Had a great evening yesterday at Uttoxeter with seven of the partnership members and friends and family, we had never been to the course before and I would describe it as charming (the original buildings are all built in the style of cricket pavilions) but testing (big galloping track with a rise and fall and dog leg then a long finish).
We had travelled up after work so missed the first three races but meet Simon in the owners and trainers bar (free teas, coffees and biscuits) for a quick catch up where he reported that the journey there had taken about 4 hours but Shilpa had travelled well and was chilling out in her box waiting for her race which was the last one on the card at 8.50pm. We then went off to watch some races and found and owners and trainers box with an excellent view of the course (free teas, coffee and biscuits, wine and soft drinks), out makes you feel good when you have an almost access all areas pass and the first words you hear when entering the prime box are 'would you like a drink madam'. Suffice to say two glasses of wine on top of a large gin and tonic meant I felt a lot happier being in the paddock for Shilpa's race rather than hiding behind the bike sheds like I usually do.
Shilpa looked very relaxed in the paddock, the light was quite bad so it was a bit hard to take lots of photos without using a flash but I got some and we will post them up to the website.
I wasn't brave enough to watch the race (small steps) but did listen to the race commentary and the others reported that for the first 1.5 miles she was travelling really well, she was sat in about fifth place and with the leading group, she was also jumping really well, then the stiffness of the track and her slight lack of fitness showed and she started to tire the fences out from home. Gerard gave her a very considerate ride and she cleared the last three well, just couldn't find any more to quicken so he bought her home safe and sound ready for another day. We knew that she needed a run and she is entered in three weeks time so she will be all the better for it.
Simon rang us on the way home to say she had recovered well after the race and she was tucked up in the horse box on the way back to Wiltshire, they probably got home about 2am. She will be out in the paddock today stretching her legs and then back on with the work ready for three weeks time.
A good evening was had by all, I think we all backed a few winners and the pork rolls were excellent, feeling very tired this morning though!
