First-time-out-winner Allie Beag headed to Horseheath on 4th February to attempt to continue her 100% record, this time in the Intermediate. It was a competitive looking 14 runner field, however it was a race that we felt the course and ground would be to our advantage. The mare, under Joe, jumped off mid division as planned but unfortunately made an uncharacteristic mistake at the first open ditch (3rd fence) which lost her the position in the race. Joe very sensibly did not rush her back up but allowed her to take her time over the next mile to regain her confidence and reestablish her jumping. Gradually Joe made his move to get into the race, reaching the leaders 4 out, allowing him to challenge over the last 3 fences. Allie's jumping in the closing stages were brilliant and she was just run out of it by Mr Maclennane to be beaten half a length. Our take of this race was that she had run a game and genuine race after such a mistake, with her confidence restored, running right to the line. We will now aim for another intermediate race at either local course Kingston Blount or Ampton in March.
