It was a hot, sticky afternoon when we got to Windsor and joined Kath, Liam, Paul and Paul's guests, Paul and Victoria, who had managed to secure a table outside the owners and trainers bar. After the hello's and introductions, we settled with a nice cool drink and discussed the day's racecard. The sky was looking ominously black in places and we were rather hoping for a huge downpour before Muffin's race, but unfortunately it never materialised.

After a while, Debs and her friend (I'm sorry but I didn't catch her name), popped their heads over the fence to say hello, and then went for a wander before re-joining us later on.

I think we all had various levels of success in the four races preceeding Muffin's, but nothing to write home about.

Stuart, Judy, Tim and Neil found us after the third race and told us that Muffin had travelled well and was doing fine.

It was finally time for us all to congregate in the parade ring, and Muffin seemed particularly well behaved, which was somewhat of a relief after his boisterous antics at Ascot.

Louis managed to find us a lot easier this time, and gave us a very confident account of how he thought the race should pan out (oh to be that young and optimistic again), he made it sound so easy. Personally, I didn't think he was leaving himself much of a get out should it be necessary, but again, I think that can easily but put down to age and experience. Fortunately, us older and wiser folk listened with intent, and remained realistically hopeful.

Finally the Jockeys were on board and off to the start whilst we took our places in the stand. Muffin got out well, and they were off to a good pace with our boy holding 4th position. After a couple of furlongs or so, the pace seemed to quickly slacken off and Louis had to hold him up quite sharply when the horses immediately in front of him began slowing up. Unfortunately this caused Muffin to lose some momentum and interfered with his preferred free running style , but he kept on at a steady pace eventually finishing fourth and thereby gaining himself a place in the Winners Enclosure.

When Muffin and Louis returned, Louis confirmed that he had to pull back quite sharply when the pace slowed, and this did put Muffin out of his stride for a time. Nonetheless, we were all pleased with his performance, no more so that our boy himself, as he seemed quite happy on his return - maybe someone had told him that he was getting appearance money, it being a Sunday meeting.

Whilst we were all billing and cooing over him in the enclosure, I was a little miffed when one of the officials asked Lizzie to take him over for a random dope test (really, the cheek of it!), but I was assured by Judy that this was nothing to worry about as they were quite sure that he hadn't been out clubbing on Saturday night. (PHEW!)

Another lovely day courtesey of TRG, thanks as ever to Team Kittow and to our fellow members for their great company again.....and of course, Big Love to Muffin x

Thanks

Jackie