I’VE just about come down from the high of last weekend.
My old mate Frodon was absolutely epic in the Badger Beers Chase at Wincanton.
Bryony is looking forward to a couple of big rides this weekend
He had a big weight to lump around and it wasn’t easy – the track was greasy and the ground staff did a great job of sanding the bends and keeping the runners safe.
Everyone knows how he races, he likes to go off in front and says to the other horses ‘catch me if you can’.
One-by-one he strung them out and, although the runner-up got close to us in the straight, he was just looking after himself and being careful over the last two.
The reception he got was unbelievable. Jumps fans love it when these top horses come back year after year and try their hearts out.
He has a big fanbase – there were punters who came from as far afield as Newcastle there to cheer him on – and I will remember the welcome he received for a long time.
It’s been a steady week otherwise, and we schooled some nice hurdlers around the loop at Ditcheat on Wednesday.
One who really impressed me was Henri The Second. He felt great and I know the boss thinks highly of him, so he could be one to follow this winter.
I’m looking forward to getting back to Cheltenham today and I’m excited to ride WILLIAMSTOWNDANCER (4.05).
It’s great to pick up a ride for Willie Mullins, I obviously jumped at the chance to ride this filly in the bumper.
I had a good look through the form yesterday and Nicky Henderson’s horse Luccia looks on paper the one we all have to beat.
But my filly looked really impressive when winning on her debut at Punchestown and any horse that Willie runs at Cheltenham has to have a big chance.
I’m heading down to Fontwell on Sunday for their Southern National card, and we like the chances of SOUTHFIELD HARVEST in the big race.
He has been off the track for a long time, but I won on him at Newton Abbot when we last saw him back in 2021.
We have always liked him and he should love the test of stamina.
As always, stay safe and keep kicking!
