Good Evening Fellow 'Guilders',

It was a lovely sunny day as Tim and I made our way to the O/T Bar, when we spotted Judy, Simon & Oliver sitting outside with some of Stuart's other owners who were there to cheer on their respective steeds, and after the mutual 'good luck's', we made our way to the bar where we were greeted by Derek, Sue and Joan, and were quickly followed by Rick and Vicky.

We made our choices for the first race, and of course, some of us chose Orbital Orchid, a recent purchase for Dave & Christine Stam, and the first of five runners for Stuart yesterday. Unfortunately, there seemed to be some problem with the saddle or stirrups, so it was unplaced.

After a while, through the throng came the Kirk's, so then there were nine.

We discussed Molly's race, and I think it's fair to say that the majority of us were concerned at the short field and the lack of potential front runners in the race, and also by the fact that this was her first time back after the virus.

After another race or two, we were joined by Alun & Jane Jones, Alun's parents and their lovely daughter Abbey, who after being bankrolled by Derek, faired quite nicely at the bookies (I think we have a Guilder in the making there)!

Finally it was our girl's turn, and we made our way to the parade ring, where we were joined by Christine & David Stam. Molly looked radiant, although she did try to leave the parade ring and head back for stables once or twice, but as Judy pointed out, she probably just wondered if it was dinner time yet.

Franny Norton was our Jockey, and was given the usual instruction by Stuart to hold her up, although being such a short field, if there proved to be no obvious front runners, just to take the ride as it came. Soon it was time for the Jockey's to mount, so we made our way to the stand.

The pace was steady to start with, but fortunately, just before halfway through the race two horses took it on, and Molly settled into third place just behind them. So far so good!!

On the bend, Franny closed the gap and took Molly into the race, when they reached the straight, about two furlongs before the finish, the pace picked up and Molly contested the race with the leader up to the line, before finally finishing second by around two and a half lengths, but stayed on well to the end.

We made our way back to the Winners Enclosure, (to a superb rendition of "Molly is Back, Molly is Back" by Tim & Diane), to congratulate a still completely composed Molly, needless to say we were all more than pleased with the result, as I know were Stuart and Judy. After all, she was the star of the Kittow show yesterday.

I can't close without mentioning our Trainer, who had a mammoth task in front of him, but who seemed to cope marvellously, aided and abbeted of course, by Judy, and the boys.

Thanks again for all their efforts in making a sunny Sunday afternoon at Bath, just that little bit more special.

Night, Night All,

Jackie