Swimming at Newcastle

 It was a busy day on Thursday with 5 runners at two different meetings. Two of them were at Newcastle, we stayed overnight so to make the journey a bit easier for the horses, Tiger's Home ran first and after passing an inspection the meeting went ahead, but unfortunately the filly could not get her feet out of the ground and trailed in last. The other filly taken up north was The Ducking Stool, she'd been in great form and had another solid chance. It was slightly unfortunate then when the most fiercest storm I have ever witnessed hit the course as the horses were going down to the start. It was an absolutely extraudinary experience to be part of, the horses came back when they decided they couldn't race in the conditions. I think when the storm first hit there were quite comical scenes as people rushed inside, but the mood soon turned quite the opposite when they realised how bad it was and people actually started to question their safety. It was even worse for the stable staff and horses who had to lead back to the stables with literally a river running back at them, fortunately though I think all the horses were none the worse for the experience. It was a bit of an anti-climax to what we thought would be a good day, so thoughts turned to Yarmouth where the ground was good to firm!

Canning Vale was the first flag bearer over at the seaside and put in another poor performance, she tries her heart out but she is only a small filly and is struggling against bigger, improving types. Then in form mare Sail Home did another good job coming home in 3rd place, she loves galloping tracks like this one and hopefully she can stay sweet for some more good runs. The last hope for the day was Omega Omega having only her second run, she travelled on and off the bridle and was quite green, she was with the leading pack until the last furlong until they quickend away from her. She seems quite one paced and will want further in time. 

The last runner of the week was Acer Diamonds at Windsor today, he finished mid-field and looks quite one paced, however he would of appreciated more juice in the ground and the horse infront of him turning into the straight that un-seated it's rider would not of helped his cause either.

  



Newcastle parade ring, an inch of rain fell in 15 mins!

We had four new arrivals this week from Plantation Stud in Snailwell. They come in the form of yearling colts and are all by the newly deceased Araafa, they were only cheap purchases as Araafa was not a popular sire, however they're all different shapes and sizes even at this stage. They will be turned out until October when we will think about breaking them in.

By Araafa out of Air Maze



By Araafa out of Angel Kate




By Araafa out of Saga River




By Araafa out of Golden Flyer

Runners wise next week we have Entrance running tomorrow at Pontefract, she was third in the race last year but the ground looks on the easy side for her, however she has been flying at home and deserves another win. Then on Thursday we have Acer Diamonds entered up again at Yarmouth, hopefully the rain will come for him. Then at the same course on the same day is Silver Alliance, who is in great nick he just needs a good pace so he can settle and The Ducking Stool bids to actually get a run this time and carry on in her purple patch.



Left to right: Sail Home, Emma's Gift and Kampai all shining in the sun today.