New addition to the string...

We have now been at our new base in South Wales for just over a month now, we are getting into a good routine now and everything is running smoothly. The horses enjoyed a trip to the beach at the end of last month, we are very lucky to have Ogmore beach just a 30 minute drive away, it is a great way to give the horses a good freshen up and a change of scenery. 

All of the 2 year olds have now been backed and are now back out in the field to continue growing and think about what has been going on over the last few weeks! James Davies and Richard Patrick have both been in recently, with it being a bit quieter with only a few summer jumpers they enjoyed schooling a few of the 2 year olds over some barrels in the outdoor school! They have all been a pleasure to break in and we are just finishing off the final few now before they can join the others in the field. 

It has been a busy week with several runners and tatts Ascot sales. POWERSTOWN PARK kicked off the week at Newton Abbot for the handicap hurdle, he traveled nicely and jumped well in the early stages of the race just getting tired over the last couple of furlongs, a further drop back in trip could be on the cards. 

On Tuesday we had 3 runners, Not A Role Model ran at Fontwell in the 0-115 handicap chase, it was a step up in grade but he ran another gallant race and was unfortunate to just get beaten. He has come out of the race well and has enjoyed a quiet week in the field before we get him going again this week. Our other 2 runners were at Southwell's evening meeting, WONGA SWINGER had his first run back after a good break over the winter, he jumped well before getting a little tired but managed to stay on for 3rd place, he will definitely come on for the run and we will look to get him out again soon in something simular. He is owned by Sam and is available to be leased for the remainder of the summer and judged on this performance should hopefully be able to get his head in front over the coming months. Please get in touch for more information on this. 

LANCASTER ROSE ran in a competitive mares bumper, this was only her 2nd run and she ended up getting herself far too warm in the preliminaries which ultimately took its toll during the race, a hood and a few away days prior to her next run will be just the ticket. She still ran a nice race just getting tired in the final stages and with her size and scope I think we'll now get her schooled over hurdles and aim her at a mares novice hurdle in the coming weeks. She is a lovely mare that will only improve with experience. 

Tuesday we also saw a new arrival to The Hollies, Marcus Collie was at Ascot Sales on the look out for a exciting prospect to join the string and came up trumps with CAPTAIN TOMMY. A lovely 4 year old gelding by Court Cave who's out of a bumper winning mare, he has ran in just 2 Irish Point to Points. Tommy is a striking big horse who has lots of filling out to do and with all the grass we have here he's certainly in the right place to do so! He has settled in well this week and will now go out for a good summer holiday so watch this space!

Another 6 weeks or so and we will be looking to get some of the horses in from their summer holidays, this means we are on the hunt for some new members of staff to join the team here at The Hollies. We have several vacancies available including a head person, full time members of staff and rider outer's. If you are interested or know someone that might be interested in joining a small friendly team with an exciting season ahead then please get in contact with us for more information.