IT HAS been a busy few months at Jeremy Scott’s yard at Higher Holworthy Farm on Exmoor where, after a long, dry summer, during which the horses and staff enjoyed a well-earned break, they have returned refreshed and ready for the season ahead.

Jeremy said: “We are very fortunate to have retained our entire team and have also welcomed two new recruits to strengthen the yard. We have moved several horses on to excellent new homes and careers beyond racing, and we look forward to following their progress.

“We have an exciting group of horses to run this season, although it is certainly weighted towards novice hurdlers!

“Our two Flat horses, Sub Thirteen and Fair Dinkum, have run consistently well throughout the summer, finishing placed in almost every race and earning prize money for their owners without quite managing to get their heads in front.

“Both now appear to be on winnable handicap marks, so we hope it won’t be too long before we see them back in the winner’s enclosure.

“Although summer jumping is not necessarily our favourite time of year, we would love to expand our Flat string next summer to keep the yard and team busy during the quieter months. We always enjoy those sunny trips to Salisbury, Goodwood, Chepstow and Bath!

“At the end of August, we welcomed more than 100 people to our National Racehorse Week Open Afternoon.

We then hosted a Bubbles & Brunch morning on the gallops for our wonderful syndicate members when more than 100 watched their horses work in their colours while enjoying drinks, bacon rolls and cake. The following day, the excellent Charlotte Budd catered a delicious owners’ lunch.”

He went on: “It was a weekend of excellent company, food and drink, and we would like to thank everyone who came along and helped make both events such a success.

“Since August, the horses have stepped up their work and are now ready for their seasonal debuts.

“We remain cautious about running on winter courses until there has been some significant rain, and we are excited to get the season properly underway.

“Behind every horse is a dedicated team, and we continue to strengthen the staff at Higher Holworthy.

“We are delighted to welcome our new team members and would like to thank everyone who works tirelessly behind the scenes — often long before sunrise — to keep the horses happy, healthy and progressing.

“Their commitment is central to everything we achieve, and we are incredibly grateful for their hard work.”

The Cheltenham Festival winning trainer went on: “ As autumn moves into winter, our focus turns firmly towards the National Hunt season. We are excited about many of our horses, from established performers returning to the track to younger prospects taking their first steps over hurdles.

“We look forward to welcoming owners back to the yard over the coming months and, hopefully, celebrating plenty more winners together.”

Jeremy added: “As always, thank you for your continued support of Jeremy Scott Racing and Higher Holworthy Farm. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a fantastic group of owners behind us and we’re looking forward to an exciting season ahead.”

Jeremy Scott was speaking to racing correspondent Richard Walsh.