Ascot week has been patchy to say the least, and not just when it comes to the horses I backed. Traditionally the week when wild partridge hatch, the weather for Ascot was considered to be an indicator of the success of the rearing season and therefore the shooting season. Better than the two previous years, Ascot 2009 produced downpours in some areas, the kind of heavy rain that chills and kills chicks. The use of Ascot weather as a harbinger of the season ahead is fading into memory as few people are relying on wild birds for their season’s sport.
And the heavy summer rains were welcomed by the salmon and sea trout fishermen, who would probably like to see a bit more as our lovely sunny spring has left the spate rivers on the bones of their arses. I can report that the first few salmon have been caught on the Itchen and Test, and even I’ve managed a sea trout off the Avon. We have a few spots on sea trout evenings on Itchen remaining, and are considering concocting another excursion to Devon if the guinea pigs are successful in July.
The roe rut will be in full swing by Game Fair week, with the fallow season following on its heels. My wife encourages you all to get in touch and come stalking to reduce the deer who are grazing on her peonies.
