We had a great day on Thursday, with a 20/1 winner and a second at Fontwell. Tom gave Turban a brilliant ride and although Paddy, on Ruby Russet, tried to take him on, Turban and Tom still persevered and won by 9  lengths. Paddy also rode Mr Mulliner in the next race and came (a well deserved) second. Mr Mulliner led for most of the race but was overtaken after the last bend, having  given his all. We think that the blinkers help as it means he can concentrate on where he's going but they do make him a little bit too keen so Paddy wants to try holding him up next time.     

We used the grass today for the first time in months as the bit of rain this weekend  finally eased the ground. Previously the grass was brown and dead and the ground too firm to use.
​ We'll have to get on and school a few now as we head towards an exciting new season.

Nick Scofield  came down today to School tomorrow`s runners. Questionation, who is first time out for us and Turban, who will both run at Newton Abbot. 
We schooled all the horses which have had a mini break. They are all ready to run as soon as there is a bit of ease in the ground.
The horses that have come back from a prolonged summer break and the new arrivals are all coming on well. They are all starting to lose their grass bellies and are on strong exercise up the short gallop. Soon they will be ready to progress to the long gallop . Nick was impressed by the depth and quality of string.