Hatrick Heroine

Well two weeks after Kempton it was off to Wolverhampton - its quite a long way you know - for my next race.  I've gone up in the handicap quite a bit so I'm racing against the bigger boys now.  It was a lovely evening, and when I went out onto the track I could hear the commentator say that I was favourite - not  again!  Still, I could only do my best and the stable Jockey had come all the way up to ride me as well, so I just had to go for it!

It was the usual stuff - quietly down to the gates, pop into the stalls and do my best to get a good start.  All of which we managed and again we tucked in just behind the leaders as they went off at a fair clip.  We got ourselves a bit closer coming round the final bend and, after being carried a bit wide by the horse on my inside, we just breezed on up the straight and back into that WINNERS ENCLOSURE!  That was my hatrick - three in a row for me - who could have imagined that - certainly not me when I started off.

I know everyone was absolutely delighted with me and it was the usual photos etc - how good is that - my Trainer keeps telling me what a good girl I am - and I agree.  Whatever next?

Fleur

Repeat Performance

Dear Everyone

Following my great night out at Lingfield it was off to Kempton where I was hot favourite to win my next race.  I have to say the pressure was on - not only were lots of people backing me to win but most of the Team were there as well - oh my goodness!

Now I have to say I was feeling in good form and I had the stable jockey riding me, which is always good for my confidence, AND last time I raced here I nearly won so hopefully ....................?  I have to say it all went well - my Jockey and I just went about our business, found ourselves a nice rhythm and when we got into the straight went for it up the inside and after making up a lot of ground I DID IT AGAIN - I WON.  A girl could really get used to this.  The best bit was coming up the straight when I heard the commentator say 'and here comes Fleur de la Vie'.

It was fantastic coming back in and all the Team were there looking as pleased as anything with me - I got lots of admiring looks and pats, a nice drink of water - more photos - its all good.  I've really got something to tell the others about now - come on Thelma get out there and racing - if I can do it I know you can.

Lots of love from a tired but contented Fleur

Somethings Afoot

Well what have I been up to while Fleur has been winning her race.  Well after a rather embarrassing moment at Windsor, when I went to the races and behaved beautifully until I wouldn't go in the stalls, I was sent off to Southwell to try again.

This time I was much better and after a little bit of persuasion did go into the stalls and was as good as gold while the others took their time - in fact I was in there so long that I pretty much went to sleep.  Anyway off we went when the stalls opened and although I was a bit behind I did catch up but I must say I didn't much care for all that sand being kicked up into my face and so I have to be honest and say I didn't run to my best.  Still, it was a good experience for me but once I got back to my stable things were not so good as my back foot became very sore and before long I was lame!

The Vet came and had a good look and said I was fit to drive home - phew! - but I have been sore for a couple of weeks and off training so that is a bit of a summerdowner (at least I haven't lost my sense of humour!).  I've had a couple of x-rays and apparently nothing has shown up - which is good news - but its just R & R for me at the moment which is frustrating as I want to get out there and show the little one that I can do it too - imagine her winning a race before me - outrageous!

From a resting Primacy

That Winning Feeling!

photograph by kind permission of Ian Headington - copyright Ian Headington 

 
I'VE DONE IT!  I have won a race - brilliant!!!!  Me, little Fleur, got to walk back into the winner's enclosure and the number one spot - how good is that?

After my last run I'd been feeling fighting fit and the Trainer decided to send me to Lingfield to race back at a mile and a half.  Some of the Team were there and I heard the Trainer tell the Team that this was quite a 'hot' race but that I was well.  It was a lovely warm evening and off we went to the start - now I've been round the block a few times and knew what was what, so I just did what I was supposed to and popped into the stalls and came out again pretty smartly, although I did'nt have a great draw.

My Jockey dropped me into a nice position just behind the leaders and coming round the final bend he eased me out and let me run on down the home straight and right on into the winner's enclosure - I felt a million dollars.  I could tell the whole Team and the Trainer were very pleased with me - there were lots of pats and hugs and I even had my photograph taken.  Unfortunately, the Mrs and the Gaffer weren't there but the Trainer got a phone call which I knew was from them and after he had hung up he came and gave me a special well done pat from them.  Phew! I can go back to Kimpton with my head held high and tell the others all about it.

Where next I wonder?  Bye for now from a very pleased with herself Fleur