Weekend Round Up

‘You can’t win ’em all’ and Courtown Oscar & Adam Nicol had to give best to the strong travelling grey ‘Hainan’ of Sue Smith’s on Saturday. It was still another sterling performance from our bold jumping stayer and his Owners, Nobaj Ltd were thrilled with his efforts in the stamina sapping conditions – heavy after so much rain all week. Courtown is fine today and had a leg stretch early on, he is a real tough customer who seems to take his races well.

Its been a really busy one at the yard today – Adam & Tommy were in to ride out and they were joined by Nathan Moscrop & Nick Barrat-Atkin who schooled Allmyown & Mangata – Tommy in between them On Richard Strauss. The 2 four year olds run at Wetherby on Wednesday in the maiden juvenile hurdle.

At first lot Nathan gave the new horse Captain Bob a breeze up followed by an introduction to poles in the arena – he seemed to enjoy himself. He has settled in straight away and seems a really nice straightforward individual. Although hurdling is the long term plan Phil has already made him an entry back on the flat at Southwell, he is in good order so may as well try and collect some decent prizemoney on offer. A reminder that 33% or 66% is available in him including running him in your colours.

Plenty of horses were ridden out and later on at evening stables Phil & I went round on the tractor checking the field horses and taking out bales of haylage. Earlier on we had various horses in and out for turnout and I took these photos of Robin des Chapp out playing with Mckenzies Friend.