Belton Park

 Have had a great day at Belton, it was very busy, but all the horses were done in time to watch the Grand National!

Gaucho redeemed himself with a second in the OI. He did a very good test and was much calmer to score 35.  He then show jumped clear, he even managed to clear the last!  Cross country he was superb and just finished 1 second over the time so he must have been pretty quick!

Seacookie had his last run before Kentucky and I was very pleased with how he went. He also did a very decent test but only scored 38, the marks in the OI section were particularly high.  He rolled a couple of poles

show jumping which was a pity, but he was excellent cross country, although I didn't hurry him.

It was really good to have Chilli out for his first run of the season, I was very happy with him.  He got 29 in his dressage to lead the section, and I was pleased with how he felt considering he was understandably a little excited.  He then went double clear with a few time faults to finish 8th.  He will now hopefully have an Advanced run at Weston and/or Burnham Market.

Freddie Mac finished 10th in the same section, having a very good day.  He got 34 in the dressage, and I was very encouraged that he felt much more relaxed.  He had one show jump down and was good cross country, but perhaps a little too eager!  We will need to take a few deep breaths before the CIC3* at Burnham Market....

Before Time was fairly wild in the dressage to score 45, but he was the best he has been in the show jumping and was unlucky to have a fence down, he then went round nicely clear in the cross country and I took him very steady.  

Belton is always a fun event, and I am very grateful to Jen Caley for fitting all my horses in on Saturday.  The Intermediate course rode well although I felt they had softened it a fair bit from last season making it more inviting for the genuine Intermediate horses.

I didn't walk the Advanced course but it looked as if the same applied there which can only be a good thing.  

 

After some very good Novice runs at Portman this week I have decided not to go to Larkhill with Reinstated and The Soapdodger.  It will be a good day to work Bay My Hero and Parklane Hawk at home.