We've treated Conservative's knee and the good news is, there is no swelling and he is in great order. After his treatment, he was on the walker for a couple of days, just so he did not stiffen up, and we have gradually increased his work following that. 

Earlier this week, we stepped up his work again, and Catherine, who is his normal work rider, commented that he was no longer reaching with his head like he was before. I was very happy with what he produced, and I am pencilling the treatment down as a win.

The good news is, we can start planning to see him on a racecourse now. I am hoping that will be in around three weeks. I am going to do a three-quarter piece of work with him on Tuesday just to let him have a full leg stretch. We will know for sure if everything is fine after that session.

Best ever year for Coral Racing Club trainer

2022 has been a great year for me, not just in terms of the number of winners, but we have achieved a lot as a team. Our previous best tally was 35 winners, we are now on 39 for the year.

We have had an influx of new horses over the last 12 months, and we opened a second training yard at Wolverhampton, which obviously had its challenges. Without blowing our own trumpet, we have had horses come from other yards and I feel we have improved them.

I won my first Listed race in 2022 with One Night Stand at Lingfield, which was one of the highlights of the year. Fine Wine has also been a flagbearer for us throughout the last 12 months. He goes on New Year’s Day at Southwell, and I think he could have a lot more success in 2023.

Like all trainers, we are always looking to improve and to do even better next year. We are an ambitious team, and everybody plays their part in the success.

Best wishes to everyone at the Coral Racing Club in 2023. I hope to see many of you at a racecourse at some point across the year.

Scott Dixon