Two-year-old North Yorkshire racehorse Evening Press, given that name after being leased out to readers of the Evening Press newspaper, speaks exclusively to the sports desk.

Hello, folks. Evening Press here.

Typical isn't it? I get to have my first swimming lessons in the outdoor equine pool here at Wold House Stables, and just as I'm getting used to it the weather takes a turn for the worse.

I was a bit wary of the water at first but soon started enjoying myself splashing around and my trainer Tim Etherington says I'm a natural in the pool, a real water baby, which is good as regards my progress.

But now that the weather has got cooler - a typical English summer - I'm not allowed to go back in the pool until the sun comes out again because the water will be too cold for a youngster like me.

The good thing about the delay, however, is that it gives me chance to go out and buy myself a new swimsuit.

It was a bit embarrassing when I first went for a dip as I didn't have a swimming costume and had to wear a hand-me-down bikini from my half-sister, Castral.

She is also trained by Tim and won her second race of the season recently, at Redcar. Her success naturally bodes well for my own future, given that we are blood related - but I hope I inherit more of her speed than her fashion sense.

Not only was the two-piece ill-fitting but it was also ghastly-looking. Still, there weren't that many people around and it was good to get in the pool.

Hopefully, I'll have bought some new gear by the time the Evening Press Partners come to see me at the next stable visit.

That visit has been scheduled for Saturday, July 14, on a day when there is racing later on York's Knavesmire.

I doubt I'll be doing any synchronised swimming moves by then, but I should be able to doggy-paddle my way round the pool.

Anyway, best go, I want to buy a new winter coat for the summer.

Regards,

Evening Press.

Updated: 15:14 Monday, June 18, 2001