RIP Pat

It filled me with great sadness this week to learn of the death of Pat Eddery. On a professional level, he was an exceptional jockey, as all his success testifies. His career was winding down by the time I took out a trainer's licence but I grew up admiring his talents. On a personal note, I have been friends with the family for years and was lucky to be a witness at his and Carolyn's wedding many years ago. I know Pat had made a go at training after riding but I feel he could never really replace the buzz of big race success once he retired. I am just thankful that we got to witness his talents and I was lucky enough to know him whilst he was with us.

Looking ahead to this week's runners, we have quite a busy few days in store.
Starting on Tuesday, Candesta looks to win again after his narrow success at Kempton last time. He was entered for a race last Saturday but I've saved him for this one as I think it will be a better opportunity for him. He came out of the win in great form and only went up 2lbs in the handicap so hopefully he can go close again.

Candesta (Shelley)

Wednesday sees Dakota City back in action again. He definitely seems to be a better horse on the all-weather and was a bit unlucky at Lingfield last time. The 1m2f around Kempton should be ideal for him and there's definitely another win in the pipeline for him.
Then on Thursday we have a double header. Automotive goes to Lingfield in good order after his win at Wolverhampton last time. He too only went up a little in the handicap and the 1m4f around Lingfield seems just about within his compass. He's a hard one to predict and never runs two races the same but I hope he can be in the mix..
Completing the double on Thursday is Meddling. She has come out of her summer break in great health and has been working very impressively. A mile might just stretch her a bit but she couldn't be in any better form and I hope she can get a win before heading to the sales in three weeks' time.

Meddling (Ross), Automotive (Nick) & Dakota City (Mark)

Serendib's Glory and Big Bang are two juveniles who have both needed a bit of time to strengthen up but they are now both galloping and just need a bit more education before hitting the course. They are going the right way now and I think they will be out before Christmas, all being well.

Big Bang & Serendib's Glory (Caitlin)

Every year we take on a couple of Korean riders for a month as they bid to improve their riding and learn some English by coming over on a working holiday. Our pair this year are a good couple of lads and have fitted in well to the team. They have been getting plenty of riding in and they seemed to have improved as jockeys significantly.

Dark Diamond

As mentioned last week, the three to follow competition is now over for the season and the winner Mark Rimmer received his cash prize this week. Here he is pictured with one of his selections Dakota City.