Mike Jackson

RAIN, RAIN, RAIN.....

Rain, rain, rain, it has not stopped - so Twelesdown was cancelled....shame!

Never mind, we've been practising anyway - I have been doing quite a lot of jumping at home and unfortunately I "flew" off Ella (picured in her stable looking like butter would not melt!) this week, which made for good viewing for those in the Westcote Inn - which overlooks the school!

Jules (who owns the yard) was helping to put up the jumps and throught it was very amusing when I went head first into the rubber! All I can say is don't put Jules as your BE emergency number....!

Today we went cross country schooling to Chedworth, where they have a good selection of cross country jumps for both the babies and the more experienced ones.

We took two lorry loads - Rebel, Max, Joey, Fritz, Bob, Skippy and Jen's horse Sid. They all behaved really well, apart from Rebel who couldn't bear to wait for his turn and managed to escape from the lorry twice!

On Thursday night there was a Cheltenham preview at the Westcote Inn. It was a good evening with form guides from Robert Cooper (from Channel 4), Warren Marston, Charlie Longston and Gordy Clarkson (Richard Phillips' assistant trainer) - lets' hope their tips pay off - as I am hoping to go to the festive one day this week.

As well as a day at the races, this week, I will be preparing for Gatcombe with Max, Rebel and Joey who are all doing the Novice. I just hope the ground dries out a bit otherwise it's going to be a complete bog!

Mike, 10th March 2007.