LEADING THE WAY IN 2022

Juniper’s chasing debut didn’t go according to plan at Warwick on New Year’s Eve but there were excuses.  First of all there was the omission of most of the fences due to the low sun. But nonetheless she got into a good rhythm at her obstacles. She pecked sharply on landing at the back of the third last pulling two shoes off and puncturing her hoof with the toe clip. She pulled up sore but has made a complete recovery this week so we look forward to her getting back out again soon.

Harry’s Hottie also went to Warwick on Friday to line up in an EBF mares’ qualifier.  Unfortunately there was a delay and she got worked up down at the start waiting for the race to get underway.  Then the omission of the three hurdles in the back straight because of low sun effectively turned it into a Flat race which sadly was never going to suit her.  She sat front rank under Adrian Heskin who reported having struggled to get the breathers in, she was in trouble leaving the back straight. She'll be seen to better effect on a more galloping track and on some better ground.

Faire Part Sivola relishes soft ground ordinarily but conditions were gluey and holding at Uttoxeter on Friday. Jack Quinlan reported albeit having plenty of horse underneath him, he found it difficult to jump and gallop out of that ground in the class 3 handicap hurdle. That led to him being pulled up after the second last flight. He’ll be back soon however for a similar contest after a small break in January.

Docpickedme’s hard-fought Uttoxeter success meant we ended the year with a winner and he showed a terrific attitude to see off all his rivals in the novices’ handicap chase.  Always to the fore, he briefly looked in trouble when headed after the ninth fence but Jack Quinlan galvanised him and responded by seeing his race out in really gritty style.  That was just his third start over fences and it gives us something to build on, so hopefully he continues to show progression.