Richard is King for a day

It went a bit under the radar yesterday with most of the world's eyes on the action at Meydan but we had a winner at Lingfield. Richard Perham, who rides out in the mornings for me before working as the jockey coach at the British Racing School rode King Columbo to victory in a charity race. Sent off the 5-6 favourite, Richard was determined to make up for last year's defeat on Chadwell Spring when Gay Kelleway beat him by a nose.

Although admittedly nervous before the off, Richard gave Columbo a lovely ride, just settled behind the pace-setter and then produced him late in the straight to win by a head. Admittedly, the rider of the second was pretty incapable of pushing a horse out but Richard looked like he had lost none of his old style that saw him ride 200 winners in his heyday. The victory should do the horse's confidence the world of good as he hadn't won in two years and he'll be properly fit when running under rules next time.

We've had a great response to the 'Three to Follow' competition with plenty of owners and outsiders entering up. There's still a week left to get your decision made so see last week's post for all the information.

The horsebox won't be heading anywhere until Saturday in the next seven days but I'm more than hopeful that we'll be firing in some winners. My first turf runner of the year goes to Doncaster on Saturday and I think Sail Home will have a great chance, especially if there is a drop of rain, as she has been working well at home. Also in need of some rain is Sancho Panza (pictured winning at Windsor last year) on Sunday. He's an improving horse and we've found the key to him is soft ground and not being hit with the whip in a finish, so I think he'll go close. Bavarica will be entered in the race as well in case the ground is firm.

On the same day we may have our first international runner as Spirit of Sharjah is in at The Curragh in Ireland. The key factor will be the ground though as he needs it perfect and we won't be going if it's too soft. He's in a Group 3 but most of the horses entered have tasted defeat to our lad so I think he should run well.

Exopuntia came back into the yard yesterday after a short holiday and I was amazed to see she has grown even more. She's a massive filly and the key to her success is a straightish and flat 7f. Yarmouth is right up her street.

Old warrior Sand Repeal is also back in exercise after his leg injury and I'll be pleased if I can just get him back to the track after the problems he has had.

We win and you can too!

Blackmore was a more than welcome winner at Wolverhampton on Friday night. He was the first runner from the batch of horses that had been off for the winter so we were keen to see in what form he would be in. The answer is: in flying form!
Last year's champion jockey Paul Hanagan had his first ride for us on him and I'm chuffed the pair were victorious. When I instructed at the British Racing School many moons ago, among the classes I taught was a 16 year-old Hanagan and ever since then I've wanted him to win on one of mine. He was impressed with Blackmore and I'm excited about what the rest of the season holds.

The Cheltenham Festival was a great spectacle and the Gold Cup is definitely the best race I've ever witnessed - to see Denman, Kauto Star and Long Run all upsides in a finish takes the breath away. However, I'm glad it's passed so the Racing Post can talk about something else. For weeks the paper has been filled with everything Cheltenham and now they can write about some proper racing - Southwell on a Tuesday afternoon!

We're dropping Night Orbit in class into a claimer on Tuesday and I hope it's just what he needs to get some of his old spark back. King Columbo runs in a charity race at Lingfield on Saturday under Richard Perham and although he's got bigger targets this season and it's his first run in a while, I think he'll have a massive chance and it should be a great confidence booster for him after failing to get his head in front all last year.


Finally, this season we are going to run a 'Three to follow Competition' for the yard. I'm putting up £100 for the winner, £50 2nd and £20 3rd. It's free to enter and anyone is eligible, all you have to do is this:

1. Pick a ONE horse from the following: Al Reefa, Acer Diamonds, Verona Bay, Canning Vale, Riccardo Villa, Emma's Gift, Emmeline Pankhurst, Generous Genella, Entrance.

2. Pick TWO horses from the following: Spirit of Sharjah, Pyjoma, Blackmore, Sail Home, Sand Repeal, Khajaaly, Dakota Hues, Sancho Panza, King Columbo, Night Orbit, Beseech, Bavarica, Premier League, Little Meadow.

Then email your entry to rbirkett1989@hotmail.co.uk
The points system is: a winner = 10pts, 2nd = 5pts, 3rd = 2pts.
Entries close March 31st.

GOOD LUCK!

Dogs still missing

It's been two weeks now since our jack russell, Gemma, and her grown-up puppy, Bubba, went missing and we've come to accept that they have gone for good. They went off hunting one morning like they always do but never returned and we have our suspicions that they have been stolen after about half a dozen other dogs in the village suffered a similar fate. We've got everybody looking out for them so they may be found sooner or later.

On a brighter note, I managed to go racing for the first time in seven weeks after my hip replacement at Southwell on Tuesday. Beseech ran as the ratings suggested to finish third whilst Premier League probably hit the front a bit too soon and came second. He goes back to the same track again on Tuesday and with Adam Beschizza taking a handy 5lbs off his back, I hope he can win.

One who I thought would win last week was Spirit of Sharjah in a Listed race at Wolverhampton on Saturday. He had the best form in the book and had been absolutely flying at home but he resented the kick-back which has got really bad at the track now. There are rumours that they will be replacing the surface soon and I hope they do.

Despite the state of the track, I'm pretty confident about the chances of Blackmore and Generous Genella at Wolverhampton on Friday. They have come out of their winter breaks particularly well and although they will benefit from the run, they are fit enough to do themselves justice. Likewise the following day, Khajaaly should have a big hope of landing some prize money.

It's hard to miss the fact that Cheltenham starts tomorrow and the kids and I have entered the Racing Post's 'Select a Stable' competition. I'm not a jumps form expert but Imperial Commander and Master Minded are my bankers, so hopefully they can produce the goods!

Things are warming up nicely

It was a very quiet week runners-wise with only Bavarica needing the run at Kempton on Wednesday night but there's been plenty happening in the yard.
All the horses who had been off during the winter were given their first serious pieces of work and I'm happy to report that they've all come back from their holidays as much stronger individuals. The two year olds are flying at the minute as well and it's just a case of keeping a lid on them until they can actually run in a couple of months time.

The Channel 4 cameras will be making a rare visit to Wolverhampton this Saturday and we'll be there too as Spirit of Sharjah bids to land a hat trick of wins in the listed race. I couldn't have him in any better form and if he gets a bit of luck in running, I can see him going very close.
Before that we have three runners at Southwell on Tuesday and they all have a great chance of landing some silverware. Beseech is improving with every run and Little Meadow will eventually get her head in front whilst Premier League is in great order and should be banging on the door.

My apprentice Adam Beschizza made his domestic return a winning one on Wednesday at Kempton after he came from last to first to win for Brian Gubby. Adam won't be in action this week though as he has to go up to the British Racing School for an advanced apprentice riders course along with other leading apprentices including Dale Swift and Lee Topliss.
Also back in action is my son Ross after his stint working in Dubai. He's very happy to be back on home soil but I think his tan must still be on the plane as he's virtually whiter than when he left!

My sister Poppy has taken over The Wheatsheaf pub in the village and Friday marks the grand opening of the place. Entertainment will be provided by Richard Perham's band 'The Ooh La Lads' and it should be a great night.