Third

Monday May 16th….Late back from Hexham last night and breezy today, a little milder.  Well watered ground produced more good competitive racing; Commercial Express was a good third in the Mixed Open, flying at the end but failing to get up by a length and a half, this was his 3rd race in 17 days so he should have a little break now.  Skipping Chapel was a remote third in the Intermediate race, he has had a few training setbacks since his win at Balcormo so perhaps lacked a little fitness. Both were ridden by Kit who has edged clear again in the Novice Riders title, one fixture left, not sure if we will be represented so might be a bit of a nail-biter! Dried out here a bit now so 8 horses worked on the riverbank this morning, they all seemed fresh and well, remarkable considering how long they have been on the go and unusual for me to still have so many in work at this time of year.

Not much on this week but Lucy is booked to ride at Sedgefield on Wednesday and Wetherby on Thursday; our next entries are at Kelso next Sunday, I had a look at the ground there yesterday on my way to Hexham, it was pretty firm so we will need some rain to assist their watering programme…