Latest news from Dodlands

Several fine performance over the last fortnight from our horses, but pride of place in this update must lie with Bollin Julie. Not so sure that the rain softened ground would be in her favour yesterday at Newcastle, she nonetheless stunned her rivals, after travelling and jumping well, by taking it up 3 out. Quickly putting the race to bed, she did show the quirly side of her nature by wandering around from 2 out. Stepping up to 3 miles has clearly suited, and she may be better than her sister Bollin Fiona.

Talking of whom, with Ryan on board, our strong-staying mare ran her best race for a couple of years when just failing by a head over 3 miles at Hexham a week or so ago. Not the easiest of rides, Ryan kept her wide of the runners and she responded with some fluent jumping (well, mostly!).
She may take her chance again on Monday at Hexham, where we hope the balmy weather doesn't dry out the ground too much.

It wasn't all good news, with a couple of pulled ups - Shadow Boxer and Ellistrin Belle - while Sam Patch fell when beaten in his 3 miler at Hexham.

But the Potassium guys and girls were buoyed by a very promising debut by their 4 year old bumper horse Shades of Midnight. Despite obvious signs of greeness, the gelding responded well to the urgings of Callum and after being headed 2f out, kept on to finish 3rd. For a horse that has the make and shape of a stayer, we predict that this wont be the last we hear of Shady, but will probably be better when tacking longer trips over obstacles.

Yesterday's Newcastle scorer - Bollin Julie