18 March 2020
The lockdown has started.... as of today racing is now cancelled until the beginning of May at the earliest. In all reality it could be longer and we just have to hope that the measures being brought into place now see a massive slow down in the spread of the virus - scary times..... It is going to have a huge impact on the racing industry. Flat yards are only just getting going and the majority of jumpers will now get turned away for a very early SUmmer. This in turn will have a knock on effect with the staff creating a very uncertain next few months. Thankfully I see that the government has promised help....
On a happier note, it was great to win, what turned out to be, the final race of the National Hunt season (or racing anywhere for the foreseeable future) with Glencassley yesterday at Wetherby. We have always thought he was a lovely horse and the form of his previous two races look very strong, so he was entitled to win. Aidan gave him a very straightforward ride from the front and he just hd to be pushed out 'hands and heels' towards the end. He might have only won by a couple of lengths, but it was an impressive and comfortable win. He, like so many horses now, can go and have a good Summer holiday.....
That winner made it 29 wins for the season. In what has been a very transitional season, I cannot really complain, and if the season had carried on we were on target to match last season's total. We do have a lot of very nice youngsters to look forward to, so if all goes accordiung to plan we can look forward to running in some bigger races again next season.
