I spent this morning high up in the Cotswold Hills at the training establishment of Nigel Twiston-Davies. It’s on days like this that I have to pinch myself. I grew up wanting to write about racing and here I am actually doing it. I was there to discuss an upcoming article for Cotswold Style with the gentleman that is Ian Robinson. I felt a sense of honour at meeting both Imperial Commander and Pigeon Island, it’s not everyday you meet two Cheltenham Festival winners. The horses are the real heroes, I fell in love with them and their brave exploits, they in turn led me to this amazing way of life.
Incredibly it was my first visit to Grange Hill Farm, I was struck by the friendly, no nonsense, professional atmosphere. The whole outfit has no attitude whatsoever and that is thoroughly refreshing.
Along with Gloucestershire favourite Imperial Commander and young pretender The New One, two horses took my eye with Cheltenham in mind:
African Gold who will line up in the Albert Bartlett is very impressive in the flesh, a big strong horse who is really starting to come into my reckoning for the race. There has been a flurry of support for him in the recent weeks and I can
It’s no secret that I think Shutthefrontdoor will win the Pertemps but after seeing According To Trev this morning he is on my list for the same contest. He beat Our Vinnie at the Showcase meeting before going on to finish third to Coneygree at the Open meeting in November. We know he handles the undulations and there are far worse 25/1 shots. It’s a case of all eyes on Wednesday when the handicap weights are revealed.
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