Paul Webber Racing

Not the most productive trip to Bangor on saturday, to say the very least. RED BIRR rather 'missed the break' and failed to get involved at any stage of his race. He has done this before a couple of times on the flat and so it was not a surprise as his jockey was warned that this can happen. I think Sam was just a little over-confident having won so easily on him last time. Hopefully we can retrieve the situation at Kempton this sunday or Ludlow next week.
DE SOTO has decided that he's had enough of competitive racing and has been retired. Peter Deal and Mike Silver have very kindly given him to my Head Lad, Trevor Heath and his son Matthew, to hunt and point-to-point. We've had great days and 'nearly' days with this horse, and i still cannot believe that we got 360,000 guineas for him once! MARLEY ROCA was enjoying his chasing debut when he was very nearly carried-out by a loose horse, which unsettled his rhythm. Anyway he successfully completed his education and will go close next time.
We go back up the M1 today on another northern foray with ASHAMMER. We are not going as far north as his last race at Sedgefield and it shows in the more competitive nature of this race.
Right now there are no end of maiden hurdles but no novice ones except for a valuable one at Kempton and we're trying to build this horse's confidence with a gradual progression. He is top weight off 125, so has no easy task, but does seem to remain in excellent form. ICY COLT has improved for his first run of the season when third at Uttoxeter and should again reach the frame today.
This long day has already started with great excitement with the first visit to Cropredy Lawn by The Bicester with Whaddon Hounds, for about 13 years. It was wonderful to have first lot cantering up the hill, serended by the wonderful cry of a hunting pack. I guess the foxes were a little surprised, they've had it pretty easy around here in recent years, devouring our chickens at will!