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Plus 12 and dry when driving in.

I mentioned briefly yesterday that we had an un announced visit from the BHA testing team.

This was the first time they have been down to see me. Always probably a shock when they do suddenly appear in the yard armed with blood testing tubes for 20 odd horses they wish to test.

They were also here to check on our feed, medical records and look at what medicines we store in our locked cabinet.

It is all part of the BHA’s approach to do these flying visits, and although annoying we have to accept that they are looking after the good and integrity of racing.

Jane Harry, who was one of the BHA vets who came sent this email over last night.. ’I would just like to thank you and your team for your cooperation during our visit today. While we don’t enjoy alarming or inconveniencing anyone, it is lovely to meet the teams behind the horses we see racing, and to see where they come from, particularly when it is such a spectacular setting on such a glorious day!

I wish you the best of luck for this season and look forward to following the progress of some of the lovely horses we met.’’

Talking vets, Graham Potts was meant to be here this morning for his weekly visit early this morning but is now coming tomorrow

This weeks movers and shakers in the BHA handicap charts were. Cresswell Legend down 1 to 132, Blazon down 6 over fences to 98 and down 1 over hurdles to 103, Younevercall up 4 to 144 while Minella Warrior enters at 130.

Son Harry arrived here last night for a short visit.. Harry is over from Sydney, having arrived in time for his sisters wedding last week. We have a couple of days together before he heads back to Sydney on Sunday.. He is not planning on returning to the UK for at least a couple of years.

We have one runner today at Southwell and for my thoughts on Commodore Barry’s chances please click here.

Sam Morshead’s funeral arrangements. A service of thanksgiving will take place at Comrie Parish Church at 2pm on Tuesday October 9..