First winner

Toboggan's Fire kicked off our year in good style last night when winning the feature filly’s race at Wolverhampton. Ridden by Joey Haynes, who was recording his first win for the yard from probably only his second or third ride for us, he had the filly switched off and racing in a nice, relaxed rhythm towards the tail end of the field, helped by a strong pace in which nothing got much of a breather. The filly came with a wet sail on the outside and just got up in the dying strides. Joey showed all the right attributes a trainer or owner could ask for, patience, strength and good judgement, he is also a seriously nice and honest lad determined to carve out a niche for himself. He along with Shane Gray and Ben Curtis are riding out here regularly and no doubt will form the basis of our “jockey arrangements” for this coming season.

Toboggan’s Fire is our first runner of the year from all the horses who had enjoyed a rest and had started training again in January so it was fantastic that she won first time out. Ironically her half-sister Toboggan's Gift was out first winner last season too. Her price of 8/1 represented good value so hopefully those who subscribe to "Ann's Thoughts" will have taken the each way hint!

Today was as relaxing a Sunday as I have known, a quiet hack out on Captain Jack for an hour or so around the fields and reservoir followed by mother's day lunch courtesy of AJ. I have never been one for this Mothering Sunday lark but I could get used to a few more days like today!