20/12/20

In another year we would all normally be gearing up for Christmas and planning on seeing relatives across the country. The news yesterday that all these occasions will have to be put on hold this year was obviously very disappointing and I do feel for everyone who can't go and see loved ones. Obviously it is all for good reason to limit the spread of coronavirus but it is becoming very frustrating and has a big impact on people's mental health at this time of year. Please stay positive everyone and we will soon be back to better times.
Racing is very lucky in that it can continue during this pandemic and, although there is a break in the action from 23rd - 25th December, there is some great action to watch from Boxing Day onwards and lots of it is on ITV Racing too. Before that, we will be tuning in to BBC Sports Personality of the Year tonight and voting for the brilliant Hollie Doyle. She has been a phenomenon in the saddle this year and fully deserves the nomination. I don't know if she'll be able to beat the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Tyson Fury but she should be proud no matter what. She is a role model to not just female jockeys but aspiring male ones too such is her fantastic work ethic and level-headedness.

With very little racing this week, we have just one runner in Engrave at Lingfield on Tuesday. She has found her confidence recently with two wins from her last three runs and I think she still has room for more success. She's switching to Lingfield here which probably won't suit her as much as Chelmsford has but I don't see any other reason why she can't run well.

Engrave winning at Chelmsford last time

I must say a massive thank you to everyone who has very generously gifted food and wine to the yard recently, we have enough to see us through another lockdown I think and the biscuits won't be wasted on the staff. Unfortunately we can't have a staff party this year but the team will all be getting a cash present in their wages so thank you.

On behalf of all of Team Feilden, I wish you a Merry Christmas and hope you get to enjoy a great day!