Storm Darragh has certainly been testing but all the team have worked so hard to get the horses exercised and looked after well. Luckily there have been no trees down or fences which is a miracle! 

We had some awful news this week as one of our foals, Hugo (Tasleet x Sadiigah), suffered a severe bout of colic and despite the best efforts of our vets at Rossdales, he could not be saved. Both him and Jack have been little crackers and we have loved having them around the place, so to lose one so early in his life is devastating. I was worried about how Jack would cope but we have paired him up with Sandy, and despite the 22 year age gap, they have been getting on really well.

On a brighter note, it was great to find out that Sarah has been shortlisted for the annual stable staff awards. She has made it into the top 10 in the rider/groom category, which is a very strong division. She will now be considered for the final 3 and then the final judging which will take place at an awards evening at York races in February. We are all so proud and her hard work is certainly recognised by us all- so good luck Sarah!

With no runners this week, we were still kept busy with 3 going through the sales ring at Tattersalls on Thursday. We said goodbye to Eloped and Engrave, the former will continue her racing career in France before starting life as a broodmare and Engrave has gone to a family in Poland who will continue breeding with her. The only lot to not reach their reserve was Queen's Company, who has come back to us and will have a little winter break before resuming racing again next season.

There will only be one runner this week as Show Biz Kid will get an entry at Southwell for Saturday. He has been galloping well and we hope a more galloping track will suit him better.

Pictures of the week 

It has been lovely to have a quiet week with no runners and next week is looking the same. We can get some much needed work done  around the yard and give plenty of time to our yearlings who are just learning the ropes.

Shelley and Dylan had a much more eventful week during their holiday in Dubai, as Dylan got down on one knee and they came back engaged! John and I had been in the know for a while as Dylan had to ask for the ring from John as it belonged to John's mother. I have been told not to buy my hat just yet however, as the wedding is not planned for another 3-5 years! 

Picture of the week