We arrived early at Newton Abbot's final meeting of its summer jumping season to find that after a dry week the showers that had woken us in Bristol that morning had also given a soaking to the Devon course. However, these had stopped by noon so we were hopeful that they would not have softened the ground too much for Molly's liking.

After meeting everybody else in the very popular Owners and Trainers Bar we made the short walk to the parade ring. Molly looked well and relaxed. Stuart's instructions to the jockey were to settle her near the back, give her a patient ride and to pick off other horses as the race progressed. We then rushed to the stand to watch the race. Molly set off towards the rear. At times she did not have the clearest of runs and was forced to race wide on occasions. As they started their final lap (Newton Abbot is a small course of just over a mile round) Molly began to pass the tailenders, but when the favourite kicked for home with about 1/2 a mile to go she was unable to respond. In spite of this she battled on and finished an encouraging fifth.

When the horses returned Nick Schofield said that she had not liked the ground (the morning's showers had more effect than we hoped they would as evidenced by his mud-splattered colours). Aside from that he thought she had run and jumped very well.

I understand we will now have to wait about a week to find out her handicap mark. In the meantime I suggest we all keep our fingers crossed for an Indian Summer which will provide Molly with the firm conditions underfoot which she relishes.

Finally, I also asked Stuart about Muffin. He said that he had been a bit sore after losing his shoe but he was now training well and he would expect him to run again in about two weeks.

Many thanks to Stuart Judy and the team.

Cheers Anthony