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!