FOR many jump racing yards the summer months can still be seen as a chance to rebuild and prepare for the hectic winter schedule ahead.

However, for Inkberrow-based trainer Tom Gretton the spell has proven to be his busiest on record and one to enjoy for his team and the owners connected to his ever-growing operation.

Last week saw long-term in-mate Fine Jewellery just miss out on a shock 100-1 victory at Uttoxeter.

The bay gelding, named due to owner Anja Potze's business in Worcester, came within half a length of an unexpected success after seeing off most of his better-priced rivals.

Gretton said: "It was a really good performance from Fine Jewellery. He went there with no excuses this time and was as fit as we could get him.

"He has always been one to pick up a few niggles but we got a clean run into him this time and he came very close to a memorable win."

Altogether there has been a team of eight horses in full work while the sun has been shining and while the usual stable stars, such as Little Jimmy and Armedanddangerous, recharged their batteries in the field.

The summer campaign sprang to life when Primo Rossi powered home under jockey James Davies at Market Rasen in June.

He stayed on close to home to win by a length at a price of 12/1.

The seven-year-old was then in the process of running another good race when falling at the final hurdle at Worcester a fortnight ago.

Unscathed from that fall, a run in mid-August is now planned.

Sandwiching their showings has been a host of ever-consistent placed efforts from Clara Peggotty.

The brave mare has been placed in all of her last four outings.

The yard are now also looking forward to a return to the track of fellow summer jumper Jackthejourneyman.

Gretton added: "It has been our busiest ever summer, which is great for the yard. It also helps that we have a lot of racecourses local to us that host summer meetings.

"We now have the majority of the string back in work so it is only going to get busier."

For more information visit tomgrettonracing.com