Hilary J

"Hilary J" was one of, if not 'the' most promising two year old on the yard this time last year but a serious injury put her out of action for the entire season before she had a chance to show us how good she might have been. In fact she had got to the stage where she was entered to run when disaster struck and she had to suffer the indignity of ten weeks box rest. Luckily she was a fantastic patient and did everything  to help her own recovery. So far this season she has run four times being placed  3rd -2nd -3rd and 1st in all her efforts. Seeing her get her head in front yesterday was a great relief to us all and her owners were over the moon having  shown incredible patience for twelve months.

Patience is of course the name of the game and watching racing at Ascot today where Jim Goldie's super old stager the ten year old "Hawkeyethenoo"  won for the first time in four years, it is a stark reminder of how patient owners and trainers need to be sometimes.

Today at Chester "Ninetta" ran a blinder under Rowan when finishing fourth in a valuable event, Chester suited her and she led them a merry dance for much of the race but is still a little high in the handicap, paying the price for such a good season last year. Rowan rode her well and continues to improve, he lost his seven pound claim recently and is delighted to be a step nearer to losing his claim altogether.

 Rowan perfecting his craft at home.