Kinneston: A different planet?

Forcefield and Isla Pearl Fisher - both enjoying ten days grass after a long summer inside

That is what it feels like anyway, four days of glorious weather and the mood change among the farmers and builders I am dealing with is almost tangible, hard work, everyone trying to catch up after three months of stop start but a huge feeling of relief and positivism, the horses even have their summer coats and various extra training areas on the farm are opening up by the day letting us give the horses the right type of work rather than just the daily grind on the all-weather; this is better for the horses that aren't in full work and refreshing for the few we have left going for the summer.

Recent addition King Brex (Gemma)

I failed to strike in two days at Doncaster Sales, came close on a few but good to see people and get a proper feel for the market, as ever there is plenty of competition for the better prospects but minimal interest in the rest, a few feelers out to buy privately but otherwise plenty of sales coming up soon.

Northern Flame (Dan)

Lucy having fun on the flat, a winner and a second on Monday and a good second on Wednesday at Newcastle, this afternoon she is back at Musselburgh where she rides Collateral Damage for Tim Easterby in the 5pm. No runners for us until Perth next Saturday, so a few days away next week golfing in Donegal then it will be full steam ahead. With half the family attending the finals of the hockey at the Olympics this evening, Lucy away riding and Kit on work experience in Edinburgh, trainer left manning the fort, can't believe how much needs done all the time! On the way back from dropping them off at the station this morning I was lucky enough to pick up this on Desert Island Discs - if you've half an hour, listen to it, inspirational.