A quiet spell

We wouldn't plan it for ourselves, but the recent weather (freezing temperatures, snow showers, you just couldn't escape it) sweeping the UK has given the horses an enforced few days break from the regular training regime.

We'll cut back in their feeding according to the light exercise that we'll give the string. There are several lanes surrounding Dodlands Steading that are ideal for 45 minutes or so of light exercise - walking and occasional trotting - so that when the increase in temperatures does arrive, a couple of gallops and they'll be away.

One oasis in the desert (er, are you sure about your metaphors here Donald - ed?) appears to be Ayr Racecourse. The executive there have offered to put on a meeting on Wednesday, and as we speak the meeting will go ahead with no inspections planned. Bollin Fiona may run in the staying handicap hurdle, although coincidentally she has been schooled over fences and has jumped well which opens up the options.

Otherwise, we've had our eye on a 0-100 novice handicap chase for Snapping Turtle at Doncaster on Friday for some time. The 2m 3f trip should suit, but we're keen to try the gelding on a sounder surface - and Doncaster invariably provides such a surface.

Out for the season

Our young gelding Yo La Tengo didn't run very well on his debut at Carlisle just before Christmas, so much so that there was a fair expectation that something was amiss physically.

Well, he's been diagnosed as suffering from a pelvic injury.

The Classic Cliche youngster will require several months of box rest and then be turned out to summer grass. Our vet Sarah is always close at hand to offer advice and gauge his progress, but other than that there's not much else to do.

The unlucky Yo La Tengo (nearside)

Speaking of which, the Hoboken, New York based 'beat combo' from whom the horse takes his name, have just released a new CD 'Fade'. Our man who knows of such matters says these batch of new self-penned tunes find the band in a more contemplative mood than the full blown guitar attack of recent years.

Either way, it's an impressive, fresh album from a band who've been together for over 20 years.

Great music, and they are over here touring in the UK in March!