A couple of places at Hexham

Well, this was a bit more encouraging.

There's no doubt our runners of late have needed the run, and the performances of both Bollin Fiona and Sam Patch in reaching the frame has certainly given us some heart.
On only his second ride as a conditional, Ryan Nichol gave Bollin Fiona a fine ride, the mare jumping well and finding her second wind at the top of the hill to stay on nicely into third, albeit never troubling the first two.
Callum gave Mini the Minx every encouragement throughout in the same race, and she again showed promise as a stayer by keeping on into 7th when many of her better fancied rivals had given up.
Anyone who may have caught a glimpse of the Accordian mare as she crossed the line would have notice the fresh look on her face, and ears pricked. Clearly, plenty of hidden ability here for us to nurture!!

Bollin Fiona (blinkers, No. 12) in racing action from last season

30 minutes later, and it was the turn of Sam Patch to fight out a thrilling finish with 3 of his rivals. Apart from a slight moment of hesitation at the second fence, Sam jumped well throughout and approaching the last any one of 4 of the field of 5 could be called the winner. Our gelding stayed on, but just found one too good on the day losing out by a coule of lengths to the favourite, Ferdy's Samson Collonges. 

Sam Patch, a fine run yesterday at Hexham