, we all watched the 1.20 at Mother's house before going to the church, a winner, bittersweet funeral and burial and back in to watch the 2.50, another winner.....

Monday 5 December 2011

Musselburgh

Proper winter morning today, bit of snow & frost, out early to sort gallop, came up perfectly, happy trainer!  Cold day at Kelso yesterday but a great atmosphere to warm the soul, huge crowd despite the weather and gritty National Hunt racing, Forcefield ran a solid race to finish 3rd, holding ground and extended trip just finding him out.  Today we run Sydney Cove in the 1.50 at Musselburgh, 12 run, Keith Mercer rides, ground on soft side of good.  Big step up in trip, if he stays he should go close, if he doesn't he won't! Lucy rides Kealigolane in the 1.20 for Hugh McWilliams, Humorous in the 1.50 for Brian Storey and Red Tamber in the 2.50 for Bruce Mactaggart.
Some pictures from a cold Kinneston this morning.....
down the gallop

cooling off

Academy

Heading in

Friday 2 December 2011

Kelso

A fine winter's morning today but a miserable evening now, gales and sleet.  Plenty going on, mainly on the all-weather here but Flaming Thistle, Amulree and Native Coll ventured over to Lucinda's woodchip. 
Forcefield (Lucy H)
On Sunday we run Forcefield in the 3.30 at Kelso, 10 run, Lucy rides and the ground is soft.  He is in good heart and ready to run, the extended 3m 3f trip shouldn't be a problem but I am wondering whether ground as soft as this will suit.  Lucy also rides Double Default in the Borders National at 2.30 (she is due to get up at 4am tomorrow to go and school this horse in Cumbria on her way to Wetherby where she rides Danny John Boy in the 2.55), she also rides Sported and Played for Lucy Normile in the 3.00.

Thursday 1 December 2011

Crisp

Sharp air here this afternoon, cold and crisp whilst running a grass harrow over the "horseshoe" gallop, wet still but hopefully good to work on by Saturday.  Generally quiet day for the horses, an hour's hack round the farm for most of them, easy canters for Buffalo Ballet, Academy, Tipsy Dara, Alflora 3yo, Amulree and Native Coll.  Plans beginning to fall into place for next batch of runners, looks like Forcefield Kelso Sunday, Buffalo Ballet Musselburgh Monday, Sydney Cove Sedgefield Tuesday, Seeking Power and possibly Papamoa at Hexham on Wednesday.... much easier if they all ran at the same place however we have to give them all their best chance. 
Lucy rather embarrased by my "day in the life of" yesterday but she did point out that I omitted her 5 mile run in the afternoon, she runs at least 5 miles 4 or 5 times each week........
Papamoa (Holly) and Isla Patriot (Kelly)