Toon Time

by Hayley

The older horses remain in decent form with another placed effort on Friday courtesy of Arnold at Newcastle. Being placed is great, it confirms they're fit and well, but of course it's winners that count and we can't seem to 'buy a winner' at the moment. Our luck will change, and we have placed our hopes firmly in Uncle Charlie's hooves. He runs tonight in the 6.15pm at Newcastle (the horsebox will be able to drive itself to the Toon soon!) over a slightly longer trip than his usual six or seven furlongs. Attempting a mile for only the second time tonight, his first foray over the trip came 14 months ago. He didn't have much luck in running that day so it's certainly worth another go and if he handles the distance on this stiff track, it will open up a few more options to him. Best of luck to owner Mr David Barker and his wife Val and also to Imogen, who has been painfully close to leading up her first winner for some time!

This year’s crop of yearlings is coming on nicely. The vast majority are by Fountain Of Youth (see our For Sale page here), a first season sire who seems to have imparted beautiful temperament on his offspring. Anna has been escaping the office for an hour a day to break in a stunning filly owned by long standing owner and friend of the yard, Jen Bianco. Despite throwing in a buck and skip in the lunge ring this morning, the filly by Brazen Beau has been impeccably well-behaved and after a nice walk out up the road and through the stalls, was successfully backed for the very first time. See the video below for a full account of her experience.