Had Better Days...

True Motion started fifth favourite, but ultimately finished ninth, about ten lengths down on the winner. That should signal the end of her time with me. At least I had a good morning doing some jumping practice with 'Bugatti' that took the edge off any disappointment, although it's not really surprising to be honest.

Meanwhile, Belle Plage had been firm favourite in her race since the day before, but today, the race scenario just didn't click - outside gate, long way around combined with a forced pace. You name it, it was against her. But as her first Black Type race, we can all be proud of her performance. The future is definitely bright for this horse, and we've got at least another year in which to prove that...

Courtesy Carrot Club

In the background, War Chronicle (right) passed her gate test, and - at last, after a rather annoying false start last year - I've managed to secure the hurdler I've been after her ages. Running in Ireland, I'll do a profile on her and the other newcomers over the next few days.

PS. True Motion has indeed been retired. If we can get rid of 
a few more that aren't doing any good - like Joyful Step and Glint Moment, along with Harmony Fair from the older horses - plus an end of contract here and there, we'll start to have the numbers at the bottom of the page coming down to manageable levels before the newcomers are added.