Hi all,

Sorry for the delay in posting this report. Unfortunately, our trip home took much longer than expected due to problems on the M6. I now know the East Midlands road network far more intimately than I ever wanted to.

We only had to make a short 25 mile trip to Leicester because we had stayed in the area after attending Doncater races on the Saturday. Had a great day there. The recent improvements have turned it into a fantastic course, just a shame about where it is.

As a result of our short trip we arrived at Leicester very early and were able to make full use of the new owners facilities at the course. I had not been as an owner before but was assured these were a considerable improvement on the old ones.

We were soon joined by various members from the great and the good of the racing guild and also by Judy and Neil. By the way, Neil, I hope you are back to full fitness soon. Judy told us Muffin had travelled well and had recently been very lively at home so the signs were good.

After making numerous donations to the bookies whilst watching others, and in particular Mr K showing me how it should be done I made my way to the parade ring. It was at this point I had been hoping to spice up my report with a bit of controversy but the withdrawal of Cobo Bay meant there wasn't a female jockey in sight.

Luis appeared a little quieter than usual as he received his instructions. He said there was only one other likely frontrunner in the field so he would race prominently and see how the race developed. Muffin also looked more relaxed than usual which in the past I had seen as a bad sign.

When the horses reached the post the Guild members went to the terrace to watch the race. However I retired to the bar, not for the obvious reason, but because the lack of large screen meant the race could be better viewed on tv.

Muffin broke well and travelled comfortably round the bend. However at half way the writing was on the wall as Luis asked him for an effort but got very little response. After putting up a brief fight he disappeared back through the field.

After the race Luis said he had not got the same response from Muffin as he had at Sandown and felt that he had probably raced enough this season. The general consensus was this view was absolutely correct. Before the race it had been mentioned that he may have one final run at Doncaster but in light of this performance this will not happen.

Discussions turned to a review of the season. My own views are that Muffin has had another succesful year, as his handicap mark indicates. We have been unlucky in that he has run well in defeat and has not been able to run on his favoured soft ground (Chepstow was a particularly cruel blow).

With the season over members will now turn their attention to the AGM and the future. It should be a lively debate.

Many thanks to team Kittow for all their efforts and information through the season. I look forward to seeing Muffin fit and well and raring to go next May. Hopefully I'll have a few winners over the jumps in the meantime.

Right I have to dash. I have a lecture on the History of Feminism. Now that would make a good subject for a debate on jockeys on the website.

Cheers Anthony