November went well; we had six winners from 25 runners – all of them two year olds. Ceilidh House was placed in two listed races, and Oasis Dancer bounced back to form in a conditions race at Kempton. The highlight of the month was a double at Nottingham on the 2/11. Colima won first time out over 8f, coming away from a well-bred field of maidens, to win by 2 lengths. A late maturing type by Authorized, we have plenty to look forward to with her. Cubanita won the second division of the maiden in a faster time. A tough filly, I can see her starting off in an Oaks trial next spring. Takeitfromalady won a nursery at Ffos Las on 4/11 over 1m. He took a while to turn into the horse he is now, and hopefully this son of Intikhab will be a fun horse next year – particularly on easy ground. Brick Tops won first time out at Doncaster the following day. A well bred Danehill Dancer filly she too appreciated the easy ground, winning under a hands and heels ride from Jim Crowley. Tango Sky disgraced himself when hanging his chance away at Doncaster the same day – but he made amends two weeks later, winning at Lingfield over 5f. He had plenty of problems through the summer; we will aim him for the start of the turf season and look for soft ground. Haaf A Sixpence won at Wolverhampton on 26/11 – owner bred by Haafhd, he gave his owners a huge thrill, and we hope he can go on from here. We had a busy month here with an owner’s lunch for 170 people and around the same number showing up for my 40th six days later. We sold 5 fillies this week at the December Sale, Sylvestris topped our draft at 48,000gns, and Ishbelle made 30,000. We have had yearlings coming in thick and fast over the last month. As ever there are a few that look sharp, and a few that need time! Whatever, we are fortunate to have plenty to get on with. We will have a few to run over the winter, and Moon Pearl is being prepared for a Dubai campaign. He will leave here on 8th January. All in all it has been a fascinating year. We got through a particularly testing move last December. Our form through the spring started well but was difficult to keep up. Some of our form through the summer was patchy, but we finished the season well, with some juveniles that look very promising. The staff here are settled and work well together. Richard Arnold joined as 2nd Travelling Head Lad in January, having worked for the Balding family for the previous 20 years. Charlie Duckworth started as Assistant Trainer in March, and has fitted into the role well. Fortunately both Richard and Charlie have Gary Plasted and Adam Kite as guidance. I am fortunate that we employ men such as these, they don’t grow on trees. Sam Whitehead has done a job that few would have relished with a smile, as our secretary. I am hugely indebted to them all, as I am to all our staff. Happy Christmas.