I started the week off at Ascot sales where we sold Airpur Debois and our unbeaten hurdler Chief Bottlewasher. We didn't so much as sell them we more or less gave them away but I suppose that was their true value . I am in a very unusual position right now and one I don't think I've ever been in before and that is that I don't owe the sales companies any money as we speak so I must put that to rights.
I went to the dentist on Wednesday for a filling which cost me £240 and left thinking how can you spend so much money to be put through so much pain!
I have ridden two lots out most days last week but rode Apalis on Friday who spends most of the morning bucking.On the way back to the yard I felt my back go and found it difficult to get off the horse.I got straight into my hot tub and in 20 minutes felt like Rudolph Nureyev. Normally I use the hot tub at night and feel great when I get out but never really know whether that is because of the water or the half bottle of Sancerre that I have just got down me!
We had a very good boys dinner at mine on Saturday where we put the world to right and discussed the finer things in life.
It was a quiet week last week runners wise but we will hopefully run a few this week.

I rode out a couple of lots before going racing at Plumpton on Monday to saddle a lovely mare called Bull and Bush. She hadn't run for over a year but ran a really nice race by finishing third and will obviously come on for the race.
We also had a new secretary start called Lois who has taken over from Sam as Sam was finding it difficult to fit all her jobs in.
We sent Cody Wyoming to Lingfield on Tuesday and he absolutely bolted up in a 14k handicap chase. He won by 12 lengths so the handicapper may take a dim view!
There was a lot of frost last week and it made life a bit difficult as it was not easy to school them until late in the morning when it had thawed a bit.
I jumped my new hunter on Friday and I reckon thats the first time I've been off the floor for well over a year.Anyway I haven't lost it and felt pretty good!
Had a very busy day on Saturday with five people for breakfast and then on the gallops to watch second lot.We also had four runners with three going to Sandown and one going up to Aintree .
The day started with American Gigollo making a mistake at the first and unseating Tommy so not a good start.The next runner was Some Kinda Lama who ran a cracking race to finish second on ground he hated and was not beaten far.We then had Seventh Sky running over the National fences up at Aintree and he jumped super to finish fourth with top weight so put in a very gallant effort.In the last race at Sandown we ran Morney Wing who jumped beautifully to finish a very close third and give all his owners a big thrill.
I must say that the racing at Sandown over the two days summed up everything that is good about National Hunt racing with perfect weather and superb races contested by good horses.We just need to find a few more of them!

Got soaked riding out two lots on Monday but it was quite a good cure for a hangover from lunch the previous day! As I had quite a bit of stew left over from Sunday lunch I stupidly invited the Monday Club round to finish it off thinking there would only be four of them and ten turned up. It was a very jolly lunch considering I was still feeling a little bit shabby from the day before.
We schooled some young horses and they both jumped really well on Tuesday morning with Gavin on one and Tommy on the other.
There was a NTF meeting at Oaksey House in the afternoon (National Trainers Federation) of which I am on the council so I always try to attend.We had a good turn out for it and an even better turn out in the pub after where we all put the world to rights.
I ran Royals and Rebels at Hereford and he ran a nice race finishing fourth but he will be better over a fence.
We had a big schooling day on Thursday with two owners down and a few jockeys in luckily it all went well.
I rode out two lots on Friday and one pulled a bit hard with me which didn't half do my back in. I had half an hour in my hot tub and felt as good as new, it is the best thing I have ever got and it has done my social life a bit of good as well.
I lit the fire and watched the racing on Saturday which I should enjoy but I do find incredibly frustrating. Only about seven years ago we had the second in the Hennessy with Airforceone and I would much rather be on a racecourse than sitting at home watching it!
We had a big day on Sunday with about fourteen members of the Steeplechasers syndicate coming down to see Fixed Rate and Some Kinda Lama schooling over hurdles.All went well and then we had a very enjoyable lunch down at The Hare afterwards. It has been a very successful syndicate and very well run by both Bill Brindle and Andy Stone who have got things spot on.I am going to launch a club to buy four horses for next season and run it along similar lines to The Steeplechasers so watch this space!
I had a new horse arrive from Ireland on Sunday that my daughter Tildie and I are going to hunt and he looks as if he might do the job.
We have a big weekend coming up with entries at Aintree , Sandown and Kelso so with a bit of luck I won't be sat at home in front of the telly!

The week started well when I had two very nice fellas come down to see American Gigollo and subsequently bought him to stay in the yard . Good start to the week !
We schooled Fixed Rate and Apalis for the first time on Tuesday and they both jumped beautifully so they won't take long until they're going over the big ones .
My aga has been a bit dodgey so I had it serviced on Wednesday and now it is as good as new and the ovens are an awful lot warmer .
I donated a share in Cody Wyoming and a breakfast/ gallops to an auction for Shooting Star Chase which is a childrens hospice and they managed to make a total of £3600 for the pair . I received a very humbling letter from the head of fundraising for this charity and I must say that the next time I moan about a horse getting beat I will think about these poor kids and maybe that will put things into perspective .
We had a power cut on Thursday that affected the houses at the top of my property .I must say that Southern Electric were first class and got the job done by 1.30am but at about 3am we had a break in at the yard which caused a bit of damage as they broke in through three doors . The police were fantastic and said they would come round at 8pm on Monday night only three days after the crime had happened . I told them not to bother!
We had a lot of rain which means we can get on the grass gallops now which the horses love for a change and think its great fun.
We ran a nice horse at Ascot on Friday called Doolin who I thought would run well but he didn't get home as he displaced his palate.He is having a wind op today.
I had a lovely owner who came to see me on Saturday called David Barry and I told him I was looking for a new hunter.In the afternoon he rang me to say he had not only found one but also done the deal on it so he arrives this week.

We have had a fairly busy week that started at Kempton on Monday where we ran Pickamix . I thought he was the biggest certainty that had ever left my yard but unfortunately he didn't get home and it transpired that he needs a wind operation .
We got Fixed Rate in on Tuesday after his appointment with the vet to be gelded and he has got over it well .I'm not sure I would be in as good a spirits as him if I had just lost my tackle but hopefully I won't find out !He has started cantering and looks like a really nice type he will have his first school tomorrow .
We ran Seventh Sky at Bangor on Wednesday and he normally takes about three runs to get himself ready but he ran an absolute blinder to finish second in a very competitive chase . He is in the Hennessy but will probably go for the Becher Chase at Aintree as he was second over those fences last year .I ran a nice horse called Royals and Rebels at Ludlow over an inadequate trip  and on ground that was too quick but considering all that he ran well to finish fifth .
We all had a lovely time at Cheltenham on Friday when Cody Wyoming ran a good race to finish fourth . The next day we were back at Cheltenham with Some Kinda Lama but the heavens opened and I had to take him out .
On Sunday we went to Fontwell where  Morney Wing was a bit unlucky as he got hampered at the start and still managed to finish fourth although he had to come from a long way back . We also ran a nice horse called Like the Sound who got a bit tired but had a good first outing.
Its a pretty quiet week for us this week  as we don't have many horses in.and you can't run the same ones all the time.However its been a good week for selling horses and bringing new owners into the yard so we should survive!

We have had a pretty good week with our four runners we have managed to get three winners and have a very nice horse running at Kempton tomorrow in Pickamix .
The week started at Hereford where we ran Some Kinda Lama who absolutely bolted up and looks to be a really nice horse for the future especially when he goes chasing .
We managed to sell three horses at Ascot sales on Thursday and they have all gone off to do different jobs and the new owners all seemed happy . The only thing is it has brought our numbers right down and we have now got less than twenty horses in . However we have always had a policy of getting rid of horses when they show they have little ability and I still maintain it is the right thing to do .
On Friday we ran two horses at Fontwell the first one Airpur Desbois ran a better race by finishing fourth . Then we ran Chief Bottlewasher (named after my ex) in a two horse race where luckily the 1/7 favourite fell at the last giving us all the prizemoney . Of course Tommy said he would have won anyway !
I ran a nice horse in the bumper at Wincanton yesterday called American Gigolo who I am thinking of selling to Donald Trump with that name ! He won really well beating a horse of J P McManus's who they really fancied and looks to be a very nice horse .
Hopefully we will start next week well with Pickamix tomorrow !

I went to Newmarket very early on Tuesday morning for the sales and was pretty fed up by the end of the day as I had been underbidder on two horses and couldn't get close to anything I wanted .
On Wednesday Bill Brindle joined me and we had a similar sort of day . Then at the end of the session a really nice horse came in that was one of the Juddmonte draught which I didn't think we could afford . The bidding started quite quickly but slowed up at 34k so I stuck a couple of bids in and was very surprised when Fixed Rate was knocked down to me at 40k !
He arrived at Colin Tinklers yard on Thursday and had a little operation on Friday to relieve him of a couple of things between his legs ! He has been gelded .
We ran Cody Wyoming on Thursday at Stratford and he ran a nice race to finish 4th over a trip that was too short for him . There is one share left in Cody and at 2k a share it must be cheap as he should be winning soon .
On Saturday I watched 1st lot and didn't see a horse as it was so dark thank God the clocks have gone back ! We ran a really nice horse at Ascot called Doolin who ran a cracking race to finish 3rd in a decent bumper getting beaten only 3 lengths by the winner .He will run over hurdles next and should be winning soon .
Tomorrow we are taking Some Kinda Lama to Hereford and as long as the ground is OK he will run in a five horse race and should have a decent chance .
We need rain badly and we will get busier when and if it comes .

We had a fun drinks party on Monday that was hosted by the BHA and its always nice to have a moan with your fellow trainers .
We had Noel Fehily in to ride a couple of lots on Wednesday which was a great honour as he hasn't been here for a while !
Had a good schooling morning on Thursday with Gavin Sheehan , D Crosse and J Banks in to pop them over both hurdles and fences . We also had a couple of runners that day with Morney Wing going up to Carlisle and Maid ofMilan going to Ludlow . It was very soft ground at Carlisle and he got a bit tired finishing 5th while the mare ran a nice race to finish 3rd over a trip too short for her .
We went to Cheltenham on Friday for their first meeting of the season and it was lovely to be back as they do make a great effort there with both the ground and the facilities for the owners and trainers . I ran a gorgeous horse called Pickamix who was having only his second run over hurdles . He ran a really nice race finishing third and only beaten two lengths by a horse that P Nicholls says may run in the World Hurdle so it will be interesting to see what handicap mark we get on Tuesday .
My kids Tildie and William came to stay on Friday night so we had Smon and Marie round for supper which was a fun evening . My daughter Tildie is off to America on Tuesday to compete in a rowing competition as she is a very competent rower - not sure where she gets it from as the only time I have been on the water is on quite a smart Gin Palace !
Am off to Newmarket on Monday for the October Horses in Training Sale as I am hoping to buy a horse for the Steeplechasers Syndicate so their will be an enormous choice with nearly fifteen hundred to choose from !
A few entries at end of next week and I am going to do fifteen laps of my hot tub tonight accompanied by a large gin and tonic !

We had quite a busy work day on Wednesday and one or two of them were very impressive so we are looking forward to running them
I bought a really nice horse in France last week called Apalis who has won three of her last four starts and she arrived on Friday . She looks a really good sort and should win her mares races .
I went to Charlie Hills' yard on Thursday to look at a couple of horses that are in the Horses in Training Sale at Newmarket next week . They were both nice sorts and we will have to see what they make next week .
We had a good day on Friday with three new horses arriving which boosts our numbers a bit .
We ran Sureness at Stratford on Saturday and she ran a good race over a trip that was too short for her by finishing third . We also sent Morney Wing to Market Rasen but he got half way there and the ground changed so we had to take him out and he will now have to go up to Carlisle on Thursday .
On Saturday night we went to Marlborough fair which was fun until I had to get on one of the rides with my son William . It always amazes me why people pay money to have the life scared out of them and then pretend it was fun as they don't want to lose face in front of their children !
We have some nice horses in at the end of the week and we could do with a bit of rain to make the ground a bit safer .
I once found my ex lying naked on the kitchen floor, covered only in rose petals .'So', she purred,' What do you think ?'I blinked . 'I'm not sure I think it could be greenfly '. I didn't see much of her after that !

We had two runners at Towcester on Wednesday the first one Airpur Desbois did not go on the ground and had to be pulled up .We also ran Sureness and she ran a nice race to finish third .
On Thursday we went to Hereford for their first meeting in four years and it was absolutely packed , it was nice to see so many people supporting the racecourse and it is good to have it back .
We ran a lovely horse called Some Kinda Lama who won very easily and although it wasn't a great race you can only beat whats there . He will make a smashing chaser next season and will hopefully win a few more hurdle races this time .
I have been riding out this week and have really enjoyed getting on some of the new horses . I have just managed to buy a gorgeous 4yo mare from France who passed the vet a couple of days ago . She has won three of her last four starts winning 75,ooo euros in prizemoney and looks an ideal sort for mares races over here I just need to find an owner for her now !
We had a syndicate lunch for Cody Wyoming owners yesterday and it all went well with a good lunch at The Hare and a drink or two here .
This week is fairly quiet with one tomorrow at Huntingdon and a few entries at the weekend . The races are starting to get more competitive and its a good job we've had a good start to the season as it does take a bit of pressure off .

Am off racing today at Towcester with Sureness and Airpur Debois who should both have a chance and will hopefully keep our strike rate up .
We currently have the highest strike rate in the country at 33% and we've had our best start to a season for quite a long time . I do find it very frustrating as I can't give horses away right now yet alone sell them . We have some lovely young horses and one or two of them do need an owner !
I rode out yesterday for the first time since March as the last time I got on one I ended up in an air ambulance with a broken shoulder .I really enjoyed it and felt very good afterwards so I will be on them every day from now .
We have a nice horse running at Hereford tomorrow called Some Kinda Lama and we are hopeful that he should be thereabouts .

Had an up and down time last week .Cooked a nice supper for an old friend on Wednesday and I must say my cooking is improving now I have to do it !

We schooled a lot of horses on Thursday and they all jumped well which is a bonus . We ran Quebec at Warwick and I thought he would nearly win . There was a good turn out of owners to see him but he was very disappointing and I think his next outing will be the sales .

My kids came to stay on Friday and I took them to the Indian in Lambourn for dinner . I had a long chat with Oisin Murphy and was terribly impressed at what a level headed young fella he is as he was in there getting a takeaway .

On Saturday we went to Fontwell where the ground was desperate as they had over an inch of rain fall the night before . I ran poor old Gowanauthat as there were only four runners and he was going OK when he got turned sideways at the second last which cost him any chance he had . He finished third and has earned himself a deserved holiday having won five already this this season . Just to rub salt into it my brand new horsebox got hit in the car park to make it a really good day !

On Sunday we ran a really nice horse at Uttoxeter called Pickamix who I really do think a bit of . The ground was a bit dead and he didn't jump as well as he can but he won pretty well and will surely come on for the experience .

I am trying to buy a nice 4yo mare from France who has won three of her last four runs on the flat and looks ideal to go jumping . Just need to find an owner for her !

The weather is not great today as it is a bit wet and fairly miserable . It has definitely got that autumn feel about it .
We have got a few entries for the end of the week and I would think Quebec will have to run on Thurs as he has gone up 6lbs today and is in on his old mark this week .
We have Gowanauthat in again on Sat as I thought the handicapper would put him up a fair bit but as it turned out he has only put him up a pound . The only thing is that the race reopened with only seven runners in it and stayed at that number . So it maybe tempting !

The vets operated on Baltic Storm on Monday which is a disaster as he has struck into his tendon and will certainly miss the rest of the season . Its a cruel blow for both the owner and us as I really did think he would win a decent race this season and this sort of injury only happens to the good horses !
We put all the garden furniture away as I can't see us sitting out there again but come to think of it we didn't use it much in the summer anyway as it was another wet one .
We had our new horsebox arrive on Wednesday and I must say it is very smart although it was a month late!
We schooled eight horses on Thursday and they all jumped beautifully and most of them are quite forward . We don't have as many as I would like but we have quality horses this year and we've had a very good start to this season.
We went to Worcester on Friday to see if Gowanauthat could stretch his unbeaten run to six ! He ran an absolute blinder and lost nothing in defeat by finishing second to a horse of Jonjo's giving him 7lbs with the 3rd horse a long way back . I think the handicapper will have his say but as he has put him up 41lbs already I hope he is not too harsh .
I spent most of yesterday morning chasing my terrier Lilly round my garden with a frying pan as I am trying to get a urine sample from her for the vets . She thought it was a great game and after an hour I had to retreat to the house for a large gin and tonic and did think about giving the sample myself . The only thing is that the can't be many terrier's that had a bottle of Beaujolais the night before which I thought might come out in the result !

We worked Quebec and Baltic Storm on the Back of The Hill on Wednesday and they both went nicely.

I went to Newbury Police Station on Thursday to be told that all the charges against me had been dropped and my bail has finished after 9 months and 1 week. The whole experience was extremely stressful and I still can't work out why it took the police and the CPS 9 months to work out that I hadn't done anything. Anyway we all have to move on and I will get the next one vetted a bit better.

We schooled some horses on Thursday and Pickamix was brilliant. We worked quite a few horses on Saturday and we had some people from Red Letter Days. It was quite interesting as their daughter is about to marry the strongest man in Europe. It would be quite nice to have a son in law who could pull a jumbo jet up a runway as he can.

We were meant to have our new horsebox from Equi-Trek on Saturday but once again they found an excuse for it not to turn up. It is getting annoying as I only ordered it as they said they could deliver it quickly.

We had 2 runners on Sunday. Baltic Storm at Plumpton and Quebec at Uttoxeter. Tommy Dowling was having his first ride back from a serious fall in May where he broke most of the bones in his body. All went well and they won very easily although the horse overreached himself quite badly and we are not yet sure how good or bad it is. Quebec was beaten a head and would have put our winning streak on 7 winners from our last 7 runners. We have only got Gowanauthat in this week and he will run on either Friday or Saturday and it would be nice to keep his winning streak up. We have the highest strike rate in this seasons Jumps Table at 35% (Paul Nicholls 25%) long may it last.

We went to St Edwards on Sunday as both my daughter and son go there. William has just started and is a little bit precious as he's boarding and has never been away from home before but he's made lots of friends and is settling in.

It is definitely getting a bit chilly and I think Autumn is on the way.

On Thursday morning we schooled 7 horses with Harry Bannister, Tommy and Gavin Sheehan on board. After that Evelyn drove me to Southampton Airport and I flew to Biarritz. I met up with my Assistant Trainer Will Stuart and we drove to San Sebastian and found our accommodation.

On Friday morning I went to the racecourse to supervise Sureness stretching her legs. We had a very good lunch in the harbour with Paul Mott who owns the horse at our favourite restaurant La Rampa. The rain absolutely hammered it down and I think we knew what fate had in store for us.

We had another nice lunch in La Rampa on Saturday with Paul Webber and his owner David Higgins before we went to the racecourse as we were in a very late race. Unfortunately the rain had got in and all 3 British horses needed it fast so we all finished in the last 3 which was disappointing but we managed to make up for it in other ways.

The most important thing is the mare is ok and she arrives back today. All the other horses are fine and they will start doing a bit of work quite soon. We will make some entries for horses this week.

On Thursday we schooled Quebec and Baltic Storm with Harry Bannister on one and David Crosse on the other and they both jumped beautifully.

In the evening we were treated to dinner at the Queens Arms by Goffs and I think the only reason I was invited was because I owe them so much money for horses I have bought this season.

Terry Simmons, Jill and Andy Stone came over to see the horses and we had a nice supper in the Malt. I had an American Trainer and his wife staying the night as they had an owner wanting to ride out with a view to buying a horse and the next day the owner called Alexander turned up. He was dressed in a tweed cap a tweed jacket, jeans and suede brogues to ride out. The horse is a very safe ride and they got on really well. It is with a view to buying something to ride in America.

We had 16 people turn up from the Steeplechasers syndicate and we watched their 3 horses working on the gallops. We had drinks in the office afterwards then a very jolly lunch in the Malt which went on for quite some time.

After they had all left I went home to watch Gowanauthat at Stratford. He ran an amazing race and managed to win his 5th chase in a row. He is an extraordinary little horse and he has now gone up 41 lb so life will get a lot tougher.

On Sunday I got Tommy to drive me down to Paul Nicholls open day. It was very satisfying going there knowing I have a much higher strike rate for this season than he has. He also hasn't got a horse that has won 5 in a row. I always feel a bit depressed leaving his open day as you realize what a serious team of horses that we have to take on. He only paraded 83 of his horses but after seeing 5 of them an owner of mine and myself retired to the lunch tent to share a bottle of wine. It was a very good day and Bobby Davro was hilarious.

We pulled out very early on Monday as Sam had to drive 2 of my lads to Slough to get them National Insurance numbers. It should have been 3 lads as I had a very good Frenchman who came up to me in San Sebastian and asked me for a job. I spent a fortune on accommodation for him and after only two weeks he thanked me for the job and said goodbye. He went to Newmarket that day and is now working for William Haggas. The staff shortage in Racing is a desperate situation right now and every yard in the country is short of people. I really don't know what we are going to do.

Yesterday evening Sureness went on her travels again as she is going back to San Sebastian for a big race on Saturday. She has to go from Portsmouth to Le Havre as Calais is far too dangerous right now. We are all looking forward to seeing her run out there again and she is in tremendous form. I am flying over on Thursday to supervise her and obviously we are hoping for a big run. Apart from her we haven't got many to run as one or two of them are a couple of weeks off a run.

On Tuesday Ian Piper came to take pictures of the horses and update the website so hopefully you will be getting more updated information about the yard and horses.

We are working at the Back of The Hill. Sureness, Baltic Storm and Quebec are working nicely together. Sureness goes back to San Sebastion for a race on the 10th September. She was second there last month and there is an ideal race for her over a longer distance which will suit her. Baltic Storm and Quebec will have entries in about 2 weeks time.

We have had quite a busy week with people coming to see the new horses we have got for the upcoming season. I am hoping we can sell one or two quite soon as the Sales Companies are knocking on my door.

We had a big lunch on Sunday and I cooked for 14 people. It was good fun but a very late one. Lucinda Green came to see the horses on the gallops on Monday and she said that she was very impressed.

We has a burst pipe on Tuesday and the water was flowing down the road and causing mayhem. Luckily Thames Water did their bit and got it mended.

My kids got back from the Canary Islands on Monday so I took them to the Indian Restaurant in Lambourn to see all their pictures and celebrate the fact that Matilda did very well in her GCSE's.

We have Gowanauthat in at Stratford on Saturday and I thought the race would be too competitive for him but it is starting to cut up which means that he may run. He is going for a 5th timer and life is getting harder for him as the Handicapper has put him up 27 lbs.

I took my children Matilda and William up to Edinburgh for our annual trip. We stayed with both my sisters and the weekend with my brother. The Edinburgh Festival is fascinating as there are so many street performers and different shows to go to and it keeps my kids enthralled. On the second day we were there we ran Victor Leudorum at Stratford and he won by 23 lenghts which did not do his Handicap mark a lot of good as he went up 13lb for winning. We turned him out again quickly a week later again at Stratford in a £10,000 chase and he won again. Although he runs in Vanessa Eke's name he is owned by me and he is for sale.

We had Terry Simmons down on Friday to watch his horses out third lot and then we had lunch in the Malt. John and Veronica Thorneloe came round to look at the horses in the afternoon. We then had Anthony and Wendy Smith who came to see their horses and stayed the night at the Malt. We had a very good dinner together and then they watched  their horses on the gallops the next morning.

We ran Gowanauthat at Newton Abbot on Saturday. He carried top weight against 8 rivals, he made all the running, jumped like a cat and won his fourth race in a row this season. Considering we were going to sell him at the end of last season he has been a star.

We have had a very good start to this season and our last 3 runners have all won. Most of the horses are cantering now and we have quite a few for sale.

Its a sad day today as the Olympics have finished and I was in awe of them. To finish 2nd in the table and beat China is an enormous accomplishment. It was wonderful to see Nick Skelton at the age of 58 win a gold medal and it was an amazing achievement. Anyway hats off to all GB Team members and I look forward to Tokyo.

The nights and mornings are drawing in a bit now and we are starting to do a bit more with some of the horses.On Saturday Tommy Dowling got on a horse for the first time since his accident at the end of April.He has made an amazing recovery considering the amount of bones that he broke. He was at first told that he would not ride for a year and he's made it back onto a horse in the space of 4 months. He is hoping to race ride in mid September so we all wish him well.

Have had a fairly busy week. We went to Doncaster Sales last Wednesday and managed to sell two horses and buy a nice horse called Like The Sound for Paul Mott. He is a good looking horse with form in France and should jump a fence.

I stayed in a very ordinary hotel at Birmingham called Ibis We flew very early to Biarritz. Myself and my two assistants Will Stuart and Evelyn Faber. We arrived at San Sebastian and went to look at the racecourse as we had Sureness running in the big race there on the Monday. We did a lot of research into the town and supervised Sureness having her exercise on the track.

Race day was on Monday and I was suffering from food poisoning haven eaten a dodgy oyster. Luckily Sureness was in great form and managed to finish 2nd under a good ride from Roberto Montenegro. She beat this years Guineas winner and another who finished 2nd in the Oaks.

I was very proud of her and she arrived back yesterday. I have found another race for her in San Sebastian on September 10th and it will suit her more as it's 3 furlongs further. My liver is now recovering.

I Have been trying Horseboxes for most of last week and have decided on buying a brand new Equitrek. It seems to be the best value for money and we got a good deal. It hopefully arrives in about 3 weeks time.

We have managed to get nearly all the horses in from the field now and most of them are doing road work.We have some nice young horses all with either Point to Point or Bumper form and they look a nice bunch. I have to get my sales cap on and find some owners for them.

We managed to get 3 new members of staff last week and considering the shortage of staff in Racing I think we've done fairly well.

We ran Victor Leudorum last Tuesday at Worcester and he ran a really nice race finishing 2nd at 33/1. On the back of this we should be able to place him to win a race.

We went to Goodwood on Wednesday to have lunch with William & Carey Harrison Allan. The weather was better than most days and we saw some very good racing. It is the only day of the year I wear my man from Del Monte suit so it was lucky the sun was out!

We are very lucky that we have a very good Indian Restaurant in Lambourn and I took Susanna and the kids there on Saturday night which they always enjoy.

I went to Jane Alison's for lunch on Sunday and was very impressed with her set up. She has some nice horses in and she does a good job. We ran Le Legro at Market Rasen and he didn't jump very well and finished 5th. I'm afraid his next outing may be the Sales.

We have a busy time this week with the Sales at Doncaster on Wednesday and then we are off to Sans Sebastian on Thursday as Sureness runs in a flat race there. We have a jockey called Roberto Montenegro riding her and they say he is very good and I have managed to see him ride in a couple of races. She seems in very good form, Sureness and it would be nice to bring home a few euros.

We will keep you updated.

After all the rain we've had all summer we've had a really nice 3 days of sun. We have started to get the horses in from the field as the grass has gone and the flies are getting bad. They all look pretty pleased to be back in.

I had a very nice weekend at Henley Regatta. It's always nice to see a different sport at top level. We went to Newmarket for the Sales and managed to buy a nice 4 year old called American Gigolo. He has been placed in a bumper and is a nice scopey sort.

My son William had his Speech Day at Pinewood and it was his last day there as he will go to St Edwards in Oxford after the summer holidays.The next day I flew to Nice to stay with Ros Kempner in St Tropez. It is fairly expensive in St Tropez but lunch on Tuesday was one of the most expensive lunches I've had for a while. Between the starter and the main course I managed to buy a horse at Ascot Sales through Bobby O'Ryan called Doolin. I didn't see him until I got back but I was pleasantly surprised and he looks a nice sort. I stayed in Nice on the 15th which was the day after the awful attack in Boulevard des Anglais. It was pretty grim stuff.

We have been a bit quiet on the runners front but we have got two in next Tuesday. We have also got a plan which is to run Sureness in a mares race at San Sebastian which will be an interesting trip. If she runs well on August 8th there is a big race for her a week later at the same venue.

We had a NTF meeting at Oaksey House in Lambourn for the first time at my suggestion and it was the largest turnout of trainers we have ever had so hopefully we will keep it at that venue. Its a fairly quiet week but we are getting busy as the horses are coming in.

On Friday I had to go to Hungerford to have a filling from my dentist. I must say I do rather object to paying a great deal of money and then feeling as if someone has belted me in the mouth! We had a nice supper in the Malt Shovel with Andy Stone and Emily and my two children who came to stay.

On Saturday after we worked some horses Sam kindly drove me to Cirencester where Nell Buckler drove me to Ditcheat. We had lunch with our host Paul Nicholls and then we were driven to Glastonbury which was nearly next door to Ditcheat. It has always been on my bucket list Glastonbury and I have never seen anything like it in my whole life. It is absolutely enormous and there is mud everywhere and the variety of people was extraordinary. There where 30,000 people working there plus 1600 medics. We saw Madness in the afternoon and they were superb and then in the evening we met up with Paul and we saw Adele and she was absolutely brilliant. We ended up in the VIP area in a place called the Rabbit Hole which was so exclusive that both Noel Gallagher and Kate Moss were turned away. We got to bed at about 4.00am. On Sunday morning we had a very good breakfast with Paul and then we were shown around the gallops and his place. I got back to Neardown in the afternoon where I tried to watch the racing but fell asleep.

On Monday Sam, Chrissy and myself drove to Calcot Park for our annual Charity Golf Day. We had 22 jockeys playing in 15 teams and the weather for once behaved itself. I played with John Francome, Nick Sutton and Chris Graham. Considering I haven't played since our Golf Day last year and have also had a plate put in my shoulder I played out of my skin! I managed to get my first ever Birdie and also parred two or three holes. I normally end up getting the wooden spoon but we actually managed to finish 3rd. The winners were Harry Bannister, Robbie Dunne, Max Lindley and David Probert. It was a good fun day and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. When I got home I watched the football and I've never seen anything quite like it. How those guys can get paid so much money and be beaten by a team whose entire country is the size of Leicester I just do not know. It is all right the Manager resigning but\I think half the team should follow suit.

We have got 3 runners tomorrow at Worcester and old Fine Parchment is having his last run for us as he is been retired. He has been a great servant to us and won a lot of races including the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury. We will all miss him as he is a great character and a lovely old horse and we all hope he does well in his next job.

We had a new form of accommodation put in our yard last Thursday. It is a 2 bedroom house made out of a container. It is an ingenious idea and may solve the problem finding accommodation for Stable Staff.

We have a new owner called Vanessa Eke who came on the gallops and had breakfast with us. She seemed to enjoy herself and it is nice to get her on board.

We had a very good singles lunch on the Sunday and it was interesting swapping notes!

My sister Caroline and my Brother in Law Mark came to stay the evening of Royal Ascot. I did four days at Royal Ascot and although it was a bit damp there was some superb racing. I especially enjoyed seeing Dougie Costello ride his first Gp. 1 winner. We had some very good lunches throughout the week.

I ran a lovely bumper horse at Market Rasen last Friday called Pickamix and he absolutely bolted up. I think he has a big future.. I went to Goodwood to see Sureness run but unfortunately the ground went against her and she finished 5th.

I took my daughter Tildie to Royal Ascot on Saturday and she looked absolutely gorgeous We had a fun day and she saw lots of her friends. We went to Vi Aitken's 90th Birthday drinks party which was great fun.

It has rained most of this month and it really is miserable. I went to a Memorial Drinks Party for Bryan Beacham on Monday. He was an owner of mine for over 20 years and we never had a crossed word in all that time. It is slightly ironic that I have trained Bryan four winners in the last month. He was a lovely man and we will all miss him.

We were meant to run Gowanauthat on Tuesday but when we went to put him on the horsebox he was lame on his off fore. As it turned out it is only a bruised foot.

I am looking forward to Saturday as I am going to Glastonbury for the first time. I have got my wellies ready and I don't think I need to wear a tie! I am going with Paul Nicholls and I hope he has our Owners and Trainers badges.

On Monday we have our Charity Golf Day and I hope the weather stays dry for it. I am still having physio on my shoulder but hopefully will be able to start riding out soon.

I am sorry I haven't done a blog for a while but I have been busy with Sales and various things. We had a rare runner on the flat at Kempton with Sureness winning at 25-1 with the champion National Hunt trainer's daughter Megan on board. I am now assured of getting my tickets for Glastonbury from Paul Nicholls which is rather nice!

We bought three nice horses at the Sales all ex Irish Point to Pointers and they were turned straight out into the field and will come in at the end of next month. I am having lots of physio on my shoulder and had my last x-ray last Friday and it is coming on well. We have got a new Head Lad called Albert Ennis who seems very capable.

I went to Eton Dorney to watch my daughter Matilda rowing in the National Schools Championships and I have to say it was absolutely fascinating. It is a very tough sport and very hard for young people.

We had Gowanauthat running at Fontwell the other day and he managed to win for the third time running. He is the first horse to win 3 races this season so far and he keeps going up in the handicap.

I went to London last Thursday and watched the 41 Gun Salute in Hyde Park as I had been invited by the Kings Troop. We had lunch in the Wellington Barracks afterwards. On Friday I went back to London again to have a very good lunch with my bank manager Robert Laurie. I got back very late but managed to listen to Sureness race at Goodwood which she won quite comfortably with Megan Nicholls on board again.

We worked some horses on Saturday and one of the owners came to watch. We have a nice horse called Pickamix who will run in a bumper quite soon.

On Sunday I cycled over to Simon Beccle and Marie's for a drink and Lily ran alongside and then I cycled all the way to Upper Lambourn with Lily on the lead to have lunch with Evelyn Faber and Kim Meehan.

We have had some lovely weather at long last but I,m not sure how long the summers going to be with us for. We only have 8 horses left in now as the rest are in the field but what is nice we are able to get them all out in the paddock every day and they all look very happy. We are getting all the boxes steam cleaned and painted ready for the horses to come back at the end of July.

I thought it was a very good Derby last Saturday and it was nice to see Dermot Weld win it for the first time.We have Royal Ascot to look forward to next week. My sister and brother are coming to stay so I am looking forward to it. We will do a Royal Ascot Blog next week.

A busy weekend ahead...

Caroline and I had a big shop on Monday at Homebase and Dunelm.. We bought lots of stuff for the house. Bridal Suite ran at Plumpton, but he didn't want to know, so he will be going to Ascot sales on Tuesday. James, Charles and Heather Main called in for a drink; I hadn't seen Charles for a very long time. Caroline cooked the most delicious haggis for supper and Gary joined us for supper as he has been painting my house for the last week.

We had Max Chenery in on Tuesday and he rode Morney Wing. Robert Tompkins popped in to see his horse. We picked up my other sister, Victoria, from Newbury station and went off for another shop in Dunelm. John and Veronica Thorneloe came over to sign some papers for the Military race. We all had supper at Susannah and my children's house.

I rode work first lot on Wednesday and then we had three very nice Red Letter Days. Eveyln took Caroline to the station in the morning. We had a very good supper at The Malt and Max Chenery came to stay.

Max schooled Morney Wing with Tommy on Gowanauthat on Thursday morning; they both got on well together. We had Simon and Marie for supper.

This morning I am riding out three lots as we have runners at Fakenham and Sandown. I am hoping that the ground will be OK. We have Morney Wing running in the Royal Artillery race today; we have won this race before, with Mr Big, so it would be nice if history could repeat itself! If Morney Wing gets the trip, he should run well in it, as long as the jockey does as he is told! We have two nice horses running at Fakenham; Expedite and Le Legro. If they cope with the ground, they should run nice races.

We are hoping to run Fine Parchment tomorrow at Wincanton and hope that the racing will be on!

15/02/16

Back in the saddle at last and rode up the back of the hill on Wednesday, on Some Kinda Lama, who worked really nicely.  I enjoyed that.

William came to stay on Wednesday night - we went to The Malt Shovel and had a very nice supper. They have a very good chef there called June and William loves his beef burger and chips, which is always a big treat for him.

We schooled six on the all weather on Thursday as temperatures got down to -5 and the grass was frozen. We had Harry Bannister, Gavin Sheehan and David Crosse in to school. Julie Duffy very kindly took William to school and then watched her horse, Expedite, on the gallops on second lot. 

I had a fella come in who gave me a good deal on tarmacking and graveling the drive, which looks a lot smarter. In the afternoon I met William Selby Lowndes, who is doing some work for me as a Solicitor. We ran Dukes Den at Huntingdon and he ran terribly - I don't think he is in love with the job, so he is going to go to the sales at the end of the month. I will find something else for his syndicate owners, The Neardowners. He was disappointing after what looked like two promising hurdle runs for us earlier this season. Gary Bradley arrived as he is going to paint the inside of my house, and will be here for a while. We went to see Dilly Keane at The Corn Exchange in Newbury - she was very funny and very entertaining!

We started pulling out at 7am on Friday morning - there is enough daylight now to do it. We had Denis O'Regan in to ride out, as well as Emily Jones. We ran Cody Wyoming at Wetherby - he finished third of four, but I had him scoped after the race and we found that he had bled, and also had mucous in his lungs, so the horse is clearly not right, which is good news as he will obviously improve once we have it cleared up.

They had an Asian Night at The Malt Shovel on Friday night and the food was absolutely delicious.

We had five red letter days on Saturday morning and Evelyn Faber very kindly helped take them up to the gallops as we needed two cars. Some Kinda Lama worked nicely with Morney Wing. Baltic Storm did his first bit of work and went nicely. Expedite did a nice bit too. We managed to get the red letter day guests badges for Newbury, so they were all very happy. Tony Stapleton then came over to see his horses and we went to The Malt for lunch and watched all of the racing from Newbury and Warwick. It was disappointing to have no runners as in the past we have won both The Game Spirit and The Kingmaker and because of the ground, we didn't even have a runner.

We had a very good evening in The Malt again for Valentines night and I had a very nice lobster.

I had a big lunch on Sunday - the guests included Simon Beccle and Marie Ellis, Kim Brassey, Dominic and Avery Ffrench Davies, Evelyn Faber, Barney Windsor Clive, my sister Caroline and Susannah and my two children. We had a very good lunch, which lasted quite a long time. I did quite well because I invited three cooks who helped me out with the cooking!!

Today we have Bridal Suite running at Plumpton. He is having his first run over fences and I don't hold out much hope for him; he has the ability to win if he wants to, but I'm not sure he does!

We have entries at Sandown and Fakenham on Friday. We may run Morney Wing in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup. He will be ridden by Capt Max Chenery.

My sister Caroline is staying for a few days, and my other sister Victoria is also coming tomorrow, which will be good fun!

Tuesday 9th February

On Saturday, we sent Morney Wing to Ffos Las, which I think was an absolute disgrace, as they more than likely could and should have called it off the day before, but they chose to get us all there and then called it off at midday. Will Stuart came to Sandown with me, where I foolishly ran Seventh Sky. He takes his races very well, but in hindsight, he had a much harder race in very bad ground than I had anticipated. He ran very flat and didn't show any spark, so he needs to be freshened up before his next race, but no doubt will be back shortly.

We had lunch with Judy Maynard and her daughter Sarah. We also had a drink with Paul Mott, who was having lunch in the Royal Box.

We schooled a couple of horses on Sunday morning, in the rain. Tildie came round to see me and she was in good form. We then had a very good lunch at Kim Meehan's with a lot of nice people there.

On Monday it was a filthy wet day. It was really miserable for both horses and riders. I really am getting fed up of this weather now, my mobile got soaked and is still out of action.

We sent Fine Parchment to Fakenham and he ran a really nice race to finish 2nd to the odds on favourite. He jumped really well and I think both horse and jockey enjoyed themselves. He should be able to win a race before the end of the season.

I saw Simon Christian in the Co-op.. He came and had a quiet supper last night and we caught up on a few things.

This morning is the first time I've ridden out, so that was rather enjoyable!

We have got entries towards the end of the week, with the likes of Dukes Den and Cody Wyoming, but we are still waiting for some better ground for most of our horses, and I know that most other trainers are in the same boat. It has been very frustrating with the ground as it has been, but I suppose it has to dry up at some stage!

Thursday 4th February 2016

We didn't have a very good day at Doncaster on Friday with Dukes Den and Tango Unchained. Dukes Den found everything a bit quick for him, but he is in again this Saturday at Ffos Las. Tango Unchained the first too well, jumped into the back of another horse and got rid of Harry Bannister, so they were both unlucky.

I went up to Doncaster on Saturday, where Le Legro ran a nice race. He enjoyed the ground and should be thereabouts next time. Gowanauthat ran in atrocious ground at Uttoxeter; only one horse actually finished the race - it was a mistake to run him on that ground. We ran Ephraim in a Cheltenham trial against some very good horse. I was hoping that he would run well, but tragically he struck through his tendon and we won't know for certain whether he will ever run again because of the injury, for about two months. It is a major blow for us and David Fox as I thought he was out of the top drawer, having won a Group race on the flat. We will keep our fingers crossed and hope that with time, he might be OK.

Tim Thomson Jones and I went to the funeral of a dear old owner of mine called Gilbert Turner, who was a sub-mariner. His wife, Bea and he got a lot of pleasure out of their horses and Gilbert died aged 95, and apparently he was getting the Racing Post up until his last day.

Seventh Sky worked on Wednesday and he seems in great form. He will probably run at Sandown on Saturday, where he will probably have top weight. Denis O'Regan came in to ride Morney Wing who went very nicely. Elmore Back did his first bit of work and we were happy with him.

We had a very jolly afternoon on Wednesday when Michael and Judy Maynard and Phil and Mary Docherty came to see the horses. We then had lunch in The Malt Shovel, where Tim Thomson Jones, Jenny Cassan, Evelyn Faber, Barney Windsor Clive and Mark Usher joined us. It was all very good fun.

I had my son William to stay on Wednesday night - we had a pizza and watched the film about AP McCoy, which I thought was terrific.

This morning we schooled a few horses. James Davies and Mark Grant came in. Morney Wing and Elmore Back jumped well. Expedite, Tango Unchained, Dukes Den, Libeccio and Bridal Suite all jumped nicely.

We have a few entries at the weekend, at Ffos Las and Sandown, and we are still hoping that the ground will dry up a little bit.

Friday 29th January

I went to Kidson Trigg on Tuesday to replace some of the furniture that has gone and at least I now have something to sit on. Bill Brindle was very kind and has given me a very nice sofa, which I am very grateful for.

I had a very good supper with Dominic and Avery on Wednesday night, and whilst the last two weeks have been fairly traumatic, you certainly realise who your friends are.

We have two runners at Doncaster today - they have both gone up there for better ground, but they are very hot races and everyone wants to run there. We have three runners tomorrow; Ephraim runs in a Cheltenham trial at Doncaster and Le Legro runs in the first for The Neardowners. We have Gowanauthat running at Uttoxeter.

Monday 25th January 2016

We had three runners at the weekend; My Anchor looked to be going really well at Market Rasen, but just didn't get home in the ground. On Saturday, Seventh Sky ran in the Peter Marsh at Haydock and he ran a really brave race to finish 4th on ground that was virtually unraceable. We ran a nice horse at Ascot called Expedite, but again, he hated the ground; Tommy looked after him and pulled him up.

The ground is a real problem right now. You either try them on it, or you keep them til the spring. It is getting very frustrating when you have lots of good ground horses, but it is the same for everyone else.

Andy Stone and his daughter Emily stayed in The Malt Shovel on Friday night; they came to watch their horses on Saturday morning along with Bill Brindle.

We have some entries this week, but I don't suppose much will happen until the weekend. We got some of the better ground horses out again today after a few weeks of down time.

Wednesday 20th January

We worked some horses up the back of the hill on Saturday - Ephraim went particularly well and is on track to run in the 3m Novice Hurdle race at Doncaster at the end of the month, which is a trial for the Cheltenham Festival; fingers crossed he can repeat his course and distance win from December.

We have had a very quiet week because of the ground.. Many meetings have been abandoned and temperatures have got down to -8 degrees, which is fairly cold I must say.

We worked some horses up the all weather today - Fine Parchment went very well upsides Bridal Suite. Seventh Sky is absolutely flying ahead of the Peter Marsh at Haydock on Saturday. He won up there 5 weeks ago and will be partnered by his winning jockey Gavin Sheehan again. He should have a good chance as conditions should suit. Expedite worked really well this morning and will probably run at Ascot on Saturday. Denis O'Regan came in this morning and rode Dukes Den - he worked well and we are looking to run him soon.

We have quite a few entries over the next few days. We are hoping for some warmer weather as we have lots of horses who need better ground.

Our amateur jockey Kara is riding in the Greatwood Charity Race at Newbury on the 5th March, so is looking for sponsorship!!! Click on this link for more information - https://www.justgiving/com/kara-gregory2

Update

We had four red letter days here on Saturday and they were all very good fun. Will Stuart picked me up and took me to Newmarket where we were going to David Batten's retirement party in The Jockey Club rooms. David is a cousin of mine and has worked for Tattersalls for an impressive 47 years, which is of course a lifetime! What was extraordinary about the evening, was that the woman who was sat next to him, turned out ton be his half sister, which he was previously totally unaware of, which was quite like winning the lottery. It was a very good dinner. My sister Caroline and her husband Mark Hunter were there as well.

We had a very good lunch the next day at The Three Blackbirds, which was just outside Newmarket, before Will drove me home.

We had a good lunch in The Malt for the Monday club. There was no jump racing on.

The weather has been appalling again today - we are quite keen to run one or two horses but the ground is just too soft, although we do have Morney Wing running at Taunton tomorrow for The Steeplechasers. Denis O'Regan rides him - the partnership won last time out; I don't think Morney Wing had an overly hard race last time, and he came out of it well, so we're hopeful for a good run. The track will hopefully suit him, but as expected, all courses are extra specially hard work at the moment.

Update

On Tuesday we got a couple of lots out in the rain. I managed to get my hair cut in the village and Katya went off to get some Botox in her forehead. Personally I don't think she needs it, but you know what these women are like.

We had a couple of red letter days on Wednesday and we watched the horses working up the back of the hill; Le Legro went very well, My Anchor went nicely and Cody Wyoming ran away with Shane, so he is in good form. William came to stay; I took him to The Malt for supper, which he always enjoys.

We schooled two lots on Thursday. Mark Grant came in to give Ephraim a pop. I went to Tom Butterfield's memorial service at The Queens Arms. Tom had been the Landlord there. I saw lots of old faces and it was a really good turnout. He was a great character, and he will be sorely missed.

It is still a bit frustrating as lots of meetings are off and it doesn't look like we'll have many runners this week.

Morney Wing WINS at Haydock & Gowanauthat WINS at Ludlow

On Wednesday 29th December it was very windy and we couldn't take the horses up the back of the hill because of the weather. We worked them up my old gallop as it is more sheltered. We had runners at Taunton and Haydock today. Tess drove my son William and I to Taunton. We ran Morney Wing at Haydock. He hadn't run for a while as we had been sorting out his ulcers and he made all the running, jumped beautifully and won nicely, which was a big relief! Morney Wing is owned by The Steeplechasers syndicate; it was great to train them their first winner! Fine Parchment ran a nice race and made all the running, jumping beautifully to finish 3rd. Unfortunately they took out one of the fences which was not ideal for Parchy, as his jumping is such a strength.

Morney Wing WINS at Haydock!

Morney Wing

We schooled three horses on Thursday; Dukes Den, Gowanauthat & My Anchor. I took the children to The Malt Shovel for lunch. I had dinner at Annabelle McCalmont's on New Years Eve. The kids saw the New Year in in the hot tub and I hope 2016 is good for all of us.

Denis O'Regan came in to ride out two lots on Friday before he headed off to Cheltenham for a ride in the bumper. We had a very good lunch at Cheltenham as we were running Seventh Sky in a big race there. Seventh Sky ran a good race to finish 5th, but they went quick enough for him early on; he stayed on a bit one paced, but he picked up some prize money and certainly didn't disgrace himself!

We had a nice chap in for breakfast on Saturday called Ian, as a Red Letter Day guest. I lit the fire and watched the racing on the telly with some good racing from Sandown. I thought the final of the veterans chase was a great success! We had drinks at James Repard's on Saturday night and then went to The Palm for a very good dinner.

On Sunday we had Simon Kimber and Julie, Nick Trott and Lizzie over, as they came to see their horses after their recent victories. We then had a very good lunch in The Malt Shovel. 

We all got rather wet on Monday morning (as usual) and Tommy Dowling drove me to Ludlow races where we had two runners. I had lunch with Anthony and Wendy Smith and Mark Hitchcroft. Dukes Den ran a nice race and finished 4th, so hopefully we will get a handicap mark now. We ran Gowanauthat in the 3mile chase and Tommy rode him very well to win by a neck in a hands and heels contest.

Gowanauthat being led back to the stables by Matty

Gowanauthat being led back to the stables by Matty

We have a lot of horses that want better ground than we have right now, which is a little frustrating as they are all fresh and well, but we are limited with what we can run where as the ground just won't suit.

Gowanauthat & Tommy on their way back to the winners enclosure at Ludlow

Gowanauthat battling all the way to the line to win the 3.20 at Ludlow!

We will have a fairly quiet week this week runners wise because of the wet ground.