Merry Christmas Dearest Reader ...

... well - better late than never !
And how things change . I'm usually King Georging it Boxing Day - then to Cheltenham for New Years Day . This New Years Day will be spent in Pau - to see if LMD can build on her very good second at Fontainbleau . Pau - dear reader - is in the Pyrenees . Tough - competitive racing - I just hope our petit filly can pick up some prize money . Still - exciting to be running there .
And - glory be - I didn't quite make it to Carlisle either ! to watch Geoffrey get tailed off . Tom Scu said the ground - although described as soft - rode faster . Obviously too fast for Geoff . He'll 'pop up' somewhere - but one wouldn't know when . A few pounds dropped ... and a few pounds to go ! CU

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Carlisle to Pau

Well - it's all good fun ! Geoffrey has had entries all over - Exeter to Newbury to Carlisle - and now back to Carlisle . And that is where he'll run this Sunday . In fairness to DP - it hasn't been easy to find him a suitable race with soft ground . He's a bit stuck between classes - not top - and probably handicapped about right over hurdles . However - he loves Carlisle and is a C&D winner . Probably his first run out is the time to catch him .
And news of LMD ~ she has come out of her race at Fontainebleau well and is penciled in for Pau - just before Christmas .
Ooh for a festive winner ! CU

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Fwd: Madison Du Berlais

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Begin forwarded message:

From: carol evans <malc.carol@btinternet.com>
Date: 26 November 2016 at 15:01:45 WET
To: Roger Stanley <roger@farmerschoice.co.uk>
Subject: Madison Du Berlais

Great run ...

... from LMD ! Couldn't ask for anything more - apart from winning of course . Our filly certainly has a lovely attitude and just hope she continues to enjoy her racing .
I'm not sure if the race was a particularly strong one - but who cares . What is so good about French racing is the prize money . The race had a value of 23K - of which our slice for 2nd was far more than a win would be back home . I just hope we can find a win for her somewhere .
And yesterday was Hennessy Cup day ! It's 8 years since Madison's win - somehow feels longer - and one can't help but get a little sentimental . Madison gone - Yvonne not really with us - George in happy retirement . A lot of water under the bridge - but it's still a fantastic sport to be involved in . Long may that continue ! CU
Ps - Geoffrey entered for Exeter next Sunday

Not Newbury

The Long Distance Hurdle has cut up to be a very competitive affair - so DP thought we would bypass and perhaps go to Sandown next week .
However - Littlemissdynamite does run in France at Fontainebleau today ( 12-35 French time ) . Will
report . CU
Ps race can be viewed on EQUIDIA

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Entry ...

... for Geoffrey ... at Newbury on Friday ... in the Long Distance
Hurdle . He won a nice novice chase on the same day here couple of years ago - so I suppose we'll see if lightning strikes twice ! CU




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Well done ...

... Littlemissdynamite ! Not that we were in the money at Lyon du Parilly yesterday - however - she jumped and travelled really well - so delighted .
She pulled quite hard over the first few hurdles - which probably cost her at the finish - but although not quickening - wasn't losing much ground - just staying on . Plenty to look forward to ! CU ... at Carlisle ?
PS - ground looks plenty quick up there - so might be doubtful
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Update

The ground at Fontainbleau is going to be too firm for LMD - so Emmanual has decided to re-route her to Lyon on Friday . A tougher race but with more suitable conditions .
Also Geoffrey has an entry at Carlisle on Monday . Lyon to Carlisle ?? CU

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Retour du la blog

So - where have you been ?!!
Seems a while since Auteuil - but all in all - not a lot to tell . However - things are starting to move . DP says Geoffrey has summered well ( he does enjoy a golly good holiday - bless ) and as soon as the ground eases he'll be winning again ! Hmm - won't hold my breath on that one .
And LMD is ready to have her first run and is earmarked for a race at Fontainbleau this Thursday . We had a lovely couple of days with the the Clayaux's in August . Watched LMD do some nice work - jumping included - and she looked very well . She's a bit on the small side - but as Emmanual points out - Fee Magic ( The Brothers mum ) was also . Unfortunately - Fee Magic died recently - still quite young . Such a shame for Jean Marie . We all have to move on in this game .
I did make a small purchase while staying with Emmanual . He showed me a yearling - already named Fontannes - out of Saddler Maker / Oddy - Video Rock . If the Anorak is out there somewhere - could l have the 'low down'?
I'm use to seeing horses gallop before purchasing - so looking at a yearling is probably a bit beyond me . However - Emmanual thinks highly of the stallion - and well - thought l'll take a chance . The days of finding a Madison seems to be fast receding - so this is a nice opportunity to hopefully keep an interest - albeit - sometime 'down the road'.
Anyway - where is Fontainbleau ? Years ago Yvonne and myself ended up at the wrong Bangor ! Im hoping to get this one right ! Cu .... Thursday

Lost ...

... at the start ! And how many time have I said that ! Geoffrey is quirky - and no more so than at the start - which is crucial .If he's not on the move into the tape then he'll just go on to his hocks and lose his pitch . Don't mind losing - but frustrating when he has not run his race . Mind you - the winner was really impressive - and in reality ours was only there to try pick up some loose change - but alas ...
However - that didn't stop us from having a superb weekend . The French Gallop certainly know how to entertain the owners - helped with copious amounts of fine champagne - which seemed to suit Chris and Debs Queen - who accompanied us for the trip .
And it was great to catch up with Emmanual & France and kids.
They had a wonderful Sunday with two wins ! We got to see the Grand Steeple Chase Du Paris - and that's a sight to behold ! Don't think we'll enter Geoffrey for that one ... just yet!
CU

Up-date

Geoffrey arrived at Auteuil early this morning - 12 hours - travelled well - and it's pouring !! CU .... in Paris

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Auteuil ...

... here we come ! Well - just think of the wine & food rather than the prize . The Barka is a hot race this year - tougher - so says DP - than when the stable won it last year with Balaganor ( not sue if that's spelt correctly ).
However - it's great to be going . Tom Scu - quite rightly - sticks with Balaganor - so James Reveley rides Geoffrey. The race is a bit on the short side for our fella - so we're hoping for him to jump well and run a solid race . CU

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Auteuil

Well - apologies once again for the lack of 'la blog' in recent weeks - but not a lot has been happening !
Littlemissdynamite apparently is doing well down at Emmanuals and should - all being well - be having her first run this summer . We've got the colours registered - French Gallop
account sorted - so we're all set up raring to go . Let's hope LMD is also !
And the really good news yesterday was that DP phoned to say that Geoffrey has been entered for the La Barka at Auteuil next weekend . I have to say it's been a little frustrating waiting such a long time for an entry - especially as Geoffrey won so convincingly at Carlisle way back in early March . But I'm sure DP has given him that end of season 'easy time of it ' - essential if taking on the trip to Paris .
Of course every thing hinges on him scoping well - and that result should be known today - but that is the plan .
More to come . CU
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Geoffrey ...

... seems to have got what I've got !
Geoffrey's blood count showed up not quite right - so says Master Trainer - so will miss Kelso . I've just got over 'a touch ' of the 'lergie' myself - so happy enough to stay put . CU
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Entry for Geoffrey

I'm just about got over Cheltenham - now trainer wants to send me to Scotland !
Never been to Kelso - apparently it's a lovely country course - very hospitable - though I recon DP is just trying to sell it to me! And Geoffrey - who ran so well when winning at Carlisle - is in very good form at home (always is ) - and providing all his checks come out ok - will run . CU
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Day 4 ...

and knackered ! It doesn't get any easier - though I thought this year things are getting more predictable - especially in the higher grade races .
Anyway - it was a good days racing - with winners more evenly spread . My only pick up was the DP trained Champers on Ice - 3rd at 20-1 . I picked up 'bits & pieces' throughout the week - and have a lot to thank Un Temps for getting us off to a flyer . My tip for the week was Dr Harper . Martin said all he had to do was jump . Dr H hit the first ... and was never seen again ! Can't jump Martin - can't jump .
Highlight was Sprinter - thought Cue would have made it an even more of an emotional week - but alas ...
Great to catch up with so many friends ( and yes - some people do still recognise me ) - and with DPs wig-wam - it just makes things a bit more bearable .
On a slightly negative note - l just feel the National Hunt lover is getting squeezed out by 20-30 year old - tight suited brigade - who pour out of their mini cabs - head towards the Guinness tent and never see a horse . Tuesday & Friday are becoming hard work . Shame . Tell them to to get up to Carlisle - we'll see how enthusiastic they really are .
Still - enough moaning & groaning - it's still a fantastic sport - and one which I owe so much to . CU - at Kelso ?
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Day 3 - and Mullin rules

Absolutely delighted for all Thistlecrack connections - Scu said he would win - barring a fall a fall . Well - he was the evens favourite - so no big tip there ! Was it that the other horses weren't up to much - or do we have another Big Bucks ?
And that brings we on my other point . Apart from a couple - mainly Mullins horses - there seem a lack of overall quality - or should I say - quality in depth . Cheltenham is more predictable nowadays .
A racing pal of mine - a certain Peter Chichton was standing next to Nicky Henderson when Spriter Sacre won The QM . He said one could not help but get overwhelmed with emotion for the moment . It's what national hunt - and Cheltenham - is all about . Thanks for the photo Pete . CU

Day 2 - Whataday

Well - I did start with a winner ! And that's where the winners stopped . But - sometimes it's not really ( really really ) about the punting . The magic of Cheltenham is being 'moved' by the dramatics of the occasion . And after 23 years of attending the festival I can honestly say I've never witnessed such a resounding appreciation of a horse as than of yesterday - when Sprinter Sacre regained his 2m Champion Chase crown . The stands thundered - not so much with cheering - but of hand clapping - a round of spontaneous applause !
Sprinter - who was diagnosed with a heart problem two years ago - was virtually written off ever returning to his former glories . He put all the doubters - including me - to bed . And what a remarkable training performance by Nicky Henderson !
Well done .
Other highlight was Blaklion winning the RSA . Co owned by a racing mate of mine - a mad Italian called Gino ( not sure his second name ) . Now Gino - who is also is the co owner of The New One - once requested a 1/3rd ( 50k ) share in Geoffrey . However - Yvonne vetoed that idea - quite understandably - and Gino then went on to buy The New One ... and now Blaklion . We had a chuckle about it yesterday . I just wondered if the 50k was still on the table ! CU
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Great start

Well - l suppose my start started at Carlisle - and - as I did say
earlier - The Pond House team are hitting form at the right time. Un Temps Pour Tout proved that point . He looked thrown in at the weights and proved that - won going away - at a tasty 12-1 . Really delighted for Lady Caroline -Sir Bryan - and DP .
It's actually a bit easier - now that DP doesn't have every horse from the yard running at the festival - that if they do run - they run with a chance . Vieux Lion Rouge proved that point - when he also ran a fine race in the 4 miler . Thought he didn't quite get the trip .
But the day belonged to the Mullins team with three winners - again . He certainly is dominating the festivals - but I'm not sure if the racegoers like it like that - not that Mullins is worried.
Anyway - DP has no runners tomorrow - they've all been balloted out - so I'm goin' to have to do some studying of my own !
And Geoffrey has been raised 7lb for his efforts at Carlisle - and both DP and myself thought that was ok - could've been a lot worse. There is a race - so says the great man - at Kelso the beginning of April - ground dependent . Ffos Las - Carlisle - Kelso - is DP trying to tell me something ? CU .... tomorrow .
Photo >
Bryan - Un Temps - & Scu - & Harry Drew savouring their success

Carlisle to ...

... Cheltenham ! Anyway - this is the first time in quite a few years that I can have nice relaxing time at the festival - and watch my fellow owners and trainer get completely stressed out ! I can go 'head held high' - and 'ammunition in the wallet'! I would rather win at Carlisle than being an also ran at Cheltenham .
I had trouble in sending all 'la blog' stuff last week - was probably trying to send it too many photos . However - I wanted to say that the revised weights come out tomorrow and I'm bracing myself for a steep rise for Geoffrey . I'm hoping for something under 10lb - but that might be wishful thinking - as he won with a bit in hand .
So - what next ? He certainly won't be contesting class 3 again - not for a long time anyway . DP says Auteuil - Scu got off and said Punchestown ... and we also have Aintree . However - the ground is drying fast - so where he goes will be weather / ground dependant .
The Pond House team will not have as many runners as they've had in previous years - but the horses are only just starting to fire again after a 'quiet' time . It's a goodtime to hit form - so fingers crossed ! CU ... tomorrow
My tip - for what it's worth - Dr Harper
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All according ...

... to plan - and you can't say that happens too often in this game !

I have to say that I was surprised Geoffrey went off at the price that he did . His record in this class of race is exemplary - and being in a small field of runners he was able to dominate .
This is an excerpt from the program ~

All according ...

... to plan - and you can't say that happens too often in this game !

Catterick ...

... oh bugger - I meant to go to Carlisle ! Anyway - time to get across . I always remember - back in the 'old' days Yvonne and myself going to the wrong Bangor !
Anyhow - was actually having a look around the lovely cathedral here - where ever I am - when DP phoned . He thought I might be praying - I told him we both need to - what with Cheltenham next .
Geoffrey is back in a weaker race - off a weight he should go well at - albeit still giving weight to everything else . Tom - who was due to ride at Wincanton - before it was abandoned - now takes the ride - his only ride - so hopes are - if not high - then hopeful . CU

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Not Cheltenham ...

... Carlisle !
I have actually - believe it or not - been a couple of times to Carlisle - and have thoroughly enjoyed la experience - very friendly and hospitable . With Geoffrey now back a few pounds in the weights I am anticipating a big run !
Hmm - let's hope I'm not wasting my time ! CU
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Geoffrey goes ...

... a hunting .
Haven't had much time to do a 'la blog' since Geoffrey's run at Chepstow - however - I thought he ran OK ! The idea was to keep him more up with the pace - but as he does - got slightly left on his hocks - and was slowly away . However - he ran - and jumped with enthusiasm . He's been dropped another 2lb for that - so he is now eligible for handicaps up to 140 .
We also have the option of going back over fences - and - I think with that in mind - Gerry Supple took him hunting - and - apparently - both had a great day out .
With Cheltenham just round the corner - it's good to see the Pond House team come into a bit of form - culminating in a nice winner at Newbury on Saturday . Depending very much on the champagne intake - I will endeavour to do a daily 'la blog' . CU

Chepstow

Geoffrey runs at Chepstow this Saturday . I've probably seen enough of Wales to last me a lifetime - but as I'm away in Portugal - I will just have to watch the race on the box . Haven't spoken to DP yet - so not sure what to expect ! CU

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Toasting old boy Grand Crus | Racing UK

http://www.racinguk.com/columnists/read/toasting-old-boy-grand-crus


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First ...

things first !
Bit late with 'la blog' - but down to Ceret this week - popped in to see the Clayaux's and Littlemissdynamite - has to be all one word - else too many letters - so LMD to my reader .
And so far - so good ! Emmanual had her looking all smart and shinny - quite righty - but she was put through a really good workout - a mile one way - then back - and then a couple rounds of jumping . She is well proportioned - not over big - but has a nice attitude - and she doesn't seem to get fazed . Felix De' Giles - who is now Emmanuals first jock - schooled her - and was suitably impressed . Well - he would say that - wouldn't he ! Anyway - all things being equal - she should be racing sometime this summer .
Emmanual also showed me a very strong looking gelding by Network / Fee Magic . Now - Fee Magic is mum to 'The Brothers ' but unfortunately she recently died - so this 1/2 brother is one of her last . This one is black - and have to say -looked the business !
And what is be said about Geoffrey's dire performance on Saturday ? I understand where my reader comes from - when he says that Geoffrey is better over 1/2 mile shorter trip - but I think this time it was just the wrong tactics . Again- he was carrying top weight in a tough race - and I don't think he'll ever win going from last position . He's caught in that trap - 145 is good but he either needs to step up to graded races or he'll always be struggling to win . The French Gallop race program - with less emphasis on handicaps - would suit him far better .
Anyhow - on the bright side - he's been dropped a couple of pounds - so we might have to patient for a few more races !! CU - sorry this is the only photo of LMD - phone froze !

Newbury

Just to keep everyone updated - Geoffrey does run at Newbury tomorrow - more later - CU

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Ffos Las ...

... fiasco !
Well - what a lovely way to spend a Saturday - a 9 hour round trip to the west Wales ! I don't mind - but it was obvious - driving through the torrential rain - that we were all completely waisting our time . Does not the clerk of the course read the weather forecast ? I've sort've recovered now - just enough to write a 'la blog' update .
Firstly - just like to say thanks to all of you who send me their comments . It's a shame it's so difficult to get those comments direct on to 'la blog' - it something to do with not having a Google account . If anyone can help to make it easier - let me know . It would be more fun .
Anyway - TT and John came up with the theory that Geoffrey does not fully get 3m - and that his wins to runs ratio at 2 - 2 1/2m is an excellent one . Yes - but his two biggest wins - Brush Hurdle at Haydock - and his chase success at Newbury - were both at 3m - and he made all in both . I recon it is all about the pace of the race - he gets done on quickening off a slow pace . Remember - he normally carries top weight . I would prefer him to run in level weight races .
And - with all that in mind - we have entries for 'our' Geoffrey this weekend - at Newbury Saturday - and Exeter on Sunday - both 3m handicaps . I can't believe it - but perhaps DP doesn't read 'la blog' . CU
Ps - I'm off to France this weekend and will call in to Emmanuel's and see how Little Miss Dynamite is progressing - so plenty to look forward to .... I hope !
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Ffos Las ...

... fiasco !
Well - what a lovely way to spend a Saturday - a 9 hour round trip to the west Wales ! I don't mind - but it was obvious - driving through the torrential rain - that we were all completely waisting our time . Does not the clerk of the course read the weather forecast ? I've sort've recovered now - enough to write an update .
Firstly - just like to say thanks to all of you who sent me their comments . It's a shame it's so difficult to get those comments onto 'la blog' - it something to do with not having a Google account . If anyone can help to make it easier - let me know .
Anyway - TT and John W came up with the theory that Geoffrey does not fully get 3 miles - and that his win ratio at 2 to 2 1/2 m was excellent .
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Entries

for Geoffrey .
I think we'll change his name ! Mr Enigma suits him better !! Bless him - but he does drive his owners & trainer to distraction . I suppose one must think of all the wonderful days he's given us in the past - his win to runs ratio is actually a good one - but unfortunately doesn't always 'put it all in'. He's better than he's showing .
Anyway - with that in mind - we are looking at possible weekend races at Sandown & Ffos Las - for him . There is also the possibility of Newbury the following week . Neither are easy targets - but off 145 there aren't many options . Ffos Las looks a bit doubtful with more rain forecast . Sandown can also be susceptible to water logging . Ah ....great to be back !! CU
Ps - Anton would like to say a 'hello' to all our golfing chums at Camporeal ! I say - 'bring on the yellow paint'!

Jeckel ...

... and Hyde . Unfortunately - Geoffrey left us all once again pulling ones hair out . Not good if one has as little as DP !
So talented - yet so frustrating - we'd hoped that he would build on his Lingfield win - but he wasn't having none of it .
Quirkie is a description too good for him . Someone needs to tell him that I've got the biggest f......g butchery in Hampshire !
CU
PS - but on the brighter side of life - having a great ski hol xx

Forget what I said

Well - what does an an owner know anyway !
Geoffrey will only go to Kempton if Chepstow is abandoned - which probably makes perfect sense . He has to give weight all round - but does get a very useful 5lb allowance from very good conditional jock David Noonan . Let's hope Geoffrey can build on his confidence boosting win last time . CU

Geoffrey ....

... heads to Kempton .
Well - everything was in the balance - but at least Kempton will definitely be on . So - we take our chance in The Lanzarote - obviously a much more competitive race than the one at Chepstow .
We are away skiing this week - so will miss . Just hope that horse runs faster than wife ski's ! CU

In the balance

And a Very Happy New Year to you dear reader !
I was disappointed that Geoffrey didn't run over the holiday period - Chepstow was washed out and Cheltenham cut up to be a hot contest .
They hope to reschedule that card for this weekend - and if so - Geoffrey would run . But the track is still sodden - and I can't see the card going ahead . We also have an entry the same day for the Lanzarote at Kempton - a hot contest indeed - and perhaps a step to far - too soon .
So - there we have it . Just as the ground suits - everything remains in the balance . CU