Marvellous Hartforth!!

Speechless!

Up 12lb in the handicap. Up in Class. But neither of these hindered the game, progressive Hartforth as he battled through the mud to record his 3rd victory this season. Coupled with the fact that he finished 2nd in his other 2 races, and its been quite a remarkable 4 months for the gelding - much to the delight of the Brave Lads partnership.

Settled just behind a leading group of 3 by Callum, Hartforth seemed to lose a little concentration setting out on the final circuit. But, pushed along, he was soon in a leading group of 3. Callum made his effort turning into the home straight, and with his 2 opponents falling away (one literally), Hartforth was clear jumping the last and he didn't half stay on well.

Hartforth (on the left) in an early season gallop

And Sam runs well too.....

Off the track for 8 months since breaking a blood vessel at Kelso in May, Sam Patch ran a fine race to finish 4th at Ayr on Monday.

Although well beaten, he jumped well and returned showing no ill effects. We'll look for a race over slightly shorter in less grueling conditions in the next few weeks.

And finally...

Are we allowed to give ourselves a pat on the back? Hartforth's win today brings our season's total to 6. A modest total some might say but it's a season's best for Dodlands Steading.

Congratulations to all our staff, and it's important to celebrate such successes. Well done Ryan, Matthew, Kingy, Harris and Conor. And to Sarah our vet, plus the 'boys' Garry and Callum.
A great team effort, but we're not finished for the season yet!!!