I'm a Twit!

It has taken a while but I have finally got with the times and joined Twitter. The kids say how great it is to communicate with people and catch up on news instantly so I'll see how it goes. I've managed a couple of 'tweets' so I consider that a success already! No doubt I'll give it up when punters start abusing me on it! You can follow me at @JuliaFeilden.

We have just three horses entered for this coming week and the first one might not be a definite goer. Celestine Abbey needs a few to come out to get a run at Kempton on Wednesday. She has the ability to win but things are taking a while to fall right for her.

Previous Acclaim (Ryan) & Celestine Abbey (Shelley)

 

We will be making the long journey up the M6 on Thursday to Haydock as hopefully two of ours will be running there. Handheld will need plenty of rain if he is to run but he has come out of his win last time in great form and never ceases to surprise us by showing a bit more improvement over the course of the year.
Everyone knows The Ducking Stool only seems to win at Yarmouth but I can't see a reason why she can't win at another track. Haydock is a similar configuration to Yarmouth so the course should be fine for her but the drop back in trip to 1m4f might just catch her out.

Handheld (Danny) & The Ducking Stool (Ross)

 

Despite all the rain that has been about, it never seems to come in time for Bethan. She's a sure-fire winner when getting soft ground but hopefully she'll have her favoured conditions a bit more often now we're heading into autumn.
Luhaif will be going to Chester next week and seems happy in himself. The draw is a big factor there so hopefully he'll get a low berth.

Bethan (Danny) & Luhaif (Ross)

 

It was great to see Sadiigah back on the gallops after the list of injuries she has had. She still hasn't run for us yet but there seems to be plenty of ability there and she looks likely to be a sprinter as she holds plenty of speed. We will take things step by step with her but I'm looking forward to getting her to the racecourse.

Honeymoon Express (Ryan) & Sadiigah (Shelley)

 

Like the rest of the world, plenty of 'ice bucket' nominations have been flying about the yard and, after Ross last week, Danny and Ryan were the next victims. They decided to stand in a water trough and have the rest of the staff cover them in water. I think it was pretty chilly!

Danny & Ryan get a soaking

 

Ross' ice bath must have done him some good though as he came out the following day and scored the biggest victory of his riding career when winning the Amateeur Derby at Epsom aboard Barwick. Trained by Lady Herries, the horse loved the near-waterlogged ground and came away to win quite easily. I know this is a race Ross has always wanted to win and he now calls himself a Derby winning jockey!

Ross & Barwick make one punter's day

 

I received an email from Newmarket Racecourse manager Amy Starkey during the week to inform me that the course is giving away free badges for the Future Champions Day on 17th October at the Rowley Mile. It is open to anyone so if you fancy a free day out just email me how many badges you want and they'll be waiting for you. The closing date is October 1st.