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Plus 2 and damp when driving in. 12mm of rain, but snow on the hill above the yard this morning

Mark Bradstock died yesterday morning.

So sad.

I was so thankful that Mikey Elliot and I were able to see him for about half an hour on Thursday.

Poor Mark looked so frail and we were not sure if he recognised us, but when Sara brought his 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Coneygree onto the yard lawn so that he could see him, the smile that came on to his face was one I will never forget.

We said our goodbyes and we shook hands and we were both surprised how firm it was.

Mark was a wonderful person. I knew him for years and all those light years ago we used to go on holiday together..Mark even rode me a winner at Plumpton... His last winner at Exeter Mr Vango was one he was able to get down stairs to watch and he was so excited and thrilled when he won.

RIP Mark you will be hugely missed and your wicked sense of humour and that smile will be with us always. Deepest thoughts to Sara and their two children Alfie and Lily

David Bass was the only jockey in this morning.

We had Ashley and Sue Vos on a CD Tour and Garry and Tracy Betley popped in second lot to see their KBRS horse Phantom Getaway and stayed for breakfast. 

We have just the one runner today and that is Does He Know who runs at Doncaster. Tomorrow we run General Hubble at Huntingdon.. For my thoughts please click here.

I am racing today but not tomorrow as it is our wedding anniversary.. It was very cold and snowing 23 years ago..

Have a great weekend and see you on Monday..

Further flights ..