19th January 2020

There are no runners for us this week as the team prepare for some races later this month and last week might as well have been a no-show as our sole outing at Chelmsford proved a waste of time.
Highway Robbery went to the track in great form at home and we were hopeful of a big run especially when he got into a good early position during the race. However, it was clear from halfway that he was struggling and soon dropped to the rear and was virtually pulled up. We initially thought that he was being lazy without his usual cheekpieces on but a post-race check by the vet showed that he had an irregular heartbeat. This is often a one-off thing and returned to normal after the race but he did get quite worked up in the stables before the race so maybe he got himself in a state which affected his heart rate. Anyway, he is fine now and was due a holiday so he will have a few weeks in the field to recover and freshen up.
We thought we had another good chance that evening as Engrave made her debut for us but she never even got a run as the race was abandoned due to high winds when the horses were in the parade ring. Personally I don't think it was a problem but I'm not the one who has to ride in it so if the jockeys say it isn't safe then maybe it isn't. It was annoying to miss this race with the filly but there will be other days.

Things are very busy in the yard now with all the holiday makers back into work ready for the turf season and things haven't been made easy with various staff issues. Shelley is obviously on the sick-list with her shoulder problem but luckily Sarah is now back to work after recovering from her broken foot. We sadly said goodbye to Chloe on Friday as she heads off to the National Stud to do a six month stud course which will hopefully set her up for a career in that industry. After four years with us having graduated from the British Racing School, most of you will know Chloe well and she will be much missed in the yard.

Team Feilden say goodbye to Chloe