Verni (see blog of 5th february 2017) ran a great race to be second in the Martin Pipe today at Cheltenham for Paul & Clare Rooney.

Still on the upgrade, although he is eight years old, the strong galop suited him well & he jumped better as a result of it. He pulled quite hard early on & has plenty of pace so a drop back to two miles could also suit him.

Many congratulations to trainer James Ewart & owners John & Jill Dodd for the victory of CALIX DELAFAYETTE, first time out, in the bumper at Ayr today.

James & Briony bought Calix, as an unbroken two year old, whilst staying with us.

He came to us to be broken in before making the journey to Scotland. Calix Delafayette is a big strong gelding who will surely make his presence felt over jumps in the years to come.

Ouro Branco (Portuguese for white gold) won the bumper at Carlisle today by 18 lengths. 

It was not unexpected as his first run on the 21 of February was extremely encouraging. 

Ouro Branco as a yearling, sold privately to Nigel Hawke.

Al Namix ex Kestrel Mail colt foal born at a quarter to one this morning.  His mother won 10 races on the flat & placed 34 times plus 4  wins over Jumps & 2 places from 6 runs.   Kestrel Mail( by Cricket Ball, remember Lady Cricket?)had her first foal at  10 years old, who has already won.  A very tough family.  Her nephew is Chez Castel Mail who won a bumper last month.