OUR ONLY runners of the week were on Saturday and it was brilliant to get an across the card double with Belfrina and Jilaijone. Belfrina made it third time lucky at Doncaster on Saturday to win a listed mares hurdle and get some valuable black type in the process.

That was only the fifth run of her life, third over hurdles and she is improving every time. She has a good engine and the heart to match and there is plenty more to come.

Jilaijone was our second winner on Saturday, winning easily at Uttoxeter under Fergus Gillard. He has been a model of consistency all season but does find it difficult to get his head in front and so it was great he was able to get this confidence-boosting win. Royal Mer also put in his best run of the season to finish third and it was a good step in the right direction.

This week was due to be busier on the runners front but following the weekend’s stormy weather there are a several abandoned meetings in the coming days.

Hereford was lost to waterlogging on Monday while Leicester on Wednesday and Ffos Las on Thursday have already followed suit. We have two runners at Chepstow on Tuesday and fingers crossed this will go ahead.

Shot Boii runs in the 2m7f handicap chase and needs to bounce back from a below par run last time. The handicapper has given him some help and it would be great to get his head in front again. Gentleman Toboot runs in the concluding bumper and Jack Tudor is on board both of our runners. He won at Fontwell on Boxing Day and carries a penalty for that victory. This looks a tough race but the course will suit and he is a horse I hold in high regard. He is very much one for the future but he should go well.

On Wednesday, we have just the one runner at Exeter, Sirekoff and Taylor Fisher rides. On Thursday, we have entries at Wincanton and a flat entry at Southwell, Ocean Heights. On Friday, we have entries at Lingfield which includes Lady Balko in the Surrey National. Over the weekend we have Eden Du Houx entered at Sandown on Saturday and King Turgeon entered in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh on Sunday. Keep checking the Daily News on the website for the latest news on the stable runners.

Remastered has been a superb horse for owners, Brocade Racing and Pond House for many years but we have decided to call time on his wonderful career. Having just turned 12 he pulled up at Market Rasen most recently and was found to have an irregular heartbeat. While this is not uncommon in racehorses and he is absolutely fine since, it made our decision to retire him that bit easier.

He won five chases, two hurdle races and a bumper in his career and over £176,000 in prize money and was rated 151 at best. He has always been a lively ride and not easy but Ashley Farrant has ridden him for the large majority of his career at home and done a very good job with him and Sue Lower has always looked after him. He will remain here at Pond House until we find him the perfect home for an active retirement.