It is fantastic to have all the youngsters back out on the heath and thankfully they have been behaving well. The return from the festive period fills many riders with dread, as they know they are likely to need their superglue for a few days. The break seems to have done many of our now two year olds the world of good and it will be exciting to watch them develop in the coming weeks and months.
London Eye was a disappointment on Monday. He is a long striding horse and we felt that if he got into a rhythm and enjoyed himself in front, he might take a bit of catching. It did not work out and he did not blow for very long afterwards, so we may use some headgear on him next time and see if it sparks him into life. Global Warning runs this evening in the 7:15 at Kempton. Chris has been happy with him since he won at Newcastle, he has freshened him up and kept him ticking over. Ideally we would have given him a longer gap between races but the handicapper has forced our hand by putting him up 11 to a rating of 84.
I went to the funeral of Mrs Sue Waugh yesterday and it is very sad that in covid-19 times, attendance is severely restricted. Mrs Waugh was the wife of ex Trainer and Stud Manager Mr John Waugh who trained at Fitzroy House. She was the nicest person you could ever hope to meet and was a fantastic host whenever we went as a family for lunch or dinner. My Mum and Dad were very close friends and spent a lot of time with Mr and Mrs Waugh in Tenerife escaping the cold during the Winter months. Mrs Waugh had been ill for the last couple of years, having been struck by the dreaded motor neuron disease. Many people will miss her terribly.