Which is always the worst part of being away. Homeward bound. After a few days of R and R in the Caribbean sun. Antigua. Some spot. The batteries recharged.....
Never a perfect time to sneak away, particularly as we have runners all year around. Under all codes. And, with Belgian Bill and Humidor in Dubai, in different countries....
But we all need a break. And this one was much needed. Here in a fabulous house overlooking Falmouth Harbour. Daniel and Paola Jefferies (Belgian Bill, Boomshackerlacker, Jacks Revenge, Relentless Harry etc....) the consummate hosts. Generous beyond generous. "Generous". Whose Trainer Paul Cole we dined with a night or two ago. In company with Chris Wright and his family....
But this island in no way "Newmarket On Sea". As is Barbados, just across the seas from here. Which is a relief.....
Patrick holding the fort back home. Brilliantly, as ever. Despite the encumberance of a broken ankle in plaster. Valerie doing a magnificent job in Dubai, where Belgian Bill runs tomorrow. The team, as ever, stepping up to the plate......
And we will back in their midst shortly, refreshed and ready to go. Every year a big year in this sport, but for us in particular I feel that 2012 is supremely important. The quality of horse, and people for whom we train, has improved markedly since the move to Whitsbury. Now we need the results on the bigger stages......
Talking of "big stages", The Sir Vivian Richards Ground here is one of them. I went alone to watch the Windward Islands beat Trinidad and Tobago in a 20/20 the other night. A great atmosphere under floodlights. Steel bands, rythmic dancers, plenty of attitude and opinion from the stands, the smell of barbecues wafting through the heavy night air. Good fun....
Now back to the real world......
Well done Belgian Bill ..hopefully he can go one better soon and win a race in Meydan
Posted by: andy jones | January 12, 2012 at 06:36 PM