Winning Post

If only horses could talk

If only horses could talk! We had a disastrous time at Flete Park on Saturday when Storm trailed round in the confined against four opponents and pulled up. He was spot on - or so I thought - fitness wise but, with hindsight, I guess he didnt run that well at the course last year. We had thought that was because last time there were only three in the race but maybe he just didn't like the course which is quite undulating and twisty. This time we opted for the Confined, a penalty, and blinkers as only two had declared for the men''s open and we wanted to avoid another small field. Anyhow all our thinking was pointless as Storm couldnt have run worse if he had tried. As he was sent off favourite we also had to be interviewed by the stewards to explain why he had run so badly. If only we knew! I also think he hated the blinkers and he won't have those again. At least he came home safe and sound. Poor Jackie Du Plessis had the joy of Kingsmill Lake's fab win and the distress of losing Miss Ziggerson, a homebred mare, who collapsed after finishing third in our race. And we didnt have far to go home - three miles, 10 minutes! I see today that Rockwithacaveman powered home in the Cotley open yesterday and SueTrump's McSolo won at Vauterhill. With Holnicote also on at the weekend I guess any of those tracks would have been better for us than Flete but I was already committed to the pony racing there and was keen to run at the weekend. The day had started well as the pony racing was again a success and also at last for Pippa who was third in the 138s on her pony Charlie. she gave him a great ride and made a lot of ground on the inside, her efforts earning her the 'best ride' prize -which wasn't picked by me I would hasten to add. She is full of enthusiasm for the next outing on May 17 at Bratton Down. Charlie looks pretty fierce sometimes in the paddock but has an exceptional temperament and, despite being revved up on racehorse food, completed a double clear in team showjumping on Sunday, their team coming fifth at the Dartmoor Pc event.