Exciting day for Ursa - with one new arrival, two back in training and another shining on the gallops

Despite no action taking place on the track, it’s been a really exciting day for all at Ursa Major, with a new arrival joined by two returning stars.

Moonlight Glory completed her journey from Ireland this morning, arriving at Mark Walford’s Sheriff Hutton yard in fine fettle.

Moonlight Glory arrives at Mark Walford’s yard

The two time hurdle winner has settled in nicely and met some of her new stablemates this afternoon - which included two of our horses who have had their first days back in the yard after their winter break.

Ghadbbaan back at Mark Walford’s ahead of a dual purpose campaign

Namely, they are Mehraki Star and Ghadbbaan who are both looking really well for their holiday.

Mehraki has done some light work and his foot is holding up fine, while Ghadbbaan has really thrived for his winter off and looks a great bull of a horse.

Mark said: “Mehraki has been out on the gallops and I am really happy with him, he’s building up his work now and will be doing some faster work as soon as next week.”

He could make his return to the track as early as late February, which would be a brilliant boost for his owners.

Mehraki Star is back in work a Mark Walford’s

Ghadbbaan meanwhile has a future mixing hurdles with flat action after impressing his trainer.

“He’s been out in the field and we have been feeding him plenty,” Mark said.

“He seems really happy, he will start work this week and we will look to take in both flat and hurdles this spring.”

Meanwhile, up in the North East, Rebecca Menzies declared herself pleased with the progress of Mr Shady as this stunning picture shows. The grey is being aimed at a race at Newcastle on January 13th.

Mr Shady is working well ahead of his first Ursa run as this photo, courtesy of Rebecca Menzies Racing, shows

An exciting week gets even better tomorrow, with The Mackem Torpedo running at Newcastle as he bids to put last week’s blow out at Wolverhampton behind him.

He loves Newcastle and had been showing major steps forward at the track and we hope for a much brighter showing. Jason Hart takes the ride.

He’s 40/1, but if he puts the Wolves run behind him and continues his progress at Gosforth Park he may outrun those odds.