Hard Way and Milly (Surrey Storm) did us proud this week, with Hard Way running second in Deauville and Milly third in Lion d’Angers. Hard Way battled hard to the line to grab second in the usual blanket finish of a 20-runner handicap. He’s a great old man to have around the yard, and he always performs when we need it the most. He’ll have an easy few weeks now and probably go down to Craon on Sept. 22 to run the same race he won three years ago. Not bad for a horse that was supposed to be retired!
Milly was a bridesmaid again and keeps knocking on the door. She is tough and consistent, but she couldn’t hold off the winner who came flying on the outside carrying only 49.5 kilos to her 55.5. She was only beaten half a length again and will win one of these soon. Both horses came back well and have good entries ahead.
Meanwhile, we’re at the yearling sales in Deauville over the weekend, mostly to kick the tires and meet people rather than to do actual buying. The prices there will be high, although there may be a bargain or two on Monday or Tuesday. The horses at the yard will have an easy weekend, because a heat wave has descended over central France and there’s no point in pushing them when cooler days are likely just ahead.