Madison du Berlais

It was with great sadness that this week I've learnt of the loss of Maddie after a short bout of colic . It was only last Sunday that he took first prize in a dressage event and had been in typically buoyant form . It is true to say that he made Yvonne and myself everything that we are today in horse racing . He took us from the ranks of selling class to the heights of winning Hennessy's and great races . He won well over 400k
in prize money - beat the mighty Denman twice - and to this day was the last horse to beat Big Bucks . (Photo)
My real condolences go out to the girls who did all the hard work in training him in his new career . I never thought it could be done ! Bloody horses .

On a much lighter note we all went down to Pond House on Sunday for a glass or two (or more) of champers to celebrate Geoffrey's success at Haydock the previous Saturday . He's come out of the race really well and we can now look forward to him going novice chasing . He's not quick enough to stay hurdling - but - fingers crossed - will make a really natural jumper .

And as for his elder brother George - well the jury is still out . The main thing is that he's well and in good care . A long holiday somewhere ? CU