Racing Again

On Sunday there were actually two jump races. I had been dreading the race all week, fearing I wouldn't bear watch it. But as I stood there and watched the guys get ready for the first one I felt surprisingly calm. Richard was in the second one so there was still time to go somewhere and hide.

The other horses got away and after an uneventful race they all made it home with number three taking an easy victory. Afterwards we got chatting to the owner and he told us his horse had actually fallen in its two previous races.

"He's just been a bit too bold. I think he needed to fall to realise he had to actually pick his feet up," he said with a big grin and went to collect his prize.

Right, that was one way to look at it. Fortunately Richie has always picked his feet up well. When he fell it was because he was tired - and the ground was very heavy. As supposed to a lot of the others he actually jumps pretty well.

So when Richies race started I was completely calm. The going was very good, Richie on good form and Donal had been instructed to take it easy at the back.

The winner, in red/black/blue, was a Swedish horse who'd won its last five races...

Richie came in fifth in the end. He came nicely the last 200, but it was a bit too late. I really didn't mind - just glad he had a nice run.