Frustrating times.........

It's been a frustrating few weeks to say the least.

In all senses, the horses have appeared in good health, but results show that the string are not producing their peak performances of late.

Snapping Turtle was probably the best of our runners, when he finished 4th upon reverting back to handicap hurdles at Hexham last Sunday. On the same day, Ellistrin Belle jumped well on her hurdles bow, but finished well off the pace. Still, a small handicap should be within her grasp as she matures and gains more experience.

In a small way, Mia Matriarch - albeit off a low handicap mark - jumped well in the main on her first completed run over fences at Carlisle over 2 miles on Monday. Suited by further, she is another horse who we think can win a small handicap when conditions suit. 

Mia Matriarch

Ryan Mania - local hero

I don't know which incident pleased us the most last weekend here at Dodlands.

On the Saturday, he rode Sue & Harvey's Auroras Encore to victory in the National, but we were overjoyed a couple of days later to hear that Ryan's injuries picked up at Hexham were not as serious as first feared.

So, huge relief, and well done Ryan - Gala & The Borders are proud of you.