Bank Holiday Monday saw the Middleham yards, and us, open to the general public. Hundreds of people came to see us during the four hours we were open and were warmly welcomed by our staff who were more than happy to answer questions and show everyone what we are all about here at Sun Hill. The stall full of delicious homemade cakes and biscuits was very well received and the water treadmill was a big attraction with many people curious to know the differences between walking in water and swimming in water. Cuddles and selfies with the horses and a pit-stop to see ex-racers Peddler's Cross and Cinders & Ashes were on the agenda for most while several were delighted to shake hands with George having followed his riding career for many years. There was good interest in the few horses that have shares remaining but aside from the obvious perk of getting to show off our horses and even better, potentially sell shares, it was just a pleasure to open the gates to racing (and horse) fanatics and we look forward to doing it all over again next year.
Meanwhile at Redcar, Mimic's Memory ran a cracking race and was ultimately unlucky not to finish in the top 3, instead finishing 5th. Had she had a little more luck in running and a clean path through, she would have finished even closer but she clearly loved the galloping track and it shouldn't be too long before she runs again.
Work morning yesterday. We 'work' (gallop) the horses twice a week as a general rule, on Wednesdays and Saturdays with the second piece of the week being the slightly more intensive. Yesterday, most horses went twice up the all-weather and quickened up nicely, one in behind the other. The weather was chilly and grey, not perfect conditions for photos or for showing just how well the horses are looking but with the help of the Equilux lighting system we have installed, they really are looking great.