Wednesday, November 30, 2005
A grey day ...
Avalanche is at the vets following Sunday's race. According to the jockey, Luke ''had a breathing problem'' and was pulled-up.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Newbury
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Avalanche moon and star !!!
Avalanche today made an appearance on Meridian television.
Hopes are that he'll also be a star at Newbury tomorrow although the race is tough. ''The main thing is that he comes back safe.'' says syndicate manager Mr Nelson.
Friday, November 25, 2005
It's Chocolate !!!
Looks good on a gate ...and now booked for Avalanche on Sunday.
Robert (Chocolate) Thornton
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Fickle
... sums up today's weather. Initially cold and dreich then calm with clear blue skies and now icy squally showers. Let's see what tomorrow brings.
Other news in case of yawns over matters Meteorological:
We've had an up and down season with Mind How You Go. Like many Best horses, he had a bug early in the year (bad white cell ratios) and then met some hurdlers on the right side of the handicap. We then tried him on the flat with an aim of going for The Cesarewitch. All was going nicely, and a reasonable handicap of 74 had been achieved after three runs in conditions less than ideal. Then on the very week he came back into training after a short rest ... disaster struck. Hugo tripped over his own feet and hurt himself and for a while was very lame. Bone scan and xrays revealed a tiny cyst on the apex of the sesamoid. Expert opinion was sought from top vets here and in USA (Larry R Bramlage, no less!). Thankfully the prognosis was hopeful ... given reasonable rest and a bit of luck.
Eight weeks of box rest was followed by a walking routine, then last week he had his first canter up John's 3 furlong All Weather gallop ... the 'Hucking Hill', as we call it.
On Saturday two of the co-owners were pleased to see Hugo do to two gentle canters and this picture shows him after being washed down. In need of a clip! Anyway, so far so good, and if things continue as hoped we can soon start planning a campaign.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
John Kettley is ...
Trainer John Best today started Avalanche on an intensive skating course. You can see that he's a natural.The Newbury race is full of promising young horses including the Queen's Shining Strand. Good Luck, your Majesty. See you in the paddock ... and remember:
WRAP UP WARM !!!
John Kettley is a weatherman,
A weatherman, a weatherman,
John Kettley is a weatherman,
And so is Michael Fish !!
A v a l a n c h e ! ! !
The sense of anticipation and nervousness is growing ahead of Avalanche's seasonal debut at Newbury on Sunday. The weather forecast remains decidedly dodgy observes Douglas woe-is-me Kettley, ''Don't fret about owners badges, and as for schooling at Newmarket on Friday ... you'll be lucky to get there through the snow drifts!''.
Downhill Partners' optimism is growing though and discussions about jockey are beginning. AP perhaps, or maybe yesterday's hero Wayne Hutchinson (the treble has helped shake-off his villain tag!). Watch this space.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Behind You !!
Owners of Avalanche confirmed today that they are behind their trainer's decision to target Sunday's hurdle race at Newbury. ''No ffing chance the meeting going ahead'' commented the younger Nelson brother, ''... at least we'll get our entry money back!''.
Another co-owner, seen here frightening Hugo, is more optimistic ... if not endowed with forecasting skills (or much else for that matter). Entries are now available on the Racing Post website.
Entries
Exciting day!!, Avalanche has been entered to race at NEWBURY this weekend.
After much debate and banter between the Downhill partners it's been decided to enter the Two Mile chase on Saturday and the Two Mile Five Furlong Hurdle on Sunday.
As expected the chase has some classy entries __ the race looks as hot as the weather forecast is cold!
So plan A if the meeting goes ahead is to go for the hurdle race.
Although Avalanche is no respecter of the smaller obstacles, the race is much the weaker and the distance will suit for the first time out run. Additionally Avalanche's hurdle rating is a mere 110 (compared to 134 chase) so things are very much in his favour!
Happy owner!
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Flying !!
Plenty of this has been flying since watching Avalanche (here seen with Mind How You Go) work today.
The hot steaming topic has been whether Luke is ready to run, the plan having been to enter for Newbury next weekend. ''Worked ok but not buzzing'' was a comment from a brass monkey work-watcher. ''Needs another three weeks'' from the man in the saddle; BUT : ''Trust me, he's ready to run'' insists the Best trainer in Kent!!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Touch Landed !!
A friend of the owner celebrates the win.
Great day for The Little Tiny partnership at Wolverhampton today. A mammoth coup was landed when Magidene stormed in at a tasty 9/1 ___ backed in from 20/1 early doors. What a shame that 'downhill' and 'fiver in mind' associates were kept in the dark. Anyway our days will come!
Magidene:
Pile of Cash:
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Hugo and Luke
Hugo after his flat debut at Lingfield and Luke parading at Uttoxeter.
