Topaz is a striking, well-balanced two-year-old filly trained by Jack Channon who has been catching the eye on the gallops. She has shown natural pace and professionalism in her work, quickening smartly and finishing her pieces strongly—signs of a precocious juvenile with plenty of upside. Her trainer holds her in high regard, even suggesting she could develop into a filly capable of lining up at Royal Ascot—high praise at this stage of her career.

The action has stepped up a notch as we approach the start of the turf season. We have enjoyed success on both the Flat and National Hunt fronts. Kempton has proved a particularly happy hunting ground, with Moonshine and Conclave both getting off the mark in fine style, while Respond went one better than his seasonal debut with an impressive victory at Chelmsford in testing conditions under Oisin Murphy.

My earliest memory has to be the excitement surrounding Queen’s Logic during her training in 2000/2001. She was a champion two-year-old filly and arguably the best my dad has ever trained. I vividly remember the thrill of her winning the Cheveley Park Stakes by around six lengths, as well as the disappointment when she was unable to run in the Guineas despite being the odds-on favourite.

Followcato's extraordinary rise to fame came in December 2025 at Ludlow where he won in superb style followed by two more decisive victories at Exeter and Hereford. Leicester was to follow.

Could we even dream of a fourth victory in a row? With the full support of owners, Ben Pauling, and Frances, our fourth victory was in our sights.

“Highclere clients can enjoy experiences few ever see first hand – from private visits to racing stables, studs and the Newmarket gallops - to exclusive picnics in the owners’ car park at Royal Ascot. Global Charter ensures these experiences are effortless to reach, arranging private jets and helicopter transfers that let guests travel in comfort and discretion, so the focus remains on the sport and the exceptional hospitality Highclere provides.”

I went into the Mysore GPO to send postcards to the UK. The man behind the counter asked: “Mail speedy or ordinary sir?”

“Speedy certainly,” I replied.

“Sorry sir, ‘Speedy gone”.

After a polite exchange on the efficacy of modern postal services, as I left he called out: “How are you getting back to UK sir?”

“Speedy,” I retorted. But I was getting ahead of myself.

With it being Paddy’s Day in March I thought this delicious Irish Stew was very apt for this months recipe!

“There have already been so many amazing Highclere days with the likes of Believing and Awaken - not to mention sitting next to Ruby in Paris, but I’ll always remember Moonshine at Kempton!” - Claire Goodwin

This month we catch up with Reflex who is a striking grey by El Kabeir who was trained with Charlie Fellowes until 2023 when we moved him on. He trained on for another year before being retired and given a lovely home by Sarah Twigg who adores him. He is now enjoying life as an all-rounder and has even been to Aintree to enjoy some gallop training there!