The mornings were dark
And most lots stayed in the warmth of the indoor school
Dame Judi Dench met Mark and her horse Smokey Oakey for the first time
The yearlings continued to progress
And preparations were made for the foaling season at the studs
We were delighted to have an interview with Graham Locking, Chaplain to the racing industry. "We are very lucky to have Graham," said Mark. "He is the best thing that has happened to the racing industry for a long time. He is a larger than life character - a gentle giant - and does so much behind the scenes with all staff in the racing industry, ranging from the studs to racecourses and even The Jockey Club. His qualities are that rare combination of being able to react instantly to people and their situations - he is patient, kind and cheerful and makes a difference to the lives of others.
"On a personal note, he has become a very good friend and he has enriched my world greatly!"
Your favourite virtue: Gentleness
Your favourite qualities in a man: Honesty
Your favourite qualities in a woman: Humour
Your biggest flaw: Impatience
Your chief characteristic: Humour
Your idea of happiness: Spending the day with my grandchildren
Your idea of misery: Going to church twice on a Sunday
If not yourself, who would you be: Simon Rattle – conductor of the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra
Your hero: Martin Luther King
Your favourite motto: 'B~gger it!' (but stronger)
Name four people (past or present) to join you for dinner: Stephen Fry, Ian Botham, Gary Sobers, Sir John Gielgud
Your favourite horse: Love Divine
Your favourite race: The Derby
Your favourite racecourse: York
Your best day's racing: My first Guineas meeting as Chaplain to horseracing – I felt that I really belonged!