Topsy Turvy again!

Freezing two weeks ago, roasting last week and today I find myself looking longingly at my log burner - a sharp air when feeding the outside horses this morning and ground frost mentioned in forecast again, all very puzzling but I have seldom seen such a strong flush of spring grass and the 18 horses out 24-7 seem to be thriving despite the topsy turvy weather.  Just a couple of lots this morning and the only two doing serious work were Academy and Makhzoon, a good pairing and both worked well, disasters permitting they will line up next week at Perth. 

Wheels will roll shortly for the long road to Cartmel, lorry leaving at 12 noon, I will be bringing the two jockeys down at 2pm, big excitement will be listening to the Derby on Five Live, can the Ballydoyle bandwagon keep rolling, I'm not sure they really get enough credit for their extraordinary achievements, whilst they have exceptional resources there are others with a lot more horses and a lot more money that can't quite compete, having been lucky enough to spend a few mornings there with the quiet genius I'm not really surprised, genuinely inspirational both in terms of the approach to training and the modest reaction to their success, go Camelot! 

Academy, like Camelot, a son of Montjeu

Hopefully home shortly after midnight, long day for Amy who is going with the horses and she will be in again early tomorrow as she is kindly taking Almost Blue down for his last run of the season at Hexham under Jamie, reminds me that after another late night home on Tuesday I failed to report on our three Hexham runners, pleased with them all; Balwyllo put up a much improved effort to finish 4th, Northern Flame built on his recent point-to-point success to also finish 4th, his best run over hurdles and he will now go chasing and Isla Patriot came 6th having been badly bumped and nearly brought down in the middle of the race.  After tomorrow our next runners should be at Hexham and Perth next weekend, Lucy will most probably be at Cartmel on Monday and Wednesday but after doing three return trips in five days this time last year I'm not particularly disappointed to be staying at home to catch up for a few days and enjoy the Diamond Jubilee, let's hope it kicks off in fine style at Epsom this afternoon........ happy holidays!