11th June update
When we get a call from the trainer at a random time, our hearts drop and we almost don’t answer as it’s never good news. We had such a call from Charlie last week, unfortunately, we have some bad news in that Surrey Knight has suffered a further injury to his tendon, leaving us with no alternative but to retire him. It is the same leg as before but this time it is worse. The only good news is that Knight is comfortable and not in pain. We have done everything possible to ensure his recovery, including paying for the latest laser treatment and sending him to Culworth Grounds Farm, where Sophie is an expert in rehabilitation from this kind of injury. The vets and experts have been delighted with his progress throughout and Charlie was being very cautious with his rehabilitation, so you can only wonder if there is an inherent weakness in his genetic make up.
He’ll now have 10 days box rest and be kept under observation for a month. After that, he will be turned out into a small pen for 3-4 months before we find him a new home where he can be retrained for recreational riding or equestrian events and enjoy a happy retirement. We know how frustrating this must be after such a great day at Doncaster and are aware of the expense that has been occurred but we have tried everything possible to get him right. It just wasn’t to be.
Surrey Knight
Such a great debut at Doncaster
No new news on the three NH horses, or the three 2 year olds.
Better news on Surrey Charm, she’s over her latest dirty nose and back working again, fingers crossed we can see her on a race track this month.
We do have two entries this week with a possible third to come but I don’t think conditions will suit 2 of those. Surrey Mist may have an entry into the Listed Grand Cup at York on Saturday but unless the weather forecast changes dramatically in the next few hours then he won’t be joining tomorrow’s confirmed entries. The weather in the South is a little more unsettled so we will keep an eye on that before the first Royal Ascot entry for him on Wednesday.
Surrey Noir (who was dropped another pound by the handicapper this week to an OR of 69) is ready to run again although the firm ground isn’t suitable and there’s no all weather alternative right now. However, Charlie has made an entry into Sandown on Friday, the 4.25, a 0-75 handicap over 7 furlongs. The weather forecast can change pretty quickly so we will keep the option open until declarations on Wednesday.
One runner we will have this week is Surrey Belle who will line up at Kempton on Wednesday evening (currently scheduled at 6.10) in a class 5 fillies novice stakes over 11 furlongs. The main objective of the race is to teach her to settle as she was so wired up last time at Salisbury that she had no chance of running well. Hughie has booked a stronger and more experienced jockey in Sean Levey to ride.
Good luck to the Belle’s on Wednesday and maybe if the weather changes we’ll be seeing a lot of you this week!
Possible races and events
2023
June
Wednesday 14th – Surrey Belle – Kempton – 6.10
Friday 16th – Surrey Noir – Sandown – 4.25
Saturday 17th Surrey Mist @ York – Listed Grand Cup – 15.05
Tuesday 20th Surrey Mist @ Royal Ascot – Copper Horse H’cap
Friday 23rd Surrey Mist @ Royal Ascot – Duke of Edinburgh H’cap
Sunday 25th Surrey Mist @ Lyon – Listed Grand Prix de Lyon