18/12/22

The weather is always the best and worst part of this job and this week we saw very much the worst side of it with sub-zero temperatures and treacherous conditions.
We knew there was a cold spell coming but the snow we had on Sunday evening made everywhere extremely icy and slippery for the rest of the week.
Racing was cancelled at all jumps tracks and even the all-weather courses couldn't handle the temperatures with a few meetings cancelled due to a frozen surface.
This gives extra credit to Newmarket's heath men who managed to keep the training grounds open and all the all-weather surfaces were safe to use. It meant that we could still get the horses out and I must thank the staff for working hard in difficult circumstances. We can all have a bit of fun at the staff party tonight!

Thankfully things are meant to thaw out tonight as we have a mild Monday and we will be at Chelmsford for it.
Zany Idea makes her racecourse debut and hopefully she can show some promise. Even though she is small, she has taken time to mature physically and mentally but she has taken big steps forward in recent weeks and seems ready for a run. We're not expecting too much but hopefully enough to suggest she can win a race further down the line.

Then that is us done with runners until after Christmas as racing packs up on Thursday until Boxing Day. Of course we will still be working hard over that period in the yard to keep the horses all healthy and happy but at least the team can have a few easier days to enjoy the festive period.

Thank you to everyone who has very kindly sent food and drink to the yard which is very much appreciated and I hope you all have a great Christmas time.

Merry Christmas!