Monday 27th April 2015

We had a fantastic day at Sandown with Gran Maestro who finished 2^nd in a very competitive handicap on seasonal debut. The performance after 220 odd days off the track was very good whilst it was a super training performance by Dr Richard Newland & another classy ride by the excellent Will Kennedy.

Going down the far side for the second time we were getting rather excited as Granny was cantering away on the bridle. Turning into the home straight we had every chance and went clear with Brother Ted, however jumping the last Richard Johnson’s mount was just getting the better of Granny, race fitness plus the stiff uphill finish on soft ground just took its toll on our lad.

We finished 2^nd but 7 lengths clear of the 3^rd horse ridden by A P McCoy.

Been part of the day when A P McCoy retired was thrilling whilst sharing the winner’s enclosure with him on his last ever mount is quite historic, very few people can say they did that.