This week started with an artic load of Silica sand delivered at some early hour of the morning courtesy of Mike ( Rogers friend and also in the Syndicate ) organising it for us. It was a struggle to turn the artic in the dark but all went well. Talking of which, new laws say we cannot use carpet fibre on our gallops anymore and so looking to change over time back to Wood fibre.

Blame Rose went off to Kelso having had a mini wind op and surprised us all with her excellent attitude ( sometimes it has not been ) throughout the race to finish 3rd just beaten a head to second – so now she heads for Catterick for the Nelson Group to start her qualifying for the Go North Series finals in April. Nathan rode her well and its good to see the patience of the Nelson Group and the wind op paying off.

Now I try never to blame a jockey for a bad run – so its good job our jockey Sam held his hands up and said he gave Champ Royal a terrible ride at Musselburgh – somehow crashed into a rail – (should have gone to specsavers!) held him up too far out the back – then a mistake 2 from home cost us at least a place! So Champ Royal will be out again soon while Sam should not look forward to his next trip to ride out at the yard as the staff were not happy!

Then we were frost bound with racing at Musselb and Newcastle cancelled – Les's Legacy waits again....On Friday we went to the ROA Awards ceremony, where we were presented with the Lycetts Team Award last year, this year our ex Conditional Jockey, Dillan, riding Les Legacy, was nominated for Conditional Jockey Ride of the season – sadly he did not win – Emma Smith Chaston took the honours. It was a lovely evening and a chance to see how well Northern Trainers have done over the last 12 months – Magic Moment Award going to Corach Rambler and jockey Derek Fox taking more honours.

Pinot Rouge reaches the end of her trial period and looks like staying as she is doing no wrong and is a nice big mare giving the staff a good feel on the gallops. Harriet – the new Harry Angel filly – is also going great guns and her work plan works in well with 'Jimmy' now named Jimmybegood for the Naughty but Nice syndicate. No racing this week until Saturday where we may have Atomic Angel at Wetherby and Gowanbuster at Newcastle, after that it is full on throughout the festive season!

9th December – AA Wetherby

Gowanbuster Newcastle

11th Dec Ayr Les Legacy and Royal Prospect ( his first time over hurdles )

13th December – Hexham Velasco and Beaumesnil ( first run for him since a tooth out! )

14th Newcastle maybe Beaumesnil

16th Newcastle with Gowanbuster and our Christmas Party!

19th Catterick – Blame Rose

Check out the Christmas Racing

regards Chris