Little Peter kept our National Hunt interests flying with a solid win in the first division of the bumper at Worcester on Monday in the hands of champion jockey Brian Hughes.
Brian had ridden this horse to be third in his last start and was very complimentary about him after that race at Huntingdon. We took it as a great vote of confidence that he would come all the way to Worcester for one ride, and happily he made sure it was a winning one, switching Little Peter off in the early stages before launching his attack in the straight.
The win was a lovely reward for Little Peter's breeders Justin and Rebecca Byrne of Racing Groups, who have been very patient with him. Now five, he has really pulled himself together this year after a break, and is noticeably stronger, both physically and in his work.
Many congratulations to the Byrnes, and it was especially pleasing to have another win in their lovely silks after Karma Chameleon was so successful for them some years ago, winning four races on the bounce.
We hope that Little Peter will be able to bounce a bit as he will be off hurdling next, which should give us all some fun as winter approaches.
It's a busy week for the stable, with Merrijig off to Redcar on Tuesday, Beryl Burton to Beverley on Wednesday, and Dereham and Hiccups, plus Tarbat Ness if there's enough rain, heading to Pontefract on Thursday. It's great to get the ball rolling with a Monday winner.