Good to see Empire de Maulde winning the first at Kelso today, he is a big strong horse by Spanish Moon & even though he won bumpers in Corsica, he was designed for the bigger fences.

It was good to see Ouro Branco continue his winning streak even with a ten month break, he made most of the running and won easily the 2 miles 4 furlongs handicap chase at Wincanton this afternoon, his dam Dolce Vita Yug won 16 races & Ouro Branco is by Kapgarde.

Friend or Foe bolted up in the 3.05 at Wincanton today he loved the soft ground, and won how he liked. He is trained by Paul Nicholls & owned by Gordon & Su Hall. Friend or Foe is at least 17.1 his Dam , Mandchou, is only 15.3 but she produces very tall horses . We have his 1/2 brother by Al Namix , called High Roller, in training with Augustin de Boisbrunet who will run next spring all being well. We also have a yearling colt by Karaktar (High Chaperral).

Good to see Casimir du Clos back in the winners enclosure yesterday winning the 2.55 at Hexham. It has been very frustrating these last 3 weeks having 9 individual runners 7 seconds & two 3rds some of the 2nds just being touched off by a short head.

Elvis Mail made a very good start to his chasing debut over the bigger fences by winning the 2.20 at Ayr today. He had top weight but his class was very evident. Elvis is trained by Nick Alexander & was ridden by Lucy Alexander, well done to the winning owners « The Ladies who ».

NIKGARDE won nicely at Kelso today on his 2nd time of asking over hurdles, he is out of Nikoline who won grade 3 races over here & beat the very good mare Tarla. She has had 3 runners 3 winners & is in foal to No Risk at All. NIKGARDE is owned by Mr & Mrs Dodd’s & we are delighted for them.

First time long reining High Roller 3 year old gelding by Al Namix ex Mandchou he is a 1/2 brother to FRIEND OR FOE who is trained by Paul Nicholls and has won 2 of his 3 races in England.

PRENGARDE won thé 2nd at Pompadour again today with top weight by 8 lengths, just had another practice run before going to Auteuil.