Valentine’s Update
Happy Valentine’s Day
A couple of things to look forward to this week, especially with Gran Luna who has been entered into the 3.40 at Sandown on Thursday, a class 4 novice hurdle over 2 miles – he’s one of 4 that Nicky H has entered but it was quite clear from Nicky’s blog this week that Gran Luna is his main horse for the Mares Novice at the Festival – she just needs to prove she’s good enough when she next runs. The weather looks to turn warmer here in Surrey but unfortunately there’s heavy rain due midweek and Sandown isn’t the best for drainage so fingers crossed we miss most of the rain. With it becoming increasingly likely that Gran Luna won’t get two runs in before Cheltenham it doesn’t matter too much if we have to wait another week or two for her comeback run.
The other event this week – on the same day – we have a Surrey Racing zoom call with George Baker – who had a nice winner yesterday - all of the owners are very welcome to join, we will get an update on Surrey Mist and Surrey Princess, plus all the latest from the stable, including the proposed satellite yard in Bahrain.
The following Wednesday we will do the same again with the Champ, Nicky Henderson! We will also organise calls with Joe, Hughie and Charlie over the next few weeks and will ask Anthony Stroud and Matt Coleman if they have time for a call on all things bloodstock related -they are the main advisors for Godolphin and Surrey Racing.
Charlie is extremely happy with Surrey Knight’s progress so far – it does look like we’ve done it again with our buying of a progressive stayer! He is doing lots of steady flat cantering and Charlie is very keen to try and get him on the grass., however, with snow on the ground and the forecast the way is it hasn’t happened yet but hopefully with Spring weather on the way it won’t be too far away. A share in him would make a nice Valentine’s Day present !
The snow on the ground and the cold weather has hampered the horses a little over the past week – it must be pretty grim for their riders to work out early in the morning with extremely low temperatures. No real news for Surrey Pride, Surrey Gold and Surrey Quest. They are all being ridden regularly on the gallops but being kept off the grass for now.
Fingers crossed for Gran Luna on Thursday and let’s hope some will be celebrating with champagne on the zoom call with George afterwards!