BOOTHILL LIFTS THE TEAM – THIS ONE IS FOR CIARA

The stylish success of Boothill at Ascot on Saturday came as  welcome tonic for my wife Ciara who is recovering at home from serious injuries sustained in a kick from a horse almost four weeks ago.
Ciara is a huge part of everything we do at Higher Crockermoor and Boothill is one of her favourite horses.

So I am delighted for her more than anything at the manner of his victory in the £100,000 Byrne Group Handicap Chase in the colours of Brian and Sandy Lambert.
He was given a fine, patient ride by Johnny Burke who bided his time before making his move turning for home.

Boothill eased to the front going to the last fence where he produced a fantastic leap on his way to a highly impressive victory by four lengths from First Flow.
It is always nice when a plan comes off and the really strong gallop certainly played to his strengths.
Boothill has won two valuable handicaps at Ascot plus a Grade 2 Novice Chase at Kempton last season.

We have a nice dilemma now having to choose between another handicap back at Ascot towards the end of the month or maybe letting him step up in grade.

Altobelli ended a rewarding day for the team with a pleasing run into second place in a competitive £32,000 two mile handicap hurdle despite being a bit fresh. His jumping was an improvement on last season and he is likely be returning to Ascot for the valuable Betfair Handicap Hurdle shortly before Christmas.