Blowing hot and cold

Terrible absence but so much has been happening. Two weeks ago I was moaning about the heat in the Hunter Valley, now I'm moaning about the cold in Newmarket. If you've read John's blog then you'll know there was really no call for moaning on a superb Australian holiday taken straight after the new year. A better start to 2009 could not be imagined.
British Gas broke our boiler on our return when allegedly servicing it, leaving us with no heating for four days and refusing to do anything about it, even though it was their fault, as it was a weekend. Useless bloody company they are. I am still waiting for a call back from the manager of the so-called customer service centre more than a week later. I'll be changing suppliers and I urge you all to do so as British Gas clearly has no concept of the phrase 'customer service'.

Anyway, enough of boring British Gas and on to the more predictable topic of conversation, in this country anyway, the weather (again). Blimey, it's cold. The snow yesterday made for wonderful scenes on the heath, however. I just hope this has all blown over by the Cheltenham Festival. On the subject of which, I'd like to hear Problem Walrus' tips and any from anyone else. Can't wait to see Denman return this weekend if racing goes ahead.

It's hard to imagine what it must be like in a yard the size of Paul Nicholls' stable. So many superstars and potential stars. From a small stable's perspective, however, it is always nice to see other similarly sized ventures do well and I have particularly enjoyed the successes of horses such as Diamond Harry and Starluck of late. Two really exciting horses for the Festival there. It was also lovely to see (old) Young Mick run so well in Dubai for George and Gaye Margarson. His prize-money for second has already more than justified the trip and let's hope he can add to the coffers with another few good runs at the Carnival, which is providing a weekly highlight, especially with so much racing having been called off.

From our little corner of Newmarket, it has been lovely to welcome two new faces to the yard in Risky Cry and Cape Roberto (pictured here together with Hugh and Martha). Risky, an adorable and huge chestnut steeplechaser from France, owned by Les Trois Amis, should have his first outing for John towards the end of the month (over hurdles) and Cape Roberto will be having a little break before a summer campaign. He's a beautiful horse by the same sire as Take Me There (Cape Cross) so let's hope a spell will freshen him up and that his owner Mike can look forward to some fun later in the year.

On the personal front, I'm really looking forward to the debut of Anis Etoilé, which should be in the spring. My fellow members of the Tri-Nations Partnership have been very patient and hopefully this will be rewarded. Everyone who rides her jumps off and raves about the way she moves. Let's hope their confidence is well-placed.