On 16th February we made the long journey to Fakenham with two runners; one representing the National Hunt yard and the other the Point-to-Point yard. First up was quirky Royal Etiquette with Adam Wedge aboard in the Selling Handicap Hurdle. Adam gave a good ride, sitting in and cajoling the old pro. The gelding jumped perfectly, and was sat in 4th with the promise of a finish in the enclosures when he made a totally uncharacteristic mistake, clipping the top of the hurdle and blundering badly, unfortunately unseating the jockey. It was quite a shock as the little horse is a cracking jumper but these things happen! We will aim for a similar race with him.
Next was Pride Of Parish running for the Sunday Night Partnership. Our main competition was thought to be prolific pointer Premier Portrait. Joe was receiving a great feel from the gelding, who was jumping and travelling desirably, sat in 3rd tracking the leaders, before making a novice mistake and falling with a circuit to go. Having rarely made a mistake either schooling at home or on the track before, this was a bit of a shock! We may aim him for the rescheduled Barbury meeting this weekend.
It was a long drive home but we had two horses in one piece so were thankful! All jockeys and horses walked away unharmed.
Joe & Pride Of Parish previously running in 2017 season