Biscuit at the double!

What an unbelievable couple of weekends it has been for our jockey Adam Beschizza. After a memorable win in the Cambridgeshire Handicap at Newmarket a fortnight ago, he only went and won the equally-prestigious Cesarewitch Handicap at the same course, completing the famous 'Autumn Double'. As I said before, Adam is an extremely talented jockey (that's why we use him!) who has just gone a bit out of fashion with some owners and trainers but hopefully these two big successes can put him back in the limelight. His plan is to stay in the UK this winter, rather than go to America like he has done before, and to make the most of his time in the spotlight. He rides out for us every morning and is a real asset to the team.

Adam after his historic Autumn Double

Working with horses is fraught with danger so it was no surprise to see our farrier mark with a bandaged head and I presumed he had got a bash from some young horse. However, it transpires that he trip over the rubber matting in Jeremy Noseda's yard and split his head open, requiring 18 stitches! Never a wimp, Mark was back shoeing the following day but he did look as though he had a bit of a headache!

Farrier Mark in the wars

As we head into winter, there have been some dramatic skies about the Heath as the temperature drops. The mornings can be pretty misty but it does make for some good photos, like this one I took on my phone the other morning.

The mists also make for some good photos at the races and thanks to Richard Fuller for this one of Duke Of Diamonds at Chelmsford on Thursday night. It was the gelding's third run so he now gets a handicap mark but, with a lack of opportunities for stayers on the flat over the remainder of the turf season, his owners have decided to give him a break over which I'm sure he will improve and strengthen up.

Duke Of Diamonds at Chelmsford

With 1700 horses catalogued for the Autumn horses in training sale at Tattersalls this month, you find that races are extremely competitive at the minute as connections try to win with their horses before the sales. Most races have full fields so I'm happy to bide my time with the horses as the races will be a lot less competitive in a couple of weeks time.

Dakota City ran a lot better at Kempton in the week and proved to us that he is a true all-weather performer. He didn't get home over the 1m4f so I think a drop back in trip will see him back among the winners.
This week we will just have a trio of runners, starting with Star Of The Stage on Tuesday. He hasn't run yet for us through no fault of his own and I've been delighted with him ever since he arrived in July. We don't know for sure what kind of trip he wants but he has done plenty of work and it'd be nice if he could show us some promise at Wolverhampton.
Candesta made a great comeback to finish third last time and he goes to Kempton on Wednesday in top form. He is certain to win a race sooner or later and I just hope he gets the splits and can put his head in front sometime soon.

Candesta (Caitlin) & Automotive (Ross)

Finishing the week will be Attain at Wolverhampton on Saturday. He has done well this season with three wins to his name but the handicapper has had his say since then. He is in good order and will come back to form pretty soon.

Vastly (Adam) & Attain (Luke)

The Ducking Stool (Tess) & Dissertation (Mark)

Dark Diamond (Sarah)