Dear All,

I can't remember a hotter summer than we've been experiencing this year, but the racecourses have been doing an excellent job, there does finally appear to be a bit of rain on the horizon and we have made a solid start to the 2018/19 campaign, with eight winners already on the board.

Purchased at the Ascot sale late last year, Laugharne had run an eye-catching race on his debut for us at Ascot in February, before finishing second at Ffos Las in April.

Having his first run of the new season, he made it third time lucky with a game success at Southwell under David Noonan and I am confident that a 4lbs rise will not be enough to prevent him from winning again soon.  He has had a break since that run, but is back in training and I hope he can go on to win a nice handicap or two this term!

Eric The Third was another to win on his third start for us, bolting up on his first outing for us over the larger obstacles (and third in total) at Newton Abbot in the hands, with David Noonan once again doing the steering.

The handicapper reacted with a 15lbs rise, but he was able to run off just 2lbs higher over hurdles and, having gone very close on his next start at Uttoxeter at the beginning of this month, he duly went one better under an inspired ride from Richard Patrick at the same course next time, getting up in the final strides.  He has since finished second at Cartmel and continues in excellent form - he could be out again this week.

A lightly-raced eight year old, Presenting Berkley went close on a couple of occasions last spring, but finally got his head in front at the 14th attempt when winning at Newton Abbot in June under Alan Johns.

The son of Presenting was running beyond three miles for the first time and he appeared to relish the trip, whilst a first-time tongue-tie was also a help.  

He has always had the ability to win races and, though he wasn't suited by the track at Cartmel on his latest outing, he can bounce back in the coming weeks and hopefully further success is not far off.

Boethius (pictured right) was a dual winner in points in the spring and the improving five year old duly got off the mark under rules on his second start back this term, responding well to Richard Johnson's urgings to win over 2m7f at Worcester.

The son of Manduro went very close in his bid to defy a 5lbs higher mark at Stratford next time, his first start in the colours of David and Sue Luke and hopefully it won't be long before he is back to winning ways - we also have the option of going novice handicap chasing.

Tara Mac followed her hurdles win at Newcastle in April with a chasing success at Fontwell Park the following month, making most of the running and jumping well en route to a facile win.  She has since tasted defeat back over the smaller obstacles, but I hope there are more races to be won with her over fences this year.

Placed on his previous two starts, it was great to see Calarules get his head in front at Stratford under Richard Johnson on what was his first start beyond 2m4f.

Things haven't quite gone for him in two starts since, he but remains on a workable mark and I think there could still be a bit of mileage in his mark of 103.

Take Em Out had been second on four occasions in points and under rules, so it was a relief when the photo-finish verdict went his way at Towcester in May!  He is very much a chaser in the making and we'll get him over the larger obstacles this autumn, for which he is an exciting prospect.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW ASSISTANT TRAINER!

We have a significant new addition to the staff for the 2018/19 campaign, with Robbie Llewellyn joining us as Assistant Trainer.

Robbie has a wide breadth of knowledge and experience within racing, including riding and training winners in the pointing sphere.

He started with us in June and has already settled into his new role particularly well - I look forward to you meeting him at the races or on your next visit to Pant Wilkin.