Bruce ....

..... goes @ Musselburgh New Years Day . We're going to get the new year off to a flyer with a winner ! Well - that's the plan .
It's a shame Cheltenham was abandoned as Geoff was scheduled to run - but he has entries at Wincanton on Saturday - so hoping that is on . CU

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Just a quickie -

- just to say Geoff won't be running at Newbury today . Trainer is running scared of the opposition ! Bruce is now going to ...AYR on Thurs - well - at this moment he is . Let's hope Cheltenham survives all this rain on Tues and that Geoff runs there ! CU
Ps - George has come out of his tough race really well - lets hope he's on the way back .
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That's better

I can't tell you how relieved I was with George's effort in The KG . He 'blew up' in the home straight but had looked the likely winner before that . DP says that he's very well this morning and ate up . It was a courageous effort considering what the horse has gone through and we can now start making plans for the rest of the season . More on George later .

Here we go

Thank you for all the Good Luck Wishes received - much appreciated. Got to say I'm not sure what to expect today - what with the testing ground and his first run back following his soft pallet op - but it's always really good to have a runner in The KG .
Madison came 2nd a couple of years back . He thought he had won - but didn't see Kauto Star 35 lengths and a fence in front !
We have a lunch sponsored by Billy Hills with all the other owners in the KG . We all seem to get on really well and there is always a lot of light hearted banter . Robert Waley - Cohen - owner of Long Run - is a proper gentleman and always wishes us luck . And then there is Jimmy Nesbitt - Riverside Theatre . I once asked him what he did for a living!
I'll report in tonight - whatever . CU
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Happy Xmas ....

.... to my reader . Just to say that I have 2 spare O&T badges available for t'mor if anyone is up for it !
CU
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All systems go

It's been - shall we say - a rather turbulent couple of months! Geoff winning twice - photo finishes - Bruce almost ending up on the deck - then getting us 'out of jail' by his 3rd .
But the big one was actually getting George back from his op to run on Boxing Day . The fact that he does now run is like an early Xmas present for me .
He's schooled and scoped really well - I just hope the 'real' Grands Crus turns up on Wednesday . I'll be keeping 'La Blog' well updated over the next few days so stay in touch . Oh - and HAPPY CHRISTMAS . CU
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Is it George ?

Hard to tell from this photo - he was going just too fast ! Has a routine scope on Saturday and all being well IS going to Kempton on Boxing Day .

Bruce ...

...following Geoff after working this morning and non the worse for his little 'blip' on Sunday . 'Lovely attitude' says trainer . Would've gone to Ascot tomorrow HAD he won !

Geoff ...

.... is looking so much stronger . Has improved for his last last race . Will be heading to either Newbury - Cheltenham or Warwick over the New Year period .

Racing Post: Grands Crus progress pleases Pipe as King George nears

DAVID PIPE on Monday declared himself pleased with the progress Grands Crus is making from his wind operation, with hopes still alive that the seven year old could make the field for the William Hill King George VI at Kempton on December 26.

Read the full story at: http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/david-pipe-kempton-king-george-grands-crus-progress-pleases-pipe-as-king-george-nears/1171364/

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That's racing

Well done to all those who backed Bruce e/w . He was jumping really well when he just slipped 4 from home . Thought Connor did really well staying on the horse but was never going to win after that . In the end we were delighted with 3rd . Those sort've slips are quite dangerous - often resulting in injuries - so I was delighted that DP rang this morning to say Bruce was back & sound .
A big week coming up . Things are going to plan with George - so fingers crossed . I'm going down to watch him on the gallops on Thursday - with racing at Exeter after - so will have more info then . CU

Master Overseer -

- winner of the feature race at Cheltenham today - with proud owners Garth & Anne - donning their scarves in the same colours .

Catch-up

I've been told off - by one of my two readers - Douglas 'The Anorak' - that 'La Blog' is not up to date ! Slapped wrists and here we go .
There has been umpteen entry's for Bruce and in the end DP has decided to run him at .....bloody Hereford ! Nothing wrong with Hereford mind you - but it's this Sunday and I can't make it . We were looking for a race after the 15th - so the handicapper can't re-assess Bruce till the New Year . Not sure that all makes sense but should he win Sunday - and he should - he only goes up 7lb for his next race - providing he runs again before the 1st Jan . DP had to explain it twice to me - so don't worry if all sounds 'gobbodidigoo'. Apparently that's horse racing - and we've got to 'make hay' - so says DP - while the handicapper is on holiday !
Geoff Lane came down to see George last Tuesday - after his little op - and was delighted with him . He's missed very little work and he's still on course for Boxing Day .... but it's a day by day thing . Fingers crossed .
Geoff has 'come on' for his narrow victory at Haydock and we're looking at The Challow Hurdle at Newbury for him - the Saturday after Xmas - as a possibility . That's a grade 1 - tough but we have to find out . He still thinks life is 'bit of a hoot' - bit like his owner - so not sure about Cheltenham as I think it would all happen a bit too quick for him there .
Only is out till February with his bruised hoof . There are a number of long distant chases towards the end of the season for him - namely the Scottish National at Ayr - but we need to win another race and get him up in the weights .
I was at the King George lunch at The Ivy - name dropping again - on Monday and thought it strange that Paul Nicholls (trainer of Kauto Star) and Clive Smith (owner) were on separate tables and didn't seem to be speaking . It all became apparent the next day as it was revealed that they've had this big almighty fall-out over the horse and where he was to spend his retirement ! Great fun . CU
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Kings Palace -

- with AP McCoy and a rather delighted owner in the winners enclosure at Plumpton after winning the bumper in impressive style .
McCoy got off the horse and told the owner that he was a 'f.....g lucky bastard to own him'!
Not bad for his first horse !

Dynaste -

- with very proud connections - in the winners enclosure at Newbury . I was just hanging around for the champers !

The Newbury Winter Festival

I've been a bit lazy on 'la blog' this week so time for a catch up . It was a three dayer at Newbury with the Hennessy Gold cup the highlight on the Saturday . Obviously I have very fond memories of the race - and of Madison - who still is the last horse to have beaten Big Bucks ! He - by the way - is really enjoying his second career as a show jumper . I just hope the rider is enjoying it as much cos Maddie always had a tendency to 'put down' if he didn't fancy a fence !
We were due a runner on Hennessy day with Only Witness in the amateurs race . Unfortunately he sustained a bruised foot in his last bit of work on the Friday morning so had to be withdrawn . I really felt sorry for the jock - an Irish lad - who flew in from Dublin especially for the ride ! Only has an entree for The Welsh National over Christmas and we really needed to win on Saturday to qualify . That plan is probably now scubberd !
Geoff came out of his race really well - although Tom Scu got a 3 day ban for 'over use of the whip' ! And I think that was right - win or lose - I never like to see my horse - or any horse for that matter - whipped excessively . At least Scu did get up to win .
George starts back cantering this week and we're still hopeful of him getting to the KG on Boxing Day . Before a decision is made on that one I'll go down to the stables and and see how he is .
Our stable Hennessy hope - The Package - came a very respectable 4th in the race - a great relief to all of us who backed him ew ! Another lovely grey - Dynaste - also won a hot novices chase on the Friday - so all in all - it was a pretty good weekend ! CU
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Geoff ....

.... and friends in winners enclosure at Haydock Park

DP says ....

Looking back to last week, I was delighted by the win of Grands Crus' full brother Gevrey Chambertin (pictured above) in a hot novices' hurdle at Haydock on Friday. Displaying a really likeable attitude he fought with the eventual runner-up Corrin Wood all the way up the straight and prevailed in a photo-finish. This was a really good effort conceding 7lbs to the runner-up and he is progressing really well.
I am sure that many of you will be interested to hear how Grands Crus is following his disappointing reappearance and I can confirm that he is making pleasing progress following a wind-operation. Leading wind specialist Geoff Lane found a problem and he has since had a minor corrective procedure. He is progressing well and there is still a chance that he will make the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, although we will give him all the time he needs. He is far too good a horse to risk bringing back too quickly, so we will just let him tell us when he is ready.

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Getting saddled

DP & Head Lad Bob saddling Geoff -with the lovely Claire looking on

Phew

What a fantastic battling performance by Geoff ! At the 1/2 furlong post I thought he would get beat - which is no shame - giving 7lb to horse a year older - but showed great attitude under a strong Tom Scu ride !
More tomorrow - CU

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Geoff

It's no easy task for Geoff this afternoon . He's about 6-4 at the time of writing this but I think he'll drift in the market - I think the Nicholls one will end up favourite .
However - we're here to find out more about him . All the horses are potentially high class chasers for the future and the race will be a good yardstick .
Cu
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Haydock Park

George is now back from his overnight stay at Geoff Lanes . All being well he'll have a canter out next week and then we'll take it from there .
Geoff is heading off to Haydock tomorrow . He did his last piece of work Wednesday morning and DP is more than happy ( where have I heard that one? ) with him . He's running over brush hurdles - which is more like a small fence - so it will be interesting - especially as he's only ever jumped 3 normal hurdles in public before . The ground is likely to ride on the heavy side and he is upped in trip . All should suit .
Haydock is a great place to go with a runner - probably better than Cheltenham or Ascot - and they do a rather superb lunch for owners ! All we need is a winner to go with it !
Will update tomorrow . CU
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David Pipe | Racehorse Trainer

http://www.davidpipe.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1072:a-weekend-to-remember&catid=6&Itemid=35
Recommend a read of DPs blog

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Reflections

I didn't want to write la blog till I'd spoken to DP - who - by the way - is pretty 'cut up' by George's run - or shall we say non run ! Having scoped George yesterday -the vet - a certain Geoff Lane ( who by the way got Denman up and winning again ) did find something amiss and he's going to do a soft pallet op tomorrow . George should be back in training within a week and may still run in the KG - not that it matters . Just want to see the 'real' George when he next runs - even if we have to wait till the spring .
Personally - I'm not sure it was his breathing . They ran him with ear plugs ( God knows why - think they thought it would relax him more !) and I recon he resented them . I wasn't happy with the way he went to post and coming up the home straight - the first time - was never going like the horse we know.He lost a shoe but can't have that as an excuse . Heavy ground ? Na - should love it !
And thanks for everyone's interest . From the outset I wanted 'la blog' to give an inside view of a racehorse owners thoughts and perspective - with all the high ups and low downs . Saturday was certainly all that but it wasn't a low. George is back - fine and in his box ! CU
Ps Geoff ( not the vet ) is entered at Haydock on Friday . No peace for .....
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Mystified.....

....me - DP - Tom Scu - Martin - Gerry ( who rides him in his work ) - mystified . There is obviously something amiss ....but at this moment we just don't get it ! Such is horses and racing but .....
Apart from the obvious disappointment it was a cracking day!
The yard - apart from ours - is flying . Two other winners and a second - all well fancied . I was especially happy for Roger (another Roger) Brookhouse who's Gannanes ( not sure that's spelt right ) won . Roger is a hardy old git - difficult at the best of times - so says DP - but even he was quite emotional in the winners enclosure .
Well - I can't say much now - as it's late . But it will be interesting tomorrow - when we see how George has come out of the race - and perhaps shed some light on what happened today . Cu
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Swing Bill -

- in The Winners enclosure at Cheltenham

What me ....nervous ?

Today was my last day of freedom - a day watching other owners suffer - as I will have to tomorrow . Today was day one of Cheltenham and it certainly didn't disappoint .
DP started with a win in the first - courtesy of Dynaste - in a novice chase won by George last year . He's also a lovely grey and won like a real goodun ! Very exciting for their owners who were too nervous to watch ! They seemed more relaxed watching the replay..... with a glass of champers in their hand !
Then we ( sorry DP ) struck in the last - in the colors of David Johnson ( same ownership as with The Package who won at Wincanton last week ) at the odds of 14-1 . I would like to say that we 'fancied it' and were all 'on' - but in truth - though I did have a tenner ew - thought that at the age of eleven the old boy was a bit passed it ! Nice to be so wrong .
So on to tomorrow and thank you all for your 'good luck' messages. It would - obviously - be great to win - and he should - God willing ! CU
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Racing Post: Quality field confirmed for Paddy Power Gold Cup

A CRACKING renewal of the Paddy Power Gold Cup is on the cards as the declarations for Saturday's Grade 3 were revealed on Thursday. With no defections a maximum field of 20 runners are set to line up, with Grands Crus heading the betting at 9 4.

Read the full story at: http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/cheltenham-cheltenham-cheltenham-cheltenham-paddy-power-gold-cup-chase-grands-crus-quality-field-confirmed-for-paddy-power-gold-cup/1153112/

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The Package -

- getting a well earnt wash down

It's The Paddy Power

I was at Fontwell on Friday for The Hunt Ball Day . Now - as if you didn't know - Hunt Ball is the second favorite for The Paddy Power and the horse was paraded - bit like George was at Kempton - and I've got to say he looked in great nick .
Roll on next week !
I met up there with a long standing ( and suffering ) mate of mine - Roger ( another Roger ) Farnsworth . He's a bit of a shrewdy when it comes to this game and he was adamant that he knew the winner of the last . Anyway this thing won at 12-1 ! And was I on ? Na !! But well done Rog !
However - I did ( well - everyone did ) back DPs winner in the big race at Wincanton . The Package was backed down from 8s in the morning to about 4s ( I got 5s ) and he duly obliged . He won in the colors of David Johnson - who hasn't been in the best of health lately - so that would have cheered him up .
DP also confirmed that George is heading to Cheltenham next Saturday for The Paddy Power . The vibes from the stable are very positive - but they were last March for the RSA ! Anyway - it should be an exciting day and just hope he gets there in rude health . He should win but the odds are a bit skinny at about 3-1 .
Watch this space for updates . CU
Ps They fancy Weekend Millionaire at Fos Las this afternoon
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Warmer times

No photos of yesterday so nicked this one off DPs website - I think it's Fontwell

750 quid

I think that all worked out well ! Bruce had a nice school round yesterday at Exeter ....and picked up some dosh . He's been dropped 5 lb for his time off the track and his future will lie in handicaps . He ate up last night and is sound this morning . DP also George also 'sparkled' in his schooling !
Cu
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David Pipe | Racehorse Trainer

http://www.davidpipe.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=886:royal-runners&catid=6&Itemid=35
Catch up on what DP says

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Hotel Grands Crus in Gevrey Chambertin

A taste of wine

Very pleased to report that Geoff has come out of his race in great shape and will improve for the experience . He'll have another small race somewhere before raising the anti .
I see that George is a warm favorite for the Paddy Power in a couple of weeks time . He was a warm favorite for the RSA at Cheltenham last March and that didn't count for much ! But - if you haven't seen it already - have a look at DPs stable tour on The Racing Posts web site with George coming (flying) up the gallops - really good !
Bruce runs at Exeter on Tues . DP is really happy with him but having 18 mths off will need the race .
This week I took the opportunity - with no horses running and Nicola visiting her big sister out in South Carolina - to have a trip down to Gevrey Chambertin ! And what a great time I had ! I went down armed with photos of the two brothers and - of course - Geoffs win at Aintree . Now - much as I love 'la Francias' - I do find them - well , you know - to be a bit cool and arrogant - especially when it comes to their wine.
So - armed with this hard won knowledge - I took to my first cave with a certain panache - come trepidation . I told Monsieur that I was only interested - quite naturally - in Grand Crus Cambertin . 'ave u evrr triid such a bootifool vine, Monsieur ?' - 'na mate' I said (learnt that one from Mal) 'but would like to try'. Bless him - but he did - begrudgingly - open up a bottle of the famous stuff . I think his hands were trembling as he did . I was in no mood to be hurried - savoring the moment . Anyway - I thought it was about time to cheer him up - so I showed him the photos . His little face beamed ! He actually shared a glass with me . I told him that I'll be back next year - with The Gold Cup ! Nice thought ! CU
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Fwd: [Rogers Horse Racing World] New comment on Comments.

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Begin forwarded message:

From: HugoandLuke <noreply-comment@blogger.com>
Date: 30 October 2012 22:27:48 GMT
To: roger@farmerschoice.co.uk
Subject: [Rogers Horse Racing World] New comment on Comments.

HugoandLuke has left a new comment on your post "Comments":

Hi Rog. Appreciate the updates.
Had a look at the Oliver Sherwood website and it's obvious that he thinks a lot of Many Clouds, the one that Gevrey beat ... well he ran in both the Cheltenham & Aintree champion bumpers. The Charlie Mann turd, Lord Of House also looks one to follow.
The David Pipe stable tour (Pt1) is on Racing Post today and goodness just look at Grands Crus fly up the gallops. W O W !
No prize money for a home gallop though Roger.
Cheers. MhyG. Douglas.



Posted by HugoandLuke to Rogers Horse Racing World at 30 October 2012 15:27

Comments

Just to let everyone know - if you want to post a comment you do need to have a google account - which is apparently very easy to set up - so says my children in the office !

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David Pipe | Racehorse Trainer

http://www.davidpipe.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=6&Itemid=1


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And after

Geoff getting saddled

Great weekend

I really thought that when Only took up the lead entering the straight at Wincanton that we were on for a weekend double. It didn't quite work out like that but we were all delighted with his second . There is more to come from him .
I was very relieved that Geoff got his head in front at Aintree on Saturday .
He looked beaten at the furlong post but showed great attitude and stayed on really well to beat a good horse. The race was not run to suit him and it ended up being a mile flat race with 6 hurdles being removed due to the low sun . Tom Scu was at his best !
DP flew up for the race - along with Charlotte Scu - and there was a great atmosphere in the winners enclosure - helped by the fact that DP had 3 winners on the day at different courses !
Our celebrations were nothing though compared to Sunday at Aintree when Broadway Buffalo won the last for a group of very large and very fit rugby players ! It had been torrential rain all day and the track was riding so muddy that the colours were indistinguishable . It was only when we removed the mud from Toms face that we new we had won ! CU
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My mate Anton

Geoff & George

Aintree & Wincanton

Geoff is off to Aintree tomorrow & Only to Wincanton on Sun.
Can't make it to Wincanton so if anyone needs any O&T badges let me know . There is some good racing & DP also has a few runners - so if you can - get along . Everyone - even people I've never met - are invited to lunch and free drinks at The Bathwick Tyres Suite on the top floor of the main stand ! Just mention my name to Wayne .
I'm heading for Richmond in N Yorks for this cousins thing . All pretty boring but it does have some pluses . Richmond is very near to the Middleham training centre so it's horse racing country . I'm off to The Conservatory Club where tips fly around like confetti . Just might have one or two to give them myself !
Geoff will win his race - short odds - but don't give up on Only . Worth a fiver . CU
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Fontwell

Went to Fontwell Park yesterday . After the hectic weekend it was a nice low key ( and low standard ) sort of afternoon . Nothing much to report there but Brendan had a winner - ridden by AP for JP McManus - so he was happy . Should win again at Taunton next week .
Spoke to DP . Geoff is also entered for Bangor on Mon . We will know tomorrow where he is actually running . As I said earlier in the week I'm heading North on a cousins convention so Aintree - Sat or Sun - would be ideal . Banger-on the way home - would also fit in but Wincanton on the Sun is problematic . Would have to leave early and upset a lot of cousins ! Oh well - if it has to be .
DP did say though that Bruce schooled very well over fences that morning . He's got an entree for Taunton on Tues but won't run . He wants to see what handicap mark he's been given after a year off .
Thought I'd put DPs blog on mine - hope you might find it of interest .
We'll find out tomorrow what is actually happening .
CU

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Franks A Lot! Written by David Pipe

http://www.davidpipe.com


Monday, 22 October 2012 15:50 Written by David Pipe 
 
It was a good week for the yard last week with three winners courtesy of a double at Wetherby on Wednesday and a Cheltenham success on Saturday. I Shot The Sheriff made a most pleasing debut for the stable at Wetherby and was a welcome success for owner Malcolm Denmark who has an increased string at Pond House this term.
I Shot The Sheriff had won a Southwell bumper for former trainer Warren Greatrex before finishing well beaten in a more competitive contest at Ascot. He had been schooling nicely at home and it was great to translate that into a victory on his first start over timber. He travelled supremely well and did not need to be asked a serious question to beat a useful rival in Irish raider Liberty’s Gift. He will have learned plenty for this experience on only his third career start and he looks to be an exciting prospect for the season ahead.
African Broadway completed the double for the yard when making a winning debut over the larger obstacles in a useful looking beginners’ chase. I have always liked him and bought him as a potential chaser a couple years ago and it was a bonus that he was able to pick up a bumper as well as a couple of hurdles along the way. African Broadway jumped well in the main (apart from a mistake at the second last) and he stayed on really well to win by 3½ lengths. He is another who should continue to improve and make up into a very nice staying chaser.
Talking of nice staying chasers, I have been looking forward to entering top-class staying hurdler Dynaste over fences. Our Haydock Fixed Brush Hurdle winner is the highest rated hurdler from the yard that will be switching to fences this season and he has schooled really well at home. I had earmarked him to make his chase debut at Worcester this week in a race that originally had a total prize fund of £6,000. I was very disappointed to see that when the race conditions were subsequently reproduced that the race was then worth a total of £4,700. I understand that times are financially very testing for everyone at present, but a near 22% decrease in proposed prize money is preposterous. I feel sorry for the racegoers who are deprived of seeing quality horses such as him because Arena Leisure are not prepared to put up satisfactory funds.
Anyway, I digress…it was good to be back at the home of National Hunt racing at the weekend with the start of the new season at Cheltenham and I was delighted to welcome in a winner on Saturday when our only runner, His Excellency prevailed in the novices’ chase. Bought reasonably at the Doncaster Sales in August, he went some way to repaying some of his price tag with a determined success from favourite Third Intention. He hasn’t always looked the most straight forward with his tail flashing in the closing stages, but he possesses plenty of talent and it certainly doesn’t seem to stop him.
It was also Kempton’s first meeting of the new season on Sunday and I was invited to take part in a racing forum before the start of the first. It was an enjoyable day and there was a good turnout from the crowd and they seemed pleased to see stable star Grands Crus who had won the Grade One Feltham Novices’ chase at the track on Boxing Day. As you can see from the pictures, he is in good nick and will hopefully be on the course within the next month either for the Paddy Power at Cheltenham on 17^th November or the Betfair Chase a week later at Haydock. I can honestly say that at present we have not decided on the best route for him, suffice to say I will have to speak to the owners and take in the best option for the horse. The public will be informed when a decision has been reached.

Above right, I was interviewed as part of the Kempton Forum, as were (left): Tom Scu and Roger Stanley

Of the old brigade I have to inform you of the retirement of one of our old stalwarts, Raslan who ran his last race at the Prestbury course on Friday. He has been a wonderful servant down the years and seemed to have a real affinity for our local track at Newton Abbot, where he twice won their valuable summer hurdle. He hadn’t shown the same sort of enthusiasm in his last couple of starts and we felt that it was the right time to draw stumps with him. He retires happy and sound and will be heading back north to be with his owner shortly.
Meanwhile, another old-timer Tamaribleu continues in training and is in great form at home. Our gelding will be a teenager in January but it is amazing how much enthusiasm he retains. He arrived at Pond House at the same sort of time as Lough Derg but this will be his final season. Plans are fluid at present whether he has a whole season or not, we will let him tell us but we hope to see him back on the racecourse next month. He is in rude health and it would be amazing if he could win again before retiring.
While I am on the subject of retirements, I was delighted to see Frankel retire with his undefeated record in tact. It illustrates just what an incredible horse he is to be able to beat a horse of the calibre of Cirrus des Aigles despite just about everything going wrong for him (from missing the break at the start, to the very testing underfoot conditions). I don’t think that this was his very best performance, but with Excelebration routing a very good field in the QE2 earlier in the day, perhaps the handicappers might retrospectively consider raising his mark to at least that of Dancing Brave. Whatever, they choose to do with him, I am confident that he is the best I have seen and we have been privileged to witness him on the racecourse. I would like to thank connections for allowing us to see him race on at four years of age and they should be congratulated for the manner in which they have managed everyone’s expectations of this most public of horses.
We have made entries this morning for the weekend fixtures at Aintree, Chepstow, Stratford and Wincanton and as usual you can catch up with the latest news of our runners by checking Chester’s Daily Chat.

Fwd: as attachments perhaps for your the blog

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Begin forwarded message:

From: DOUGLAS MCNICOL <doug.mcnicol@btopenworld.com>
Date: 21 October 2012 20:41:16 GMT+01:00
To: Roger <roger@farmerschoice.co.uk>
Cc: Nicola <nicola@farmerschoice.net>
Subject: as attachments perhaps for your the blog
Reply-To: DOUGLAS MCNICOL <doug.mcnicol@btopenworld.com>

Hello Nicola, 

nice to see you today ; here's to a good sporting season ... cheers

Douglas.

George @ Kempton

Photo taken by Douglas

Kempton

Just like to say THANK YOU to everyone who turned up at Kempton on Sunday to give George and myself their support. DP was rather anxious before the interview - more to do with what I was going to say than anything . But all seemed to go well .
Could be a busy weekend coming up . Geoff is entered for Aintree ( sat & sun ) and also Wincanton Sun . Only is entered for a nice long distance chase - also at Winnie .I'm supposed to be heading North for a cousins convention . God knows where I'll end up ! Will keep you update . CU R


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Alex and Genienve in winners enclosure at Cheltenham

What a weekend

I need a holiday ! Cheltenham was fantastic . Had a couple winners on Fri - only breaking even - then on Sat had my two God Children joining me . It was Genienve's 21st birthday and we celebrated with a couple bottles of Champers ! By the time you pay to get them in and hand out a bit of betting dosh it was never going to be a cheap day but once again DP & Tom Scu came up with the goods with an 8-1 winner !
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Geoff @ Wincanton

Cheltenham

I took the opportunity while in Cheltenham of popping in and seeing Yvonne . Yvonne is my long suffering co-owner and she hasn't been in the best of health lately . Not that you would believe that looking at her ! She looked in grand order and though her memory is fading ( forgets my birthday )she seemed to know to the penny what we've got in our account !
Met up after racing with her sons Paul & Steve for a pint at The Plough in Presbury . Great place - proper ale .
I'm running a bit short on time - I've got to pick my God Children - Alex & Genevieve up from the station .Sounds as if it might prove to be an expensive afternoon . Leave you with a photo of Geoff parading at Wincanton ( for Douglas ).
CU
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Another day - another plan

Don't you just love trainers ! Roan Chase ( Aintree ) - Betfair Chase ( Haydock ) - KG ( Kempton ) . Well - that was 2 weeks ago ! Paddy Power ( Chelt ) Hennessy ( New ) KG are this weeks targets . At least The KG is still there . No way am I moaning - just find it amusing .
Great to be back at Wincanton yesterday . Wayne Clifford is Bathwick Tyres who are the sponsors of the Pipe yard and he always has a box there . I got there early - took the Bathwick sign off the door and replaced it with a Farmers Choice compliment slip - and wrote on it ' due to unpaid invoices this box is now sponsored by the above '. Now Wayne - who is not particularly renowned for his even temper - did see the amusing side of this ....and banned me from his box for the rest of the season !
I also met Antony ? (cant remember his surname ) who is the owner of Hunt Ball . Now Hunt Ball was one of the most improved horses of last season and is 2nd fav for The Paddy Power ( George is the Fav ) so you can imagine the banter ! Anthony is a great character . He once - after winning with Hunt Ball - pushed the surprised jockey off the horse and rode it himself into the winners enclosure ! He - like me - also received a ban . CU -


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Wincanton

We had a fun day at Leicester on mon where my mate Ken's horse - Dark Emerald - came 3rd in a 'hot' little conditions race . (Sorry about the lack of a photo but forgot to take one!) I think he will make up into a nice 3 year old next year.
Busy weekend for moi . Geoff is being paraded at Wincanton ( God knows why !) so heading off there . Cheltenham for 2 days and Kempton Sunday . If I don't have a few winners it could also prove to be an expensive one !
Must remember to take photo ! CU
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Leicester

I'm off to Leicester today to support my mate - Ken - who has Dark Emerald in the first . We were together when his other horse - Uncle Dermot - won at Salisbury a fortnight ago at 16-1 . There are only 5 runners so hopefully some prize money will come his way . I think the favourite will be hard to beat .
This is a good time of the year to look at the anti-post market for the coming season . You're always taking a bit of a risk - a horse might not even get to the race - but can be good fun if kept sensible . George is 6s for the KG - enough value in the price to do each way . He's 20-1 for the Gold Cup and that's way too big . If - IF - he came out and won the Betfair at Haydock he would halve in price !
Got to go . I hope he's driving ! Pictures later . R
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Geoff - well filled out but looking good

A rather fat George -

Possible entries

This is always an exciting time of the year and one is full ( in the words of Bruce Springsteen ) of 'hopes and dreams' - only to be doused with reality by the the time the Cheltenham Festival is over !
Been having chats with David Pipe - DP - about entries and targets . Well , this is a sort of entry - Grand Crus ( George ) is heading to Kempton Park on Sun 21st Oct - but only to be paraded . It's apart of their build up to The King George on Boxing Day and being 2nd fav they would like him there . I do hope Kauto Star and Long Run are also . If you're at a loose end that day get along to Kempton Park - should be a fun afternoon.
Wincanton Race Course also wanted George to be paraded - on the 18th - but can't do both - so we're sending his younger brother - Geoff ( Gevry Chambertin ) . Once again - everyone welcome . For me Wincanton is the start of the National Hunt Season .
I'm in Portugal at the moment but really my thoughts are for the coming season . Back on Sat - Goodwood Sun - Salisbury Mon - but thoughts on Wincanton Thurs . Cheltenham Fri & Sat . Oh - Kempton Sun . C U there ! R

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Only Witness

Well - there you go . Bless him . Plodded on 3rd ( of 5 ) but without something to make the running it was always difficult. He had to make his own pace and rather set it up for the horses behind . But looking on the bright side it's a long season and the best is yet to come . ( I'm thinking positively here - as all owners do after defeat ! ) .
He has a rating of 125 over the fences and if we could win another chase he would probably get a mark in the 130s - that should then get him into some nice long distance chases. We think he would go well in some like the Welsh National - that's if he could ever get in !
Off to Ascot today . Portugal tomorrow for a week . There is still work to be done on My Racing Blog so I'll have a bit of time to get it better.
Thanks for reading the blog and don't feel shy putting your views forward - it makes it all the more fun ! CU all racing soon . R
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Hello

Hi Roger , hope to meet up soon .
Stephen

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You have received a new message

You have received a picture message from mobile number +447979804619 You can reply once to this message via MMS for free! To send a reply containing pictures, audio or video, click here to visit our on-line composer. Alternatively, you can send a text-only reply (limited to 500 characters), simply by clicking your usual reply button. By replying to this message you agree to our terms and conditions. Please see our Website Terms and Conditions at http://www.vodafone.co.uk/termsandconditions for full details. Only one reply is possible until 09/10/2012. Subject: You have received a new message Slide 1 / 2 Went to see Only Witness do a nice piece of work last week and we're very hopeful today . He goes well fresh and will relish the distance . Trainer in great form - lets hope that continues ! Slide 2 / 2 To save this picture, right-click it and choose Save Image". Macintosh users can click and drag the image to their desktop." You can reply once to this message via MMS for free! To send a reply containing pictures, audio or video, click here to visit our on-line composer. Alternatively, you can send a text-only reply (limited to 500 characters), simply by clicking your usual reply button. By replying to this message you agree to our terms and conditions. Please see our Website Terms and Conditions at http://www.vodafone.co.uk/termsandconditions for full details. Only one reply is possible until 09/10/2012. Using Vodafone mobile phones you can create and receive MMS (Multimedia Message). For more information join our website on www.vodafone.com or visit one of our Vodafone shops around the world.

Only Witness

Testing