Late January Update

Earlier in the month we reported on a day that was good but oh so near to being great. Well, to remind us that schadenfreude is a real thing, Plumpton staged a short notice additional meeting, which we were delighted to see featured opportunities for four of our horses. When CLONDAW ROBIN bounced round and then got outpaced at the end, finishing second (battled well to retain the honour) we were not unduly distressed. Then when FLEMEN’S TIPPLE, returning from nine months off, lost by a length and a fraction the alarm bells began to shudder, as it was his third close second over course and distance, and the third in which he shaped like the winner at one point late on. Nevertheless, it was a promising comeback, with chases beckoning. The day closed with one of the less aspirational hat tricks, as BIRDMAN BOB finished second too. As with Tip he nosed in front at one point of the home straight but was confounded by a rival that marginally outstayed him. It should come as no surprise that we did well in best turned out awards – three of them too! Of course, this would have been slightly less inclined to drive us round the twist had we not experienced a trip to Southwell last week where BACKINFORGLORY started this festival of second places with a nicely competitive effort. Or do we point the finger for founding it at Birdman Bob, going back to the start of the month? Or Clondaw Robin and Shaw’s Cross before Christmas?

Clondaw Robin rates himself “pretty pleased with Plumpton performance.”

In contrast, Flemen’s Tipple is a bit “wistful of what was nearly wonderful.”