Back to work, Chasing entries & Happy horses
As we edge closer to the heart of the jumps season, there’s a familiar buzz beginning to build. Although we’ve had pockets of jumps racing over the summer, the Chepstow season opener always feels like the moment the sport collectively wakes up. Trainers sharpen their plans, owners start refreshing the entries page a little more often, and fans begin to feel that unmistakable anticipation.
The weather, however, still seems determined to test everyone’s patience. Several fixtures have already fallen foul of the ground, and the lack of rain is becoming a real nuisance. My wellies are practically gathering dust — everything is still rock hard underfoot. The temperature has dipped noticeably in the last few days, even if the garden flowers are stubbornly clinging on to summer. The forecast hints at a change next week, and we’ll gladly take it. A good, prolonged spell of rain would be welcomed by just about everyone in the sport right now.
Ellie – Fresh, Happy, and Back to Work
We began the week with Charlotte at Ravenswell Farm, where Just Passing Bye —
Ellie — has been enjoying a short mini-break. Charlotte reported that Ellie was super happy and really enjoying her horse walker work.
Later in the week, the vet came to give her a full check-over. Ellie trotted up sound, looked bright in her eye, and was given the green light to return to work. It’s always reassuring to hear those words, especially with a young horse who is still developing physically and mentally.
Ellie is one of those horses who genuinely loves her job. She’s eager, forward, and always tries to please. We’ll start her back with very light ridden work — no rush, no pressure. At just three years old, she’s still learning her craft, and we want to give her every chance to grow into herself. She has speed, but I don’t see two miles being her long-term trip. She shapes like a filly who will relish further once she matures.
She looks magnificent at the moment — a deep shine to her coat, bright expression, and a healthy frame. We’re excited to lay the foundations for her season and watch her progress step by step.
Silverhill Freya – Button Pressed and Eyes on the Fixtures
Over at Cottage Field Stables, the button was officially pressed on Silverhill Freya this week — and she continues to impress everyone who works with her. Her core fitness is excellent, and she handled the step up in work exactly as we hoped. She had a good blow afterwards, which is perfectly normal at this stage, and Tom Lacey and the team were delighted with her effort.
Tom sent over a video update for her members, and it’s clear how much they think of her. She’s a filly who has always shown ability, but now she’s beginning to show that extra layer of professionalism that separates the nice horses from the exciting ones.
We’re now scanning the fixture list with intent. The aim is to get Freya on the racecourse towards the end of the month, weather permitting. Her jumping is already rock-solid — she’s schooled in the menage, she’s run in two point-to-points, and she spent valuable time with Marcus Foley before joining Tom. She’s confident, balanced, and clever at her obstacles.
She’s also an absolute head-turner. Anyone coming to our stable morning on the 15th is in for a treat — she’s one of those horses who commands attention the moment she steps out of the stable.
Maisie – A Bright Future Taking Shape
In Lambourn, Maisie is enjoying her break out in the field. She’ll stay there for the rest of the month before coming back in for her pre-training. She breezed through the breaking-in process, showing maturity beyond her age, and Katie and David were very impressed with her attitude and natural balance.
A few weeks ago, Nicky Henderson visited her, and he was equally enthusiastic. He’s very much looking forward to having her at Seven Barrows, and we’re just as excited. She’s superbly bred, and everyone who has spent time with her has commented on her quality, her movement, and her temperament.
The plan is clear: she’ll have a solid block of pre-training, then head to Marcus Foley for her introduction to jumping, and finally make her way to Nicky. All being well, we’re hopeful of a debut around April, which feels like a realistic and sensible target.
Maisie is one of those fillies who gives you confidence simply by the way she carries herself. There’s a calmness and intelligence about her that bodes very well for the future.
Paul – Growing Fast and Full of Promise
Over at Charlock Stud, our Logician colt Paul welcomed some new paddock friends this week. Carla sent over a lovely video of them all having a good run and play — the kind of content that always brings a smile.
Paul is growing into a big, powerful lad. He moves well, he’s athletic, and he has a presence about him already. His pedigree gives us every reason to be excited: out of the multiple Graded winner J’Y Vole and from the family of the great Long Run, he has all the ingredients to be a proper horse in time.
Watching youngsters like him develop is one of the most rewarding parts of the job. Every week brings a small change — a bit more height, a bit more strength, a bit more confidence. He’s a joy to follow.
Emma & Pam – The Girls Thriving and Full of Character
“The Girls” — Emma and Pam — are also thriving at Charlock. Carla sent a video of them having a good run around, clearly enjoying themselves. They’re developing beautifully and remain very popular at the yard.
There’s something special about watching horses simply be horses — playing, relaxing, interacting with their friends. It’s a reminder of how important these early years are in shaping confident, happy racehorses.
Both fillies are progressing exactly as we’d hope, and they continue to bring plenty of smiles whenever updates arrive.
Looking Ahead – A Busy, Exciting Week Coming Up
Next week is shaping up to be a busy one. We have our stable morning at Tom Lacey’s, which is always a fantastic opportunity for members to see the horses up close and get a feel for their progress. We also plan to get over to another yard, and we’ll fit in anything else we can around the weather and the horses’ schedules.
Momentum is building across the team. The season is stirring, the horses are thriving, and there’s a real sense of excitement for what lies ahead.
