Happy New Year to everyone and I trust you and your families and friends all had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year break. It seems so long ago!

Congratulations to the Carbine of London Racing syndicate no. 5 where the aptly named Carbine Harvester has done just that – completing a hat trick of handicap wins. As reported in my Newsletter on the 8th December, CH broke his duck with a win at Wolverhampton on Monday 2nd December. He then followed that up with a comprehensive 3 and 3/4 length win at Southwell on Sunday 29th December. Then supported by 3 Presidents and the extremely light touch Syndicate Manager he won well, albeit narrowly, at Lingfield last Thursday. Much celebrating has followed each of these events.

Congratulations to trainer William Haggas and apprentice Harry Burns. It reminds some of us of the three wins by Waters Edge courtesy of trainer George Baker at Windsor in 2020 (during lockdown).

We are pleased to report that the Pre-Cheltenham dinner at the OXO Tower on Tuesday the 4th March is now fully booked. A waiting list has been established if any member is still interested in attending as there are generally double bookings, sickness and last minute cancellations. The guest speaker this year is the very entertaining Kirkland Tellwright, who recently retired after 25 years as Clerk of the Course at Haydock Park. Nick Luck has again agreed to be our MC for the evening and together with George Baker, Richard Phillips and Jim” the Croc” McGrath who will be our tipping panel vying for the President’s Magnum of Bolly. Jim will also be supplying the Phantom call of the Gold Cup. Menus, details, etc to follow after the committee meeting next week.

The Lord’s date has now been confirmed as Thursday 3rd July, the week before the Lord’s test against India. Bookings for that event are now open.