Monday February 9, 2026 – Richard Phillips Racing

It appears Six Blue still has a breathing problem despite surgery as she sat out her race at Kempton last week after pulling hard early on. We will investigate this further as she has sufficient capabilities at home.

Bluenose Belle encountered all kinds of problems running in the amateur riders handicap at Wolverhampton and Simon Walker wasn’t hard on her when she knew she was beaten. We may step her up in the all-weather trip if the ground remains on the soft side.

I attended Newmarket Sales on Thursday and Friday and was happy to return with new ones in Express Train and Aajej (pictured).

Express Train is a winning sprinter from the stable of Andrew Balding who won in Leicester last year. A four-year-old from Invincible Spirit seems like the type who will provide some fun for his new syndicate this summer.

Aajej has the size and ability to jump over hurdles and fences and has shown great endurance during his races. He looks like a useful dual-purpose type that will hopefully grow stronger over time.

We look forward to our Queston of Sport on Thursday 19th^e February to benefit the Hunt Family Fund. If you haven’t already done so, please reserve your places as soon as possible. If you don’t have a full team, we can place you on one.

We have now opened bookings for non-members of The Adlestrop Club for our ‘Evening of Cheltenham Festival Memories and Fancies’ at Adlestrop Village Hall on Friday 27th^e February. Choc Thornton joins Gordon Clarkson and myself and there will inevitably be some funny stories and lots of useful information for the upcoming festival. Book your seats quickly, because this event is always sold out.