Last week provided us with one of the best weeks we’ve had in a long time. After what seemed like an eternity without runners due to COVID, we have finally been getting back to our usual busy summer with the jumpers. And to top it all off we had two winners in one week, which has given the team a well deserved boost. A winner is always a boost but when, especially as a small yard, you have two in one week it really gives everyone a buzz. Our first winner was Lovely Schtuff, who we have now had for a while and he never really seemed to perform to the best of his ability at the racecourse. However, of recent he had showed a better attitude on the track. He was unlucky last time out when he collided with another horse and unfortunately lost his rider, when he looked to be going well. So we ran him shortly after at Sedgefield, a left handed track which seemed to bring out the best in his jumping. With Danny Mcmenamin on board, he jumped excellently and ran out in front which seemed to suit him well. He was in front all the way and went clear towards the last where he put in an extra stride which had everyones hearts stop for a moment, however he stuck the landing and finished comfortably in front. It was nice to see him as star performer in the racing post result from that meeting, stating that he ‘jumped his rivals into submission’. It was also the fastest time over course and distance from around 30 races since 2015!

We also ran Amilliontimes that day but he found the pace quick and that didn’t suit him so he pulled up about 3 from home. He is in one piece and we are just pleased to have him back out after a leg injury that set him up with a long time off.

We then headed to Perth on 30th August with The Great Georgie, Kilfinan Bay, Whoa Black Betty and Lock Down Luke. The Great Georgie ran first, he made a mistake early on which seemed to have knocked his confidence from then on. He also lost a shoe, so may have stood on it before the hurdle. Whoa Black Betty travelled well into the race but tired on the home straight and she will have needed the run after her holiday earlier this year. We were pleased she settled right back into it and hopefully will come on from this now. Kilfinan Bay achieved a pleased 2nd recently at Cartmel but never settled in this race due to the lack pace, he likes a quick race as he can be quite head strong. He will run again on Tuesday at Perth and we will hope for a better pace. Then came Lock Down Luke in the bumper. It was his debut on a racecourse and he took everything in his stride. He ran superbly under Sean Quinlan, settled towards the rear and stepped up a gear on the home straight. He hit the front and although a little green in the front went on to win well. This is our first bumper winner and as his first run we couldn’t ask for much better. Delighted for all concerned. Patrick and Mark bred him as they own Le Grand Ville (Lock Down Luke’s mother) who has produced some good offspring. Its always nice to see a horse you have broken and produced do well. We had a small celebration with the team on the Monday to congratulate everyone on their hard work.

We have two entries for Perth on Tuesday – Schiehallion Ridge and Kilfinan Bay. Hopefully they both run well and its nice to have a couple more meetings at our ‘local’ track.

Lovely Schtuff crossing the line at Sedgefield for High Country Racing
Lock Down Luke winning at Perth for Patrick Stephen and Mark Fleming
Jackie with Lovely Schtuff and Kilfinan Bay
Kilfinan Bay’s thoughts on his race
Lock Down Luke racing to the line at Perth
Whoa Black Betty in the parade ring before racing with Lucy
The Great Georgie and Rachael in the stables at Perth