There was a good buzz around Pond House last Saturday . DP was - well - like he is - laid back . Hate to think what stuff is churning around inside - but he doesn't show it . Mind you - don't get near him a week before The Festival in March! Martin was looking really well - bit of a surprise really cos I never thought he would make it this far ! Carol has just celebrated her 70th - in Tuscany with all her friends and family - and looks 10 years younger . She is still 'supreme commander in chief '. Liane and kids - great . Yvonne is still very poorly - bless her . This dementia thing is just awful and she was sadly missed around the table . Her son Paul and his partner Claire were there though and they seem to be keen on carrying on with Yvonne's legacy - which is great .
And horses ? Well - its the first stable visit since we lost Bruce - so a bit sad there . Geoffrey has just had his breathing op - so didn't come up the gallops . But he looks bigger and stronger . I think the plan is to keep him hurdling for the time being and might take a similar route to that of his elder brother ie Brush hurdle . And what about our 'enigma'. George has put on plenty of weight and looked the best he's done for this time of the year . He did two canters on his own - as he always has done - and as far as I can tell was enjoying it - ears pricked and full of himself . He's eating better now since he's been on the ulcer stuff .Only the next race will tell us - and that might come earlier than first envisaged - maybe at the end of October .
Afterwards very nice lunch was readily consumed . I sat next to Professor ( no less ) Caroline Tisdall . Caroline has been enthusiastically investing in new horses and has just spent over 200k on a Frenchie ( can't remember the name ) . One can only wish her all the success she deserves - a lovely lady .
Talk around the table was also about how to buy the good horses - those with proven form are prohibitively expensive . I'm a great believer in getting young store horses and being patient . The problematic thing there is you need to sell sometimes - costly to keep every horse . I do like the French way .
The best photo - which never got taken - was MCP wearing his new - very glitzy - Italian shirt . Unfortunately - he had it tucked in to his very grey flannels and was still wearing his trilby ! CU
Hi Rog, Nic and fellow other blog follower. Long time, and beware that this update has a sting in the tale !
ReplyDeleteAppreciate the updates Roger & trust that you had a pleasant extended break ... working holiday(?) in France. Back to blighty now and yes lots to look forward to. The anticipation.
Brothers looking good!
I remain distracted with various research so not so focused on horse racing as once was the case, even missed the arc trials last weekend!
Shame but will catch up on results after posting this to oblivion.
Thinking of Yvonne remember all to stay positive a good diet including home made sauerkraut, vitamins and volvic mineral water all help.
Don't trust me ... look it up!
The smiley sting is that I meant to mention Aymigayle today, a horse that I've (we've) been aware of for a while. Bred and raced by Pete Mercer - boots - ex. of John Best yard.
He hasn't been well for a while & has had strokes. Still has marbles but not so mobile.
Nicky Ledger (Kent , cherries, Mind How You Go Roger) escorted him to Plumpton today and wouldn't you know ... Aymygayle led all the way and won at 5/1.
Not after-timing as not a penny on but cheered the mare to the line.
Phoned Nicky to tell her that I was chewing a bee that she hadn't told me that she was a certainty!! Only joking of course and I sort of hope that it's par for the course for the coming season. Don't tell me when they're 'expected'!!!
Oh well back to my studies ... found some lovely medicinal birch polypore fungus today and several cudgels of field mushrooms.
Cheers, The Anorak.