We took 8 horses to Wadebridge on the 8th December for what looked like it could be a successful day! The horses delivered beyond our wildest dreams and we walked away with 5 winners, 1 third and 2 fourths. A fabulous day for the whole team and it was brilliant to spend it with so many owners and members of the team.

The day kicked off with The Kings Writ winning easily under Hannah Morgan in the Veteran and Novice Riders Conditions Race. It was never definite that Brian, as he is known at home, would run this season, but after spending the beginning of the season leading the babies and thoroughly enjoying his time in training, we thought we would pop an entry in for him. He showed everyone that his enthusiasm is very much still there and it was great for Hannah to enjoy a much deserved winner.

We took both Divisions of the Maiden with two very smart horses who have made the switch back from under rules. Talimar Pearl has been a consistent hurdler for owner David Churches when at Joe Tizzards and it was great for him to get his head in front and gain plenty of confidence from it. The other Division went the way of El Capitaine for Ivan Thompson, who again had not managed to win under rules and backed up his good 2nd at Knightwick at the beginning of November. Nelson Criq finished 3rd behind El Capitaine and we have no doubt that he will be in the winners enclosure very soon. 

Hearts Corner had his first experience in Open company and took the Ladies for Becky Roach with Izzie Hill in the saddle. He has his own unique way of jumping, but Izzie rode a very good race on him to come home a head in front. Purdy Peaster, who works for us, finished 2nd on her own horse, Sizing Cusimano, which was also brilliant!

John and Sonia Gardeners’ Clondaw Drake made his reappearance after winning at Dunsmore and came home in front again, this time in the Restricted. He has taken time to adapt to our routine but between Hannah and Emilie, they have done a marvellous job and it has thoroughly paid off!

Five winners for the yard and three for Josh in the saddle proved a very exciting and busy day! Breakfast rolls and bubbles were enjoyed the following morning. 

To the National Hunt horses, Our Dylan has come back bouncing after his close 2nd at Hereford and won under Josh in the Pony Racing Graduates Handicap Hurdle at Exeter! He has been a great horse for his owners and we can’t wait to see what else he can do. Diamatiste was just denied at Exeter by ½ length after being left tight for room on the run in but nonetheless, ran a super race. We hope he will get his head in front very soon as he has been running very well.

The 3yos are all getting on really well and we are very excited about them. They will enjoy a quieter period over the Christmas period and we will have a small handful of National Hunt entries along with a couple Point to Point entries at Chaddesley.

We hope everyone has a lovely Christmas and New Year!

From everyone at Blackmore Farm!