No, I am not referring to a replacement for Mick McCarthy who has always struggled to completely win over the fans due to his dour personality and style of play. I am referring to Frank Sheridan who tomorrow becomes the latest trainer for Shropshire Wolves when he takes our latest acquisition Sumner in to his care at Averham Park near Newark in Nottinghamshire.
Frank has had a succesful career training in Italy before relocating back to England in 2008. The first year back here went well before his string found it difficult to shake off a virus at his previous base in Shropshire. Frank reports the string to be in rude health now and has already had his first winner from Averham Park.
Sumner had a succesful three year old campaign with Mark Tompkins before being purchased for £ 70,000 to go jumping, a sphere in which he struggled to shine and also obtained an injury which put him on the sidelines for a year. A spell at Kinsale Stud has put him spot on to resume his racing career which should hopefully be in early spring.
The Last Bottle should be ready to run again in about three weeks after his short setback, while Dr Mathias is reported in good order by Dave Evans and should be racing again in about four weeks.
It is hoped that a number of members will be able to visit Alan Swinbank's yard in early March when we have a stable visit combined with seeing our two year old at exercise and a possible racecourse day out. Should anyone wish to come on this visit please let me know and I will be able to give you more details.
I have managed to get a couple of action shots from Wolverhampton which are now in the gallery, these are courtesy of racecourse photographer Les Hurley, who would be happy to receive orders for any photographs of our horses.Should anyone want a particular photograph on a raceday it is best to arrange beforehand and Les will try to accomodate any request.
