Bailey's Blog

Plus 15 and dry this morning. 

Faerie Cutlass ran an absolute cracker at Uttoxeter yesterday, shame they didn't go a little bit quicker to suit her as it turned into a bit of a sprint but she ran really well and hopefully she'll win one before the end of the summer. A lovely afternoon at Uttoxeter and Mat made it home for the football... result!

Edge of the seat stuff yesterday in the T20 as Somerset completed a heroic comeback against a top Yorkshire side in the Vitality blast quarter final. With 5 and half overs left Somerset were on 82-8 but an inspired Craig Overton helped Somerset chase down the 181 set by Yorkshire to win the match by two wickets with a ball to spare... remarkable!

The pubs and sports bars started to get busy from lunchtime yesterday, some very sore heads across the country this morning I imagine! What a game of football... a real fight from England in the first half,  Anthony Gordon taking us 1-0 up ....until the 85th minute when Argentina equalised, followed by them scoring the winner in the 92nd minute.... Some might say England panicked when they were in front, made changes and sat back playing into Argentina's hands. Either way, it was fun whilst it lasted but England's World Cup dreams are over again for another four years. Argentina will face Spain on Sunday night in the final, whilst we battle with France for 3rd. 

Plus 17 and dry when driving in.

Tom and Ciarán in to ride out. 

Gallop maintenance was completed yesterday by Andrews Bowen and so we are now good to go for another season.

Alan James up third lot this morning to see his horses. 

Huge game last night in the first semi-final where Spain upset favourites France beating them 2-0, reaching their first World Cup final since 2010. 

One runner today , Faerie Cutlass heads to Uttoxeter in the 16:48.... let's all hope there's no traffic so Mat can get home in time for the football otherwise we'll all know about it on Wednesday!  For our thoughts click here. 

Plus 16 and dry this morning. 

Mark the vet in for usual visit this morning. 

Horses all feeling particularly well and jolly at the moment, sometimes too well... but when someone falls off it is absolutely essential that they bring cake in for the rest of the team the next day. There have been so many Colin the Caterpillars that the staff are starting to get sick of cake!!!! Great to see the horses looking and feeling great though.

Andrews Bowen are working hard at Thorndale at the moment revamping the gallop before the winter horses start their canter work again... not long now!

Weather looks like the heatwave is set to stay for a bit longer... The rain forecast for next week has now been replaced with more sun. Yesterdays breeze made it feel like maybe it was set to drop a bit, I even asked for the heating to go on in the office! But forecasts now saying another 10 days of the hot stuff without rain. The fields around Thorndale are like a yellow patchwork quilt... think we all need to start doing a rain dance soon!

Plus 14 and dry this morning. Kim & Clare have gone back up to Scotland in search of more fish, so you're stuck with me!

Another action packed weekend for sport, starting with the July Cup at Newmarket on Saturday... Comanche Brave clinched Group One glory for Donnacha O'Brien with Billy Loughnane doing the steering. 

Roll on to Saturday night when England came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 in extra time thanks to Jude Bellingham scoring the winner in the eleventh hour....Tuchel revealed afterwards however that he wasn't impressed and expects more from the squad.... bring on the current champions Argentina on Wednesday night!

Yesterday we were on the edge of our seats watching the final at Wimbledon ... Jannick Sinner was victorious over Alexander Zverev, winning the title for the second year running, Sinner's 10th straight victory over Zverev.

The Women's final was won by Linda Noskova who beat her compatriot and Olympic doubles partner Karolina Muchova to claim her first ever Grand Slam title. 

In golf, the Genesis Scottish Open concluded yesterday.. South Korean Tom Kim claimed his first title in three years, finishing 17 under and securing his place in next years Masters. 

A very busy weekend for sport, and equally busy in my own little world of sport as I attended Brigend show on Saturday and Ashby show on Sunday. Luckily it was a successful weekend in the heat for me and my horse Not At Present, winning the riding horse on Saturday and the Open Racehorse to Show Horse class yesterday, securing us 2x tickets to the final at London International in December. A few days off for Neil are in order ...

Thorndale is a busy hive of activity again after being quiet for the past few months, straight back to action ... all the staff are back from their holidays and most the horses are back from theirs too. Lots of admin related tasks to do this time of year which keeps me busy.. as does trying to get Mat to help me with the HIT brochure, our next job on the list!

Plus 18 and dry when driving in.

Well, thank you, Norman Carter. Yesterday really was a very special day at Wimbledon.

With no runners yesterday, our travelling head girl, Leigh, kindly took over the driving duties and steered Norman and I to Wimbledon in great comfort. We arrived in plenty of time and enjoyed lunch together in the Wingfield Restaurant.

Before I say anything about the tennis, I have to mention Wimbledon itself. From the moment you arrive, everything is run with incredible efficiency. The staff are outstanding. Everybody is smiling, happy to help and keen to point you in the right direction if you need it.

The young lady who looked after us at lunch was just 21 years old, yet she knew the wine list inside out and was able to recommend exactly what would go best with our meal. I couldn't believe it. If only Cheltenham could provide that sort of customer experience after some of the frustrations we've all had there over the years. Wimbledon really is a delight.

After lunch we made our way to Centre Court. Like everyone else, I was hoping for a fairytale result from the Brit, Arthur Fery. It wasn't to be, but he played extremely well and it was a thoroughly enjoyable match to watch. But he was well beaten by the no 2 seed Alexander Zverev who frankly had every right to win.. Norton Coin results do not come around that often in sporting life?

Then came the second semi-final between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic. I have to say, the difference in the standard of tennis was extraordinary. The speed, the movement and the quality of the ball-striking were simply phenomenal. In the end, perhaps age caught up with Djokovic, and Sinner proved too strong to book his place in the final.

It was a wonderful day from beginning to end, and I really can't thank Norman enough for inviting me. Wimbledon is a fantastic place to spend the day and, as a bonus, we were in the shade throughout. Given the heat, that was a very welcome relief indeed.

Todays is Ladies final day Karolina Muchova has reached her first Wimbledon final despite suffering from a grass allergy. And Linda Noskova happily revealed that her list of superstitions here is so long that “it’s an illness at this point''

My two Poet's Word 3 year old geldings that I bought at Doncaster Goffs Sales in May returned for Marrtin Jones broken and looking great.. They are now out in the field for a month before returning here to start their career as racehorses..

Shocking news about Ann Widdecombe..Truly horrific..

Spain beat Belgium and now head to the semi finals.tonight it is all about England taking on Norway..

There is great racing at Newmarket and Ascot today..

Lord's England women play an historic first Test there against India

Have a great weekend and enjoy all the sport.. My god there is plenty to watch..

To finish..

Nick Cook forwarded this to me..Britain's strictest headmistress, Katharine Birbalsingh, argues that the West's moral crisis began with the values we taught our children. A hard listen but true

Plus 18 and dry when driving it. It managed to hit 33 degrees here yesterday afternoon.. Higher or hotter today?

Mat, Peter Kerr, John Battershaw and Nick Cook all headed out for their annual lunch yesterday.I believe it was Nick's shout this year

This year they chose The Trivoli  in Cheltenham as their lunch venue, and by all accounts they had a thoroughly enjoyable day. In fact, the Battershall's and Peter Kerr enjoyed themselves so much they stayed overnight at the Beaumont House Hotel in Cheltenham.. That probably does not sound right as it was pre booked...

TBHH is a regular stop over for our owners who want to be in Cheltenham rather than out here at The Frogmill.. Thank goodness it's only an annual event, but why not? That's what life's all about.

A PS on the above.. Mat highly recommended the devilled kidneys on toast as a starter..

Moving on to Wimbledon, what a shame for Coco Gauff. You have to feel for her after yesterday's defeat. It was a phenomenal match to watch, even if it didn't go her way. Marta Kostyuk beat Jasmine Paolinito to set up an all Ukrainian Final tomorrow.

As for today, Norman Carter and I have a very exciting afternoon ahead of us, and I genuinely can't wait. Sinner v Djokovic and Zverev v Fery

Wimbledon has been quite extraordinary this year. We said Royal Ascot was one of the best racing meetings we've ever witnessed, and I honestly think this has been the finest Wimbledon I can remember watching. Let's hope today somehow manages to top it.

Talking racing.. At last some good news.. Towcester Raceourse looks like coming back next year.. Brilliant news...

England beat India again last night in Bristol.. Indian wonder kid Viabhav Sooryavanshi only made 15 but some of his shots were extroadinay..one run for every year of his age..

France beat Morocco to reach the semi finals of the FIFA World Cup... Spain take on Belgium tonight and then England tomorrow night..

The 2000trees festival underway.. so many people have arrived that the car park has swollowed up our round gallop field... and we have another 24 hours to go.. You can certainly hear the music on these uncomfortable still air nights.. some miles way!

RIP Bonny Tyler.. what a voice.. 

Hard to believe they got away with TV sketches like this one.. Certainly would not nowadays..

Plus 17 and dry when driving in.

The world's going mad, the country's going mad.. God help us all. But in amongst it all, there's been one tremendous ray of sunshine, and that's been sport.

FIFA World Cup Football, Wimbledon... and Arthur Fery. Honestly, yesterday's match was absolutely staggering.

British wildcard Arthur Fery will play for a place in the Wimbledon final on Friday after extending his sensational run with a remarkable victory over world number 10 Flavio Cobolli in front of an ecstatic Centre Court crowd.

Before this week, world number 114 Fery had never gone beyond the second round at one of the sport's major tournaments.

Fery's big day tomorrow..Norman Carter and I will be there cheering him on..

It just goes to show what good sport can do. Whether it's Cheltenham, Royal Ascot, Football, Motor Racing, Rugby, Tennis and many other sports including fishing!!

Great sport has this wonderful ability to bring people together, lift the spirits and make us all smile, even when everything else seems to be going a little bit mad.

John and Mandy Battershall and Nick and Shan Cook were down late morning to see their KBRS horses..

Former racing commentator John Hickman sent this email over.

Tuesday's “barracks door” joke reminded me of the day I was standing on the 1st tee at Rye when the Secretary rushed up and asked us to stand aside and let Dennis Thatcher and Bill Deedes (Dear Bill ) tee off.

As DT addressed his ball, it became increasingly apparent that his flies were open, which prompted considerable sniggering among the audience. My partner was Clive Hacking, 6ft 4in, Blackheath second-row, and an expert in calling a spade more than a spade.

He politely coughed before loudly announcing, “Now we know where all the leaks out of No 10 are coming from !” Inevitably he topped his drive.

All best John  

PS Ironically J Deedes and I are due to meet in a foursomes match at Huntercombe shortly and I believe our combined ages nearly hit 350 !

Plus 16 and very dry when driving in.

Tom Bellamy was in to ride out..

Our vet visit was cancelled yesterday at the last minute.. he was here this morning instead.

Alex our blacksmith has been banging away and nailing on new gucci's to all the horses that arrived in on Monday.

Wimbledon carries on being a huge watch.. For all the news please click here.. It looks like a rain free Wimbledon.. That the lord the days of Cliff Richard singing are well over even if he is still there. 30 years ago!

Talking watching.. How did Novak Djokovic do that.. 5 hours 15 minutes and he won!

World Cup news.. How did Argentina win that.

England won their 3rd T20 match against India last night. Hammered Indai..

The 2000tree festival starts tomorrow.. loud noise and the smell of hemp will be wafting over Thorndale!

Good luck to Arthur Fery who takes on Flavio Cobolli..second up on centre court

A man walks into a supermarket, unfortunately his zipper is down

A young female cashier approached the man and said to him, "Your barracks door is open." Not a phrase that men usually use, so the man went about his business in the store, slightly confused.

As he was almost done with his shopping, another man came up to him and said, "Hey buddy, your fly is open." The man promptly zipped his pants up, thanked the man, and went to finish up his shopping.

When it was time to checkout, he made sure to get into the line where the young lady was who'd originally spoken to him. Planning on having a bit of fun with her, when it was his turn to checkout, he asked her, "When you saw that my barracks door was open, did you happen to see a soldier standing at attention?"

The young lady thought for a moment, and told the man: "No, no sir I did not. I did however see a disabled veteran sitting on a couple of old duffel bags." 

Plus 16 and dry when driving in.

Mat arrived back from his holiday in Greece on Sunday, and Monday morning certainly wasn't the welcome home he was hoping for.

When he came to work, neither of his cars would start. Somehow, he managed to get himself here, but it seemed to be one of those days when anything involving motors was destined to go wrong.

Thankfully, all the horses that were summering down in Andoversford arrived back safely from their summer holidays and, if anything, probably appreciated being back in the cool of the stables rather than standing out in the blazing sunshine.

Then came the next drama. Alex, our farrier, was due to start working his way around the horses, but his van with all his kit broke down just outside the old Kilkenny pub. Unfortunately, I'd taken the keys to my Jeep home, so Mat decided the best option was to use the horsebox to tow Alex back to Thorndale.

Everything was going perfectly until they reached Andoversford. As Mat turned right across the A436 towards Withington which is as you might know a particularly unpleasant stretch of road, he pulled away, assuming Alex was following behind. Alex, however, decided that he could not see the gap that Mat could and put his foot on the brakes. Mat carried on, the tow rope snapped, and suddenly Alex's van was left stranded far too close to the A436!.

Thankfully, help arrived almost immediately. Tony Wilson-Steer, who lives in Withington, together with Brian, who used to be the keeper here at Thorndale, came to the rescue. Between them they risked their lives while waving the traffic down and thankfully managed to push Alex's van safely across the road, reattach the tow rope, and get everything back to Thorndale without further incident.

A huge thank you to Tony and Brian for stepping in. They probably prevented what could easily have become a very nasty accident, because the A46 at that point really is a frightening piece of road.

Tuesday brings our vet in for his usual visit while Alex ar last starts sorting the horses feet out.

Wimbledon..... Arthur Fery won... what an amazing match.. More nerve racking than watching England beat Mexico.. It was a brilliant match to watch.. How to top and tale a Monday. England followed by Fery.

Trump pokes his nose in it as always and hence precidents have been set. Many were rooting for the USA against Belgium but not after Folarin Balogun's one-match ban being suspended.. Devine retribution?? Belgium won!

To finish Happy birthday to Norman Carter..I will see you on Friday Norman.. Wimbledon here we come!! Great if we were to watch Fery too..

Plus 15 and dry when driving in. Another heatwave on the way?

Activity here this morning. Hurrah..

The sound of neighing horses and banging of doors are a very welcome noise to hear on a Monday morning.

I am sure that many of you, unlike Me, will probably not appreciate too much banging or noise this morning after England won their match against Mexico…How I don't know they held out but it was a riverting watch.. no chance of going back to sleep during the game!

But what a weekend of sport.

Aiden O’Brien yet again produced the wonder horse Constitution River to win the Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday..The  word Constitution always conjures up a Hill in the memory back?

At Wimbledon on Saturday we saw a magnificent performance from a new Brit on the block..Arthur Fery into the last 16.. Watching I could not believe how he managed to come back and win.. so tough.. brilliant..All the latest tennis from Wimbledon..

The British Grand Prix where almost more fans go (565,000) than Cheltenham (226,000) Aintree (140,00) and Royal Ascot (294,00) combined to watch a chaotic finish ... Charles Leclerc won with Brits second and third! also it is now the biggest Formula One event on the world circuit

The Ladies cricket team lost to Australia at Lord’s.. A full house.. who would have believed that 5 years ago?

England were outclassed by South Africa in the Nations Championship.

On Monday morning at school the children were very excited . . . . . .

Their weekend assignment was to sell something, then give a talk on productive salesmanship.

Little Suzie led off: “I sold girl scout cookies and I made £30,” she said proudly, “My sales approach was to appeal to the customer’s civil spirit and I credit that approach for my obvious success.”

“Very good,” said the teacher.

Little Vicky was next: “I sold magazines,” she said, “I made £45 and I explained to everyone that magazines would keep them up on current events.”

“Very good, Vicky,” said the teacher.

Eventually, it was Little Johnny's turn. The teacher held her breath.

Little Johnny walked to the front of the classroom and dumped a box full of cash on the teacher’s desk. “£2,467,” he said.

“£2,467!” cried the teacher, “What in the world were you selling”

“Toothbrushes,” said Little Johnny.

“Toothbrushes,” echoed the teacher, “How could you possibly sell enough tooth brushes to make that much money?”

“I found the busiest corner in town,” said Little Johnny, “I set up a Dip & Chip stand, I gave everybody who walked by a free sample.”

They all said the same thing, “Hey, this tastes like dog crap!”

Then I would say, “It is. Wanna buy a toothbrush?"

"I used the governmental approach of giving you crap for free, and then making you pay to get the bad taste out of your mouth.”