The sharp nip in the air on Friday morning was a bit of a shock to the system and you always know summer has finished when Newmarket's July course hosts its final meeting of the season, as it did last Saturday.
Well, I say summer is over but it never really started. A week's worth of sunshine was about all we got so let's hope an 'Indian Summer' will develop so we don't have to get the thermals out just yet!
The horses haven't been in red-hot form either but with most runners having an excuse for their below-par runs, I'm not too worried about things at the moment.
For instance, Silver Alliance was a bit disappointing when finishing mid-division at Kempton on Wednesday but the race didn't pan out how we would of liked and I haven't seen a horse blow as little as he did after the race for a few years, which suggests he didn't try very hard, so, some big yellow blinkers may be adorning his visage the next time he graces a racecourse.
One horse who already wears headgear is Emma's Gift and she made a comeback after a six month break at Epsom on Monday. We thought she would need the run and so it proved. She loves the all weather so that's where she'll be seen to best effect later in the season.
On that same day at Epsom, the 'Men's Derby' was run with my son Ross riding. He could only finish fourth on a horse of Jame Eustace's but the winner was ridden by another of our amateurs, Phil Collington, so it wasn't a bad afternoon. This was actually Phil's second 'Derby' win - just five more needed to match Lester Piggott's record!
As Silver hadn't done an awful lot during the week, he was back out again on the gallops quickly and accompanied new boy No Such Number (left) in a gallop on the peat moss grass.
Khajaaly (left) has been making good progress since his leg operation and his work is getting a bit more serious now. He too could be back at the races in the next fortnight and the plan with him will be to have another successful campaign during the winter at Wolverhampton, a track he seems to love.
He went along with Kampai who is entered at Brighton on Friday and might go there if the seaside track gets plenty of rain. She's in good nick and proved last time that her lofty handicap mark isn't beyond her.
We've only had a couple of two year olds run so far this season (and both of them have been placed) but there's still a handful of unraced ones I'm looking forward to running.
Honeymoon Express (farside) has had a few problems with the stalls at home but if we can get her sorted, she'll go to Kemton on Friday night. She will come on for the run but has done plenty of work at home and goes as well as the two fillies who have already run.
Didn't I Do Well (middle) was a bit of a lad before we got him gelded but now he is applying himself much better to his work and is coming on leaps and bounds. I can imagine he'll be running within the next month and is one to keep an eye on.
Another two year old yet to run is Wiggo. I only bought him cheaply at the sales but he's looking like money well spent and is really developing into a powerful colt. He too should be running within the next month.
Finally, just to let you know that in three weeks time (on Sunday 23rd September), Newmarket will be hosting its first open day in 15 years. Most yards in Newmarket are opening their doors in the morning and then there is a fayre at the Rowley Mile racecourse in the afternoon. It should be a great day (weather permitting!) and I fully encourage anyone to make a visit.
Our yard will be open for visitors too and you are more than welcome to pop in between 9.30am -12 noon.
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