Race Day: Jack The Savage @ Huntingdon

Another good effort in defeat from our ever-so consistent 8 year old Jack The Savage. That's a top 3 finish in 4 of his last 5 outings and he continues to give his owners a exciting run each time he turns for home.

A step up to 3 miles and a clean round of jumping just failed to see him chase home the long-time leader The Wise Traveller, Sean O'Connor biding his time before moving to challenge two out and outstaying his other 3 rivals to bag second.

Jacks form figures at Huntingdon now read 22414, ultra-consistency doesn't usually get any leniency from the handicapper but we remain optimistic he can get his head in front off his current mark, let's see what mark he gets come Tuesday.

Our Travelling Team

It was a momentus day for one of team at Glebe Barn Stables, Izzy joined us 7 months ago having never worked in a racing yard before.

We are often inundated with enquiries about working at the yard, it's a responsibility we take extremely seriously and recognise our role in giving those just starting out in this wonderful sport a chance to learn and contribute to operations at a training stables.

A Friday trip to Huntingdon was the first time Izzy had taken a horse to a race meeting, it begins with allowing the BHA to check the horse in and a mandatory check of her stable pass. It may not be something many people are aware of but the checks and inspections when you arrive at a course are essential for protecting the integrity of the sport.

The parade ring next and this is the spot where most racegoers will recognise the hard work of the stable workers, there's much more to it than just leading a horse round for a couple of laps so punters can get a look at where they might place their money!

The horse obviously needs turning out, a saddle placed on as well as any headgear (Jack wears a noseband here). In essence, we're getting the horse ready to run here and doing this well means a horse isn't agitated or stressed so much needed energy isn't wasted before they start running.

All horses are judged on how well they are turned out and would you believe it - Izzy won best turned out for Jack and received a monetary prize as well as plenty of pride in a job well done.

Anyone that has seen us at the racecourse before may well have seen Laura herself leading up her horses, what can we say, we're a small yard where everyone chips in, if no one can make it to Kelso on a Tuesday then the boss gets stuck in!

A great day then for the team and Izzy, best turned out on her first racecourse visit and Jack the Savage rolling in second again.

Working this close to a racehorse training operation is a great way to start or maintain a working relationship with horses. You get to see personalities, behaviours and work on your horsemanship skills which can open up doors to plenty of equine roles in the future.

It's definitely an early morning job for those that can't wait to get out of bed but we pride ourselves on having a really close knit team that share the challenge of getting our horses in great condition to run their race.

The great thing is we get to do it all again today! We're off to Bangor with Barrons Land. Have a great weekend.

Laura & Team