RIO RONALDO 2nd at WINDSOR

Rio Ronaldo followed up his recent course success with an excellent 2nd position in a very competitive 6f handicap at Windsor yesterday. Robert Winston adopted the same tactics as in Ronaldo's previous race by taking a pull at the start of the contest and sitting towards the rear. Once again the jockey held on to Ronaldo until the 2f pole and then started making some progress. However, the winner was two lengths in front of Ronaldo and got first run but it was another good performance from our horse. We had been slightly worried about the ground as Ronaldo has a very good action but you don't know whether horses will act on soft unless you try them on it. The owners knew we were trying him on such soft ground and if it worked it opened more options for him. Everyone was thrilled with his run and pleased we were prepared to try him on soft ground.

DELLA VALLE - A WINNER at WINDSOR

Della Valle proved a decisive winner of the Fillies Handicap yesterday evening at Windsor. She had two starts for us previously when the ground was quicker than ideal. However, she got her ground last night following the downpours seen over the past few days. She tracked the only two in front of her and was always travelling well in the ground. Her rivals didn't handle the ground as well and she looked the likely winner some way from home.
The team at home are delighted for the  horse and the owners and hopefully she can pick up further races on her favoured ground.

The photo shows winning connections, in the Winner's Enclosure, Stuart Moir and Mario Borgatti with jockey Harry Bentley and her lad, Hugo Meunier. Also, but not least, at the back are Gwen and Wilhelmina who are the respective spouses of Stuart and Mario.

DELLA VALLE - 3rd at NOTTINGHAM

Della Valle ran well at Nottingham today staying on well to achieve a 3rd placed position. She settled in rear and was travelling well as the field rounded the home turn. The pace picked up and although slightly tapped for toe originally she battled well and was making ground in the final half furlong.
The ground was quicker than ideal for our filly and so it was an excellent performance. She should be better with some cut in the ground and hopefully she will get more suitable underfoot conditions if she goes for the final of the series in September. However, we will be hoping for some wetter weather before then!
The photo shows Della Valle with her lad, Hugo Meunier, and owners, Mario Borgatti and Stuart Moir, who have been great supporters of the yard.