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Plus 15 and raining when driving in.

The first dark morning rising..

Dorset. I have not really ever visited Dorset before.. no racecourse, so no need.

Not the easiest journey on a Saturday afternoon but I arrived to meet Dermot and Vicky Clancy and their family for a drink at their local pub The Fox and Hounds in Cattistock.

Then Dermot, Vicky and I set off for supper in The Acorn to join Mike and Lucy Felton, James and Charlotte Townshend, Viv and Georgie Kennard and Will and Lizzie Bryer.. Will organised the Cattistock Show.

Sunday morning. Dermot put on his tour guide hat and showed me the delights of Dorset… We were like two old folk out on a Sunday drive.. stunning countryside and not very populated. Dermot was a very good guide as he obviously loves Dorset.

We arrived at The Cattistock Show mid day and it really was as the box said, a country fair.

Old cars parading round the main ring, dog shows, ponies, side shows, horses, show jumping and of course a few tents selling local good.

One of these tents was Chesil Smokery.. I have used this wonderful smokery for some time and yesterday I finally met Mark Firth and his team.

Lunch in the sponsors tent sitting next to Bryony Frost with Harry Cobden opposite.. and then it was the parade of old racehorses which we commentated on. ROR

American, Zarkandar, Big Bucks, Ptit Zig, Pacha Du Polder, Dodging Bullets, Rock On Ruby and Opening Batsman were the horse who paraded... These wonderful retired racehorses looked fabulously well were loving their day in the ring.

I started the chat and helped by Harry (not brilliant.. better at talking to owners) Bryony (never stopped talking and would be there all day.. brilliant). It was a fun half hour.

I bumped into some old faces I have not see for a while.. ex trainer David Gandolfo, Somerset racings Richard Wilkins, Charles Church the artist, Mike Yarrow, Johnny Boden just to name a few..

It really was fun day and I enjoyed my trip to Dorset.

Monday morning.

Ned Curtis started his first day at Thorndale. We also had Chester Williams riding out.

Alex Ingram here for a weeks work experience.

Mark and Melinda Laws called in third lot to see their KBRP horse Does He Know.

Fenella Tillier was also here third lot to see her KBRP horse Yeavering Belle.

Raining here first thing this morning and I am afraid England will be hoping it arrives at Edgbaston sometime today..Round one of the Ashes very much looking like it will go Australia’s way.. That man Steve Smith is one very good batsman..

Wife: I have a bag full of used clothing I'd like to donate.

Husband: Why not just throw it in the trash? That's much easier.

Wife: But there are poor starving people who can really use all these clothes.

Husband: Honey, anyone who fits into your clothing is not starving.