Merry Christmas and Sedgefield Runners

FIRST of all, a very merry Christmas to everyone from the team here at Hazelrigg. 

We hope Santa was good to you and you got everything you wanted. He maybe even delivered a membership for our new Racing Club, who knows…and if not, you can use some of your Christmas money to get one!  

THREE runners for us on the packed Boxing Day cards, all at Sedgefield. First up is DIAMOND MIX (12.20) who will have his third run over hurdles since making his debut at Carlisle at the start of the month. We’re turning him out quickly after his last run down the road at Newcastle a couple of weeks ago because he’s come out of that really well and we’re keen to get more experience into him. 

As we said before, it’s all about teaching him his job and getting him used to racing on the track. Ed Austin will ride and take 5lbs off and we’ll maybe change up the riding tactics a bit as part of his education. What he learns this week will stand him in good stead for the future. 

FETE CHAMPETRE (2.00) stayed in the yard when we arrived and will run for Rose Dobbin’s parents. We’re delighted to have him and have been really happy with everything he’s done so far in his training. 

The way he goes about his business I really think he would be one of the nicest horses we’ve got. He’ll be carrying top weight in this 2m3 ½ f chase but Ed rides so his five pounds will come in handy there too. We’re hopeful of a big run. 

DOTINTHEDISTANCE (3.10) makes her debut for us in the bumper and we’re delighted to get her on the track for owners Alastair & Rachel Bell and Graham & Susan Robertson. She had a little setback which knocked her back a bit so they’ve been very patient but she’s ready to go now. She’s a lovely filly out of the Bell’s mare Rakavillee, who raced on the track a few years ago. 

It looks a decent bumper with a couple up from down south so it’s going to be pretty competitive but we’re hoping she gives a decent account of herself.