Miserable weather today, in fact at least half of us are suffering from SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder and the other half are hormonal! Things are certainly stepping up a gear here and there could potentially be an amusing photo or two snapped over the next couple of days. I don't know whether to hope for cakes to be baked or not! Visits from vet, farrier and physio today and a field full of 'beaters' as the nearby shoot took place mid-morning. Entries made for the week at both Southwell and Newcastle - handy to have an all-weather track within an hour and half drive and we will likely make the most of it when preparing this years juveniles.
Kristin Stubbs went out on a high over the weekend as her last runner won at Wolverhampton after she announced her retirement due to lack of support. Kristin had a great 2016 and despite some good winners found it increasingly difficult to find both owners and staff to keep the ball rolling - it is such a shame that she has been forced to quit a profession she loves. It just proves that sometimes even blood, sweat and tears simply aren't enough to compete with the big boys in a game that is becoming increasingly difficult for the smaller trainer./owner. It is incredibly tough to be competitive and very stressful to have your neck on the line constantly, but, if you can make it pay, it's a wonderful way of life. The prices at the sales continue to go up and up, which is why we like to buy (relavitely) cheaply and then hope to sell at least one at big money, much like last seasons 'Rainbow Mist' who went to Hong Kong for a six figure sum. I wonder which of our youngsters will be this years 'rainbow'....