Lutine Bell 4th Goodwood - unlucky

Lutine Bell was very unlucky on Saturday as he lost about 3 lengths at
the start. Martyn Dwyer, the jockey, said the starter hesitated for a
split second before opening the stalls which resulted in Martyn taking
the hood off the horse a fraction early. The horse hit the gate and
bounced back onto his hocks just as the gate opened. The rest of the
field were away and he was behind. However, they didn't go a great
pace and he got back into the race. With half a furlong to go he got
into top gear and was mowing the rest of the field down and failed by
about 1.5 lengths to get his head in front. We were both thrilled with
his run but disappointed as with a clear run he would have won. We
have to be philosophical as with sprints you can run them 6 times and
get 6 different winners.
The photograph shows Lutine with his lass Heidi. As you can see he
looks an absolute picture.

Benandonner - WINNER at newmarket

Michael Smithson sent us this excellent photograph of Benandonner winning at Newmarket on saturday. By double clicking on the image you get a real perspective of the close finish.

Benandonner - WINNER

Benandonner ran an oustanding race at Newmarket yesterday to win the
Stobart Biomass Handicap. He was always up there with the pace and at
the furlong marker it looked as though he was going to get swallowed
up by his rival. However, he is nothing if not tough and under an
excellent ride from Martin Lane he battled back to get his head in
front where it counts. He ate up last night, was bouncing around the
paddock this morning and we will look for another race in 2-3 weeks
time.

Lutine Bell - 21st in the Victoria Cup

Lutine Bell came 21st in the Victoria Cup and if one considers the draw and the ground then it is no more than could be expected. We were worried by the draw as only 1 winner out of the last 15 runnning of the race has been drawn higher than 20. Despite this poor statisitc we went to take our chance. However, the overnight rain did nothing to help his cause. I spoke to one of the top jockeys after the first two races who told me the going was on the easier side of good. It was clear the going was not the good to firm in the official going as the horses were kicking up divots in the first two races. He didn't like the ground from the off and would have been better-off leaving him at home. We will look for another race and pray for quick ground the horse needs!

Chapter And Verse 6th

Chapter And Verse ran very well at Newmarket on Saturday in the
opening handicap of the Guineas meeting. As we expected it was a tough
handicap and at the 2f marker we thought he was making a winning move.
However, he was outstayed up the hill but lost nothing in defeat. He
gave his best and the photograph shows him in the paddock having a
well deserved rest. Lutine Bell is looking on and we hope he can
maintain the good runs in the big Saturday handicaps as he is entered
in the Victoria Cup this Saturday.

La Fortunata 8th

La Fortunata came 8th on her first race back for the 2011 season. She
retained her quick break, and speed, and led for 3f but then blew up.
She gives so much in her races and it takes time for her to recover so
it will be a few weeks before she is out again. The photograph shows
her in her box
waiting for her tea!

Benandonner 5th

Benandonner ran an excellent race at Sandown on 23rd April beaten 1.5
lengths by Wannabe King. He was very game, staying on having been
passed at the furlong marker. He came out the race very well and is
enjoying a few quiet days in the paddock with his mate, Red Somerset.
The photograph shows the two boys in the paddock with Benandonner on
the right.