Is a very long way from here. Another day in the car, but actually a much easier drive than many of the journeys we undertake. And once you drive off the M5, one heads through some stunning country. Some great views away to Wales and beyond.........
And always a warm welcome (and a plate of stunning rare beef) when you get there. The Chairman of the course, Willie Jenks, a good friend. And epitomising what the role of Chairman should entail. Free of all petty pomposities, Willie is a welcoming and congenial host. Far removed from several Racecourse Board Directors who, upon appointment, evolve into arrogance personified.......
Lunch with Paul and Diane Hennessey, awaiting the arrival of Wayne from training at Molineux. Barney with me. Not well at school the previous day. A bit of bracing Shropshire air putting the colour back in his cheeks (a sentence which, when re-read, sounds a little Victorian......?!). Wayne arriving in the paddock for Oscar Close's race. A decent gathering to greet Trevor Whelan, bolstered by the presence of David and Angie Loder. David has been to four racecourses since he gave up training - Meydan, Ascot, Ludlow, and I forget the 4th (maybe Aintree...). Ludlow a little "off piste" for him.....!!
Oscar running a fine race, under a welter weight. The handicapper forced our hand, but Oscar in no way disgraced in 4th place. In fact, I am thrilled with the horse. His jumping was exemplary, and he attacked his fences with real zest. Hopefully, the mental stains of his Ffos Las fall now a distant memory. Unlucky not to be second yesterday, as he was squeezed up after the last, and his career firmly back on track after a blip or two. He will be freshened up now before we go to war off his new mark (115).
Wayne interviewed at every turn. Signing many an autograph. The walk from the unsaddling enclosure to the Director's Room taking an age. But once inside, Wayne "interviewed" again by Wolves supporters Willie Jenks and David Minton. Nicky Henderson producing the comment of the day, tongue firmly in cheek. "Blimey - you are tall enough to be a Goalkeeper....."
Down at Lingfield, Candida with Adrian Coleman and Toby Wand. The comeback of Good Old Paul. A comeback that did not exactly "pull up trees". But at least he is back on the course after a career threatening injury. He has the form in the book from his pointing days, and now we will get stuck into him on the gallops to ensure that there is a massive step forward from this "effort".....
Barney and I stopping off at Warwick School on the way home. For him to catch up with a few old classmates. Guy Canning, the Junior School Headmaster, is a keen racing man. When we first went to Warwick to meet Guy, it boded well that his office wall was covered not with dull diplomas but with photos of Arkle and other legends. A good start !!
Back to Ludlow. My good friend Kim Bailey in attendance. Candida and I do not have a huge number of friends within racing (always easier in all walks of life to keep business and pleasure apart, I have always found....), but Kim and Cookie Bailey are good mates. As mentioned previously, Kim refers to me as TNDGB. I have been struggling to come up with a suitable "moniker" for Kim. TLNCK will do. Any guesses............??????
Kim told me that he described me on RUK as "a good trainer". The old boy must be mellowing in his old age........
The legendary nose called Kim...?
Posted by: Vernon Taylor | January 20, 2012 at 09:14 AM