On Wednesday 30th May the team made the 4 hour journey north to picturesque racecourse Cartmel with two runners. First to run was the representative of Alan's yard, Man Of Steel in the Bidfood Open Hunters' Chase, bidding for his third straight win in the race. Dale Peters was on board with a handy 7lb claim on the small gelding, although he still carried top weight. Steel jumped off odds on favourite of the nine runner field and settled into the race nicely, jumping with ease. He jumped the final fence upsides a contender before the long run in of over two furlongs to the finish, which feels like a lifetime when watching! Luckily Dale kept the quirky gelding interested to take up the lead in the final yards and win comfortably, but by a typical distance of under one length! The team and owners were delighted and the horse made Racing UK's "Moment of the day" making it a three-timer! Steel has come out of the race very well and may have one more run before the end of the season!
Our next runner was representing Lawney's national hunt yard; Royal Etiquette in a handicap hurdle. Aidan Coleman sat in a good position allowing the gelding to get light to his hurdles despite the 16 runner field. Unfortunately before the race had a chance to get going a jockey sustained a fall and the runners were unable to bypass the fence, resulting in the race being rendered void. There were few happier about this than Royal Etiquette himself, who much prefers the sedentary lifestyle but enjoyed his road trip no doubt! There was no dampening the spirits after Man Of Steel's brilliant performance in the race prior so to the pub it was to celebrate with his fun-loving owners before our annual pit-stop at the Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding shop!