Potassium Partnership gather at Dodlands

With Storm Brian concentrating his efforts on the West of the country, Saturday morning at Dodlands was fine, clear and sunny. As is the norm, Nick Bannerman had selected well for the occasion as any of the previous half a dozen weekends were damp and wet. While a couple of the Partnership regulars were missing in action (Ian, Rory and Colin), it was really nice to see Anne & Bob, Keith, and Belinda and her daughter down at the stables.
Indeed, the Team Members remarked afterwards that they'd love to see Belinda, with daughter, at Dodlands each Saturday. Sorry Al, Les & Fozzo, but there's no comparison...........

As the group assembled in the yard - car park brimming to capacity -  Stuart tacked up Shades of Midnight in his box and led him out for show. Despite still carrying a little condition, 'Shady' appeared in splendid fashion, calm and collected in front of his adoring owners. And rightly so, for the 7yr old Midnight Legend is the winner of 5 races, and over £35,000 in prize money.

Action from Lot 3 - Shady (bay gelding) tracks the chestnuts Tomahawk Wood and Baby Ticker

As Lot 3 pulled out, the group made their way the short distance across the road to the Up-the-Middle gallop (whaddya mean it's uphill....) and were in a fine position to watch Shady and his two galloping companions do a couple of pieces of steady work. Shady breezed through the gallop, ears pricked!
Back down in the yard, the group meandered through the stable complex, catching up with the team, especially Stuart - to get the gallop update from the horse's mouth.....well, not quite but you know what I mean. With the yard full to the brim, there certainly was a lot to view, and lots of questions to ask - truth be told, we're delighted to show off!!
Saving the best for last, the good Mrs. Whillans made the group especially welcome indoors with a selection of scones and jam, tea and coffee while head honcho Nick provided first hand updates for the Partnership on summer grazing, well-being, schooling and season's racing plans for their hero.

Shades of Midnight ran several fine races last season in Class 2 handicap hurdles without quite winning, and this was all done off a BHA rating between 140 and 148.
This season promises some excitement as Shades of Midnight will tackle steeple-chasing for the first time, with a novice chase at Carlisle or more probably Ayr penciled in for mid-end November.
And we can take it from there. You know, with recent top class examples like Big Bucks and Buveur D'Air, if things don't pan out down the novice chasing route, Shady can be competitive in staying hurdles off his current mark. General feeling is that there is more to come over 3 miles plus in that discipline.

Either way, exciting times for the lads and lassies of Potassium Partnership.

Owners' pride and joy - Shades of Midnight!!