Winter returns

by Hayley

I think for the rest of the week I will forgo my usual morning routine of waking up, reaching for my phone and checking the weather app. Something about today’s report has put me off…

Making the most of the ‘good’ weather today, we had all the lots out up the all-weather with several others lunged and some also enjoying a session on the treadmill. Recent runners Highly Focussed and Gorse are both looking well, skipping back down the driveway after their workout, full of beans and as fresh as the weather. Gorse has been declared for Newcastle on Wednesday evening and, of course, we hope to go one better than last time when he was beaten only a neck. Captain and I will be accompanying Gorse to the toon track. With snow and seriously cold weather forecast, I will be dressing up Michelin Man style. I don’t have the true grit expected of a Northern Lass, where an extra layer of fake tan would see you through the coldest of Newcastle evenings. No, three jumpers and two coats will have to do! It really does seem that we are in for a return to winter this week; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are set to remain firmly in the minus numbers with Wednesday looking particularly bleak. Should the cold weather provoke a turn in Ann’s recent sunny disposition, we will take emergency action and shut her in the Solarium for at least an hour!

We had an exciting new arrival to the yard yesterday, a certain half-sister to Miss Hilary J - more on that tomorrow…