Our Elsie R.I.P.

Racing is a marvellous sport, full of incredible highs and it's fair share of lows too.

Today at Kelso, Dodlands Steading suffered one such low with the sad loss of Our Elsie who was fatally injured after falling at the first in her novice hurdle race.

Acquired by Donald as a 2 year old, Our Elsie was a half sister to the two year older Eternally Yours, the mare was nurtured in the yard through her early pre-racing days. Prior to her debut on the racecourse in November 2019, ownership passed into the hands of Steve Chamberlain together with his brother Barry.
She had a couple of runs in bumpers, and prior to today had two hurdle runs as well.
Our Elsie was a lovely mare, only in the early stages of a National Hunt career. As well as her kind nature, she was just about the best morning work horse in the yard and was certainly the best jumper when schooled.
It was only a matter of time, and greater maturity, before this latent talent was evidenced on the racecourse.

The mood around the yard this evening is indescribable and, as with such events in racing yards up and down the country, it will take some time to get over this emotionally. She was loved not just by Donald and the Chamberlain Brothers but by all of the members of the team here at Dodlands.

Many thanks to the kind messages of sympathy received on social media, direct message and email from racing fans and fellow trainers. It does help.

Sleep peacefully.