Leading the Troops

By Hayley 

We didn't have to wait long for another winner. Troop led the way to the winners enclosure yesterday at Hamilton, rounding off the month of May on a high. Most of the owners were there to see their white flash win, enjoying a marvellous day out and were blown away by the hosipitality. It was well documented that we suffered a rough season last year, a difficult time that tested us all and didn't deliver the results we expected. Hopefully, the flip side is that we have some well handicapped horses and this year has started positively, with several winners on the all-weather and a couple of turf wins under our belt already. In fact, in the last 14 days we have had 11 runners, resulting in 2 wins, 2 seconds, 2 thirds and a fourth. A bad spell makes you enjoy the good times all the more and we will make sure to celebrate each and every winner as if it was a victory at Royal Ascot. 

At 'Royal Catterick' today, we have two runners today, Nifty Niece and Balmec.

Balmec is making a miraculous return to racing, given that we very nearly lost him over the New Year. He was desperately unwell, hammered with antibiotics which simultaneously saved his life and affected his appetite, seeing his weight plummet. He looked horrendous. His coat was dull, his head hung low and his spirited personality was broken. Our fantastic vet Sarah, dedicated staff, alternative therapy, sweet hay and lots of TLC saw him slowly but surely make a recovery. To say it was touch and go would be an understatment, but, I am very glad to say that he looks better than ever, his character is back in spades and we are delighted to be able to take him to the races today - anything else is simply a bonus.