Out with the old, in with the new.

Life in a racing yard is like one big carousel - horses and staff come and go, leaving a legacy behind with them, some more than others. There was a big hole left in the yard this week with the death of my favourite horse, Don't Drop Bombs.

You probably have not heard of 'Bomber' (pictured winning with me on) before because it had been nearly 11 years since he last graced a racecourse but back in his heyday, I won on him 7 times and he had well over 100 lifetime runs, being placed 50% of the time. He was never rated very high but he was consistent at a low level and specialised on the old all-weather surface that Lingfield used to have - more like an American 'dirt' track - very sloppy when it rained. Since his retirement, he had been at the yard, first teaching all the kids how to ride (and he took some riding because he was very strong) and then as a companion to the younger horses in the field. He died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 21 on Tuesday night and I don't think he could have been happier.

There was little time to reflect on the loss though as we had another new arrival into the yard. Our first yearling (pictured having a snooze) of the season came in and he's a massive son of the top-class sprinter Red Clubs. He's very laid back and has a nice temperament. I was hoping to syndicate him and might have sold him already but I will keep you informed. He'll be sent away to be broken-in professionally as he has never had a saddle on his back or anything like that yet and then we will have him back before Christmas to get him into proper work.

The runners last week put in some really pleasing performances, despite not winning. Sancho Panza continues to improve during his reinvention as a stayer by finishing an unlucky second and I'll be trying to get him out again quickly before the end of the turf season next month.

Marafong ran his usual race to finish fourth at Leicester and he remarkably got claimed after the race by Brian Baugh. It was sad to lose him as he is such a character to have in the yard but he was running in a claiming race and that's the risk you face. Also, it was quite good business as he went for £3000 and you would struggle to get that for him at a public auction. His new connections are sending him hurdling. Good luck to them.

The mass of runners on Thursday didn't disappoint either. Blackmore ran a striking race on his third run and looks a certainty for handicaps over 1m6f+. Beseech travelled well in the same race but didn't quite stay the trip. Little Meadow is a really consistent horse and she got in the money again by coming fourth over a mile which is just a bit too short for her. Ocean Countess has lost her form a bit now but she ran respectably and Generous Genella was just running to get handicapped at Kempton and now she is on a holiday for the winter. I really like her and think she will be a great thing for handicaps next season when she has strengthened up a bit.

We've quite a few going to the races this week as well. Exopuntia goes to her beloved Yarmouth along with Baggsy and Ocean Rosie. They are in pretty poor races so should all go with a good place chance. I've got Sancho Panza in at Ffos Las as well but he won't be going as the ground is remarkably described as good to firm which wouldn't suit him. And then it's back to Brighton on Thursday with Little Meadow and Always De One. 'Always' is having her first run back after a break and this is probably the time to catch her as she is fit and fresh after her holiday. I own her myself and I hope she can win a seller and move on.