Go Mr Fitzroy!

Well I am still coming down from a brilliant day yesterday, Mr F is such a superstar - I always knew he was capable of running a big race like yesterday but we have had to get over numerous little niggles with him. To have a winner is a joy but to have one on channel 4 was amazing, I am equally amazed at the amount of kind messages, emails and facebook messages that we have received.

I know that we have been struggling to get a winner but we have been hitting the goal posts a fair bit before Christmas, it was only a matter of time that it all fell into place, yesterday has given us all a well needed confidence boost and a bit more incentive to get out of bed on the cold wet mornings at 5.30...

James Banks gave him a great ride and rode completely to instructions, he had to do 9st 12 - not easy I would imagine. My staff are a great team and as a trainer I rely on good feedback and to know that what I ask them to do gets done properly, something that I would never take for granted. I really appreciate the good people I have around me, from my staff Hannah, Chrissy and Casey, to the chiropractor Anton, the physio Nikki, the farrier Terry and the vets, Woodlands. No one in any industry will achieve anything without first class help and I think people should recognise this more often.

A muddy and very chilled Mr F

Mr F is fine this morning and has been out in the field to have a roll and some grass, he came in covered in mud and happy as a pig in muck. I will give him a few days becasue however well he has come out of it, he does have issues to keep on top of and I would like to get our brilliant physio Nikki Engelbach and Chiropractor Anton Major to give him the once over before we run again. However I am sure the handicapper will make us pay for winning so easily but he is not a horse I would try to be clever with and run quickly. I ride him out every day and the last couple of weeks he has been like something from a hair ad, his head snapping and swinging has reached a crescendo that now includes a buck and body shimmy, I did stop laughing the other day when I nearly fell off! At least he announces his wellness...

We have Captain Flash entered this week and I will see how he canters tomorrow before I decide to run or not, he is in good form but I want to see that he is really bouncing or I will give him more time.

I am off out for a lovely lunch with my beautiful family, its nice to have a day off without worrying about when things are going to go right! Thanks Mr F!