Officially known as the worst month in the year! It isn’t a month I enjoy as it tends to be like the film groundhog day with everyday the same and very little going on. This year it is different with some of the horses coming in earlier for a September campaign so at least some are working with the view to running.
Talking of runners, Double W’s will get entries for next weekend at Uttoxeter (2m 4f) and Cartmel (2m). He didn’t run as well as I had hoped last time and we have since jabbed his stifles as he was a little sore in one post race. He is bouncing at home so it would be nice to see an improvement in fortunes should he run. I’m also looking for a race for Flint Hill who has finished second on both his hurdle starts. The winner and third from his last race have both won since and he could run on the flat if needs be. He is absolutely bouncing but would not want the ground too quick.
We are also putting in a deep sand gallop at home and work began this week with the ground needing levelled out. It should be finished in a couple of weeks and I am looking forward to incorporating it into the horses regime. I like the gallops we use but they are just easy enough for jumpers and I think the decision has been justified already – I took 4 to Richard Fahey’s to work on his gallop which is much deeper then ours and they all had a good blow and are a week or two behind where I had hoped to be. Its a financial drain at a tricky time but hopefully the risk will pay off.
Finally, you know the jumps season is just around the corner when Paul Furguson comes to visit! His book Jumpers To Follow is always a good read and he asked for a horse to follow this year. I’ve nominated Cyrus Keep who is a homebred Doyen out of Overbranch. Like his mother he is a small, compact horse and the penny has taken a little while to drop. He should win a couple once things fall in to place and he looks stronger this year so I’m hopeful he will build on last season and give our Racing club members some fun!