Week That Could See A Change In Fortunes

I came back from a brilliant (if a bit boozy) weekend in Ireland yesterday and straight away could definitely feel a upbeat atmosphere in the yard.
John and myself don't go on too many holidays but our son Ross managed to hold things together back at home and was even rewarded with a decent result after Khajaaly was only beaten a head when second at Wolverhampton on the day we returned.
I think that result could be the sign that the horses are coming back to form after a quiet spell recently. I do hope so because we have some great chances coming up.

But first I must mention the Irish visit. It's something that we have done annually for a while now and it's great to catch up with old friends and also to see what yearlings might potentially be coming our way in the autumn.
On our travels we also go to the legendary Dingle races which is Ireland's premier pony racing festival. With a first prize of over £3000 for the feature event, The Dingle Derby, it puts our prizemoney for thoroughbred races to shame!

Lost in translation? Dingle's 'Weigh-In' Weighing Room.

Rose Of Mooncoin is an extremely successful broodmare who has bred several winners for us, including Emma's Gift and Ocean Legend.


Dingle Races: You've got to see it to believe it.


Breeder Donal Cummins inspects some of his potential superstars.

My batteries have been most definitely recharged and we'll be hitting the next seven days with gusto, starting with Yarmouth tomorrow.

Dolly Bay is making her debut and hopefully she can at least be placed. She does go quite well at home and the race isn't particularly strong so I do feel a top four placing is not too much to ask.

Equally, Exopuntia should be in the money later on in the day. She is extremely consistent and loves Yarmouth. The softer the ground, the better. The same can be said for King Columbo. He hasn't raced on genuinely soft ground in ages so I hope that if he does get some, he can show that he is a very well handicapped horse.

Good old Bavarica couldn't quite make her 100th career start on Monday a winning one but maybe she can on her 101st race. She runs at Catterick on Friday and I think she should fare better than last time.

Also on Friday we have Verona Bay making his debut. He has needed plenty of time to fill his big frame and still isn't quite there yet but he is ready for the run and will come on for the experience.

With any luck, Acer Diamonds will run in the same race if he is not balloted out. He has been going very well at home and hopefully will get the soft ground he loves.

The grey horses only race at Newmarket on Saturday is a fantastic spectacle and I'm proud to have two runners in it this year. It is a race I'd love to win as it's one of a kind and I do think I could this year (at my first attempt, I must add). Emma's Gift is an ideal candidate and although six furlongs is a bit too short for her, I hope that the notorious uphill finish will draw her stamina out. Quarrel is in the race too but he hasn't raced in a while and is running just to give the owners a nice day out.

Three To Follow Update

Khajaaly's second place shook up the rankings lower down the pecking order but Richard Salmon still leads the way.

1st - Richard Salmon (44 points)
2nd - Peter Darlington (36 points)

3rd - Adam Beschizza, Shelley Birkett (34 points)