Olla !

I'm on the boat to Santander for my annual pilgrimage to Ceret . It's different every year - but this one might turn out to be the 'differentest' ! I'm going with 'my Nic' - 'er sister Sally and bruv in-law Pete . Should be fun - albeit slow ! I thought I might as well put the trip on 'la blog' and then if I hear anything on the horsey front I can put it in .

There's quite a bit to catch up on - so here goes . Went down to Kenane Stud to check up on our new filly - hence the photo . Have to say she has a wonderful temperament - comes bouncing along when she sees anyone and is not at all timid . Her mum - Fit to Drive - is in the background and Bruce's mum in the far background . A right family do ! The breeder - Bill Smith - was gutted when he heard of Brucies demise . Bill use to ride for Fuke Walwyn - top trainer to The Queen Mother - so he understands the perils of the sport . He recalled the day when Game Spirit - probably the best horse The Q M ever owned - broke a leg at Newbury . Newbury named a race after him and The Q M donated and inscribed a silver tray . Madison won that very race 20 years later and I use to have my breakfast on that very tray !

I was so sad to learn of the death of David Johnson - 6 times champion owner - due to cancer . DJ was an all round top guy . I always sent him a turkey for Christmas - really as a thank you for all the champaign I quaffed when his horses won . I once needed some tickets on a big race day somewhere . As he had a runner I phoned him . 'Yea Rog - no probs' he said in his east end cockney accent 'one or two?' ' Well eight actually DJ' . I won't repeated what he said but eight where there waiting for me !

Which brings me on to my mate Nick - fighting the great fight across the pond . He's more that halfway through his chemo and doing well. Thoughts with ya Nick - see it off .

The Brothers are also summering well . DP says that George has actually put on weight ! One can only dream of him coming back to his best . The brush hurdle at Haydock - a race he won a couple of years ago - may be his first port of call but The King George will be his main target .

Well - we're having a fantastic crossing - lovely weather and watching the cricket . Our cycle ride to Portsmouth was without incident - apart from Sally overheating coming up Portsdown Hill - but she was wearing a balaclava ! More on my eccentric sister later .

You wouldn't believe it ! Sat down to diner last night and who should be sitting at the next table was a golfing mate . Bobby and his wife Francis are driving down to Camporeal in Portugal for there summer hols . Small world - or as Bobby would say - not big enough ! CU