Horses First Racing

A day of mixed fortunes - 28th July 2009

Saturday proved a mixed day with PRECIOUS CITIZEN running very well at Lingfield. Settling just off the speed in a lovely position she just lost her way down the hill when the speed increased however she rallied well to finish a solid third.

She will be better off over slightly further and perhaps a flatter track and it don't think it will be long before she is in the winner's stall.

CHIEF EXEC was always going to need luck from his draw down the straight at Lingfield and i have to concede i made an error in running him there. He looked all at sea on the downhill stretch and failed to gather himself in time to make a serious challenge. With his style of racing one is always in need of things going his way but he has come through the race well and will be out again soon.

CARDENIO will now go handicapping after her run at Salisbury on Saturday evening. She is still a little weak but will step up in trip now and i expect her to improve for it.

Yesterday added another frustrating chapter to CATALAN BAY story when she raced too freely again at Yarmouth. I did think Luke could have let her roll along after she starting fighting for her head but she is proving a rather tricky ride for all jockeys. I am convinced we just have to find the way to ride her and she will string a few together but boy it isn't much fun watching her at the moment.

As a trainer the miles in the car to watch a run like that can send you mad. A four hour trip home to think about the next move seems like days.

On the subject of driving some owners are surprised to hear the number of miles a trainer might do in an average week. We can't obviously go to all the meetings but it is not uncommon to rack up about 1600miles in a week. Luckily, i enjoy driving, it gives me quiet time to think and perhaps plan the days ahead. Day's like yesterday though when your stuck in a jam on the M25 on the way home from a frustrating day does test the patience.

Tomorrow FLYING SILKS runs at Leicester and given his last effort he shouldn't be far away. The form from the run at Haydock has worked out pretty well and though he meets the horse that beat his last time i think he can improve enough to give it a shake. we just need a bit of cut in the ground to see him at his best.

It is my wife Kerrie's birthday today so we will try and have a meal tonight as her parents are over from Australia and can watch the kids. I must say i don't think the life as a trainer's wife is all that flash at times. At least half the week i won't return home until late at night and i am gone early in the morning so she has a busy time looking after the kids. She doesn't get too involved with the racing which i think helps me to switch off when i need to.

Sunday racing makes it even more difficult but i do try and get the day with the family. Kerrie never complains (well rarely) and i have to say i am very lucky to have someone so supportive and understanding after one of those 'not so great' days at the racecourse.

Darcie my eldest girl is at that age (7)where she actually enjoys a day at the races. A few weeks ago at Bath i was surprised to see her over on the seats outside the paddock writing comments on the horses on her card. She selected her horses, watched the race closely, checked the numbers then let out a little 'yes' and a clenched fist. All of this i watched without her noticing and it gave me a big thrill to watch her interest developing. Mum however is not sure she shares my enthusiasm......

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