A slip back into the old routine

After nearly six months out of the plate I saddled back up at Green Stables this week and I have to say perhaps I’m not getting as old as I thought I was, as my bones and muscles seem to have settled back into their previous routine without too many aches and pains.

Plenty of familiar faces greeted me on my return to action and I was thrown in at the deep end when my first mount of the new season, a former Godolphin charge called Minefield, was cantering on the track.

They say it’s like riding a bike and I suppose in most senses it is, but the routine of tacking up displayed a momentary lapse in my mind as once I’d placed my pads and saddle on the horse’s back and went to "pull out" I suddenly realised I had forgotten the all important girth.

Something, without which, would mean a pretty swift departure from my four-legged friend. I am pleased to say I did not forget to fit the bridle!

In between "lots" plenty of banter takes place between the lads in the coffee room (although I wouldn’t fancy drinking from the cups what with the large colony of mice that have taken up residence underneath the sink!).

Shaun "Ferbie" James was keen to report on his visit to the Dubai Polo Academy where he had enquired about a game of polo and wondered if any of his fellow colleagues would be interested in playing a few chukkas with him.

After a long debate lasting... oh, at least five seconds, the thought of Mr James galloping towards us waving a 50-inch mallet while also trying to steer with his dual set of reins was unbearable to consider, hence the offer was declined.

Apprentices battle

This time last year all the racing headlines concentrated on the epic race between Seb Sanders and Jamie Spencer for the jockeys title, and while this time round the battle is a one-horse race with Ryan Moore certain to claim back his mantle (currently 60 winners in front of his nearest pursuer) the outcome to the apprentice championship will bring back memories of last November.

It could well be run to the wire between David Probert and William Buick who, at time of writing, are separated by only four victories.

Probert, who is based along with his main rival at Andrew Balding’s stable in Kingsclere, has so far partnered 65 winners this season and is undoubtedly a future star.

His handling of Jedediah during Newmarket’s July fixture showed raw talent in the saddle and Buick’s win on Holbeck Ghyll at Epsom on Derby day was also further proof that their "guvnor" has a knack at nurturing great potential from his jockeys as well as his horses.

Classic-winning rider Martin Dwyer also served his apprenticeship at the famous Park House Stables.

Whoever collects the coveted apprentice top-spot on November 8, one thing’s for sure, Probert and Buick look destined for the big time but let’s just hope one doesn’t run the other off the gallop at home beforehand!