Saturday morning gallops....

Ryan, Jayo and Ross prepare for a gallop

Saturday morning gallops are always our highlight of the week, but yesterday's was a bit special.

Jayo Kinane (son of Tommy, and brother of Mick) was in town for that evening's Sportsman's Charity Dinner (more of which later) and the Potassium Partnership coaxed him along to ride their own King Kalium in his morning work. Ex-flat jockey Jayo is employed at Ballydoyle as a lead work rider, and joined our own jockeys Callum and Ryan in making up a six-strong gallop. 

King Kalium (Jayo, left) and Nodda High Kid (Callum) lead the morning gallop

Earlier, Shadow Boxer (watched by the Peeskie Partnership Saturday morning regulars) went well in a gallop with Yinfortheroad and Leith Walk. Snapping Turtle is an intended at Carlisle on Monday to make his novice chasing debut, and with Sam Patch (Ryan), Callum schooled him jumping 6 fences in total. We're probably tempting fate, but he jumped well.

.....Saturday evening dinner

As guests of the Potassium Partnership, we ventured into the night and attended the excellent Sportman's Charity Dinner superbly organised by Hawick Rugby Club president (and Potassium member) Nick Bannerman.
With approaching £16,000 raised, a packed clubhouse enjoyed fine food and wine, followed by raffles and an auction.

The after dinner speakers were excellent, with Lucinda (and Scu) kicking off in fine form, followed up by a hilarious Jim Goldie. Henry Beeby (of DBS) was a superb auctioneer (no surprise there!) but best of all was the closing speaker Tommy Kinane, legendary Irish NH jockey and rider of 70's Champion Hurdler Monksfield.
His reminiscing of horses, races and family life brought a humorous and touching finale to a marvellous evening of equine discussion, and all to the benefit of good causes.

And Al was ecstatic as Tommy name-checked 'The Fossa', his favourite horse from the 60's!