The start of 2024 hasn't gone too badly...3 winners from 3 runners, it won't last but we enjoy it whilst it does!!
Leissieres Express kicked off the year by winning at Exeter in what can only be described as a mud bath! He has not been the most straightforward to work out, he has bled in the past and now goes out in the field over night, every night. He also has to be led around at the races from the moment he arrives as he stresses as soon as he is in the stable. We have now (hopefully) puzzled him out and will happily play his games to ensure he is at his best on the racecourse. It was fantastic for Matt, Abbey and Jenny James to return to the winners enclosure, for the first time since Kit's passing. Kit was certainly there, enjoying watching us get soaking wet in the rain, cheering Leissieres Express home. Kit never gave up on On The Bridge and although Leissieres Express has tested our patience he also took 9 runs before winning on his tenth start!
Our second winner of the year was Golden Ace, she was one of the leading Bumper mares last season and has taken her time to return to the racecourse this season. We approached Taunton with realistic expectations, she was taking on two horses with good form over hurdles, and she was having her first run over hurdles. She learnt during the race and her jumping improved and by the time she was jumping the final hurdle, she looked the professional. She is a exciting prospect for some of the better mares' novices' hurdles in the Spring and we have a nice dilemma of where to go next!
That was Lorcan's fourth consecutive win over the new year period.
Pilsdon Pen, he has been a brilliant horse for his owner Darren Langley, he started off his career with Joe Tuite on the flat, running as a 2 year old on the flat. you have a look at him now, and you struggle to believe he ever fitted within the stalls. He is a big horse now who has filled into his frame, however he jumps a bit too well over hurdles and over fences, he jumped much better at Wincanton than he did on his previous starts. The plan was to settle a bit closer to the pace and he probably had an easier race for it.
It is a credit to the team at home who have not had it easy with the persistent rain followed by the bitter cold. We will enjoy this period of success as you never know how long it will last!