Building Momentum for a Busy Spring

​It has been a fairly quiet month on the racing front as the majority of our horses continue their preparations for a Spring campaign. I cannot say the same for myself, as over the past week alone I have been in Dublin, New York, and I am currently on the train back from London after filming the latest episode of Unbridled.

Leloopa enjoyed a short break at home over Christmas and is now back at Ravenswell with Fergal and the team. She could head to Ludlow on the 18th of this month, although her long term target remains the Catesby Estates Mares’ Challenger Series Final Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in April. We are incredibly fortunate to have such fantastic opportunities on our doorstep, and the owners’ hospitality from the team at Cheltenham really is second to none.

​Jack Hyde also had a break during the worst of the winter but is now back in full work at Ravenswell. He is set to head to Taunton next week before taking his chance in the valuable Betfair Imperial Cup at Sandown on the 7th March.

A King of Magic finished fifth on his debut over hurdles at Exeter on the 9th January. The form of that race has worked out well and we should see further improvement from him on better ground. He could join Jack Hyde at Taunton next week, with fingers crossed for some drier weather.

​Run Away Joe is having a short break following his run at Wincanton on the 15th January. Ben Brain is planning to check his wind in a couple of weeks, as we feel that may be holding him back.

Belle Le Grand had a break over the New Year and is now back at Dan’s. She looks incredible and her long term target will be the Herring Queen Series Final Mares’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle at Kelso in March, a race we were lucky enough to win last year with Leloopa.

Saint Jeannais picked up an injury following his impressive debut at Worcester in October. He is back riding at home now and, all being well with his scan in two weeks’ time, we could see him lining up at one of the big Spring festivals.

Rainbow Tara ended last year with a second place finish on her debut for the syndicate at Uttoxeter on New Year’s Day. She's in great form, so hopefully it will not be long before she adds a bumper win to her name.

​Ink Black Heart finished a close second on his debut for the syndicate at Wetherby over Christmas. There were plenty of positives to take from that performance and we are very much looking forward to seeing him out again soon.

Our latest recruit, King’s Scholar, is enjoying his new routine at Olly Murphy’s. He's been schooling under Olympic gold medalist Laura Collett and appears to be loving every minute of it! We are looking forward to a yard visit on Friday to check on his progress. There are still a couple of shares remaining, so if you are interested in getting involved please do not hesitate to get in touch.

​Finally, if anyone is looking for a fun Cheltenham Preview Evening, I will be on the panel at The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power on Monday 9th March. It promises to be a great night and tickets are selling fast.