- Monday, 26 November 2018 16:49
- Written by David Pipe
I have always thought that the job of racecourse ground staff was a difficult task but the weather conditions have only heightened my admiration for the teams who work so hard to produce decent jumping ground. On the whole they do an outstanding job, although unfortunately with a mixed bag of weather across the country the ground continues to be very hit and miss from course to course. Indeed, some tracks are offering really testing, holding ground, whilst Leicester have already had to abandon one fixture due to the hard going and they currently describe their surface ahead of Sunday’s intended fixture as ‘firm’.
Last Week’s Runners
We are enduring a bit of a frustrating run of form at present. While the horses continue to perform well in the main, a winner or two would certainly not go amiss! Indeed, from ten runners last week seven of them finished in the first four but sadly none managed to get their heads in front.
Former Irish point and bumper winner Know The Score was making his seasonal reappearance (and hurdles debut) in the 2m3½f maiden at Chepstow on Wednesday. He performed creditably under David Noonan to finish third in what was probably a decent contest, sticking to his task well without troubling the first two. We know that he possesses plenty of ability, but he already looks as though he will benefit from a step-up in trip. He remains an exciting hurdling prospect.
Unfortunately the weather at Chepstow was horrible and the official going was altered to soft after just one race. It wasn’t just soft though, it was very tacky and Ekayburg, who was making his debut in the novices’ hurdle did not act on it at all. Travelling like a quality horse for much of the race, he became totally stuck in the mud at the business end of the race. There is certainly better to come from him.
Moon Racer made his chasing debut over 2m3f at Ascot on Friday and was far from disgraced in fourth. Jumping well in the main, he just lacked the pace of the leaders in the closing stages and looks as though he will benefit from reverting to a longer trip these days.
Dream Free, Easter Eric, Three Star General and Miro also collected place money last week and hopefully can be going a few places better over the coming weeks.
The Week Ahead
We will have a few runners here and there over the coming week with the first of them coming at Lingfield tomorrow. Nordic Combined shaped well in a decent novices’ hurdle at Newbury on his debut and he contests the novices’ contest at Lingfield tomorrow. Now the fast ground has largely subside it means that there is a backlog of novices waiting to run, hence it has attracted no fewer than 18 runners and is another competitive race.
Duc de Beauchene is engaged at Hereford on Wednesday, while Extra Mag and Stream Lady hold entries at Wetherby the same afternoon. We have a handful of entries for Taunton on Thursday and with rain forecast we should have some runners at our local track.
That takes us to the weekend and very exciting prospect Mr Big Shot (pictured above) has a choice of engagements as he is due to make his seasonal reappearance and also his chasing debut. He is entered at Newbury and Bangor and we will try to find the best opportunity for this lovely individual. He has schooled well for Tom Scudamore at home.
Welsh National Entries
Further ahead, entries for the Welsh National at Chepstow closed on Tuesday and we have put Vieux Lion Rouge, Ramses de Teillee and Rathlin Rose in their Christmas highlight. Rathlin Rose ran a cracker (pardon the pun) last year while Vieux Lion Rouge and Ramses de Teillee look just the types to go well.
Historic Visit
I was pleased to welcome members of the Middleham Park Syndicate to the yard on Sunday to view their new recruit, Legal History who we purchased from the Tattersalls Sales at the beginning of the month. The shareholders were able to see their three year old in action on the gallops. He has pleased me with his homework and will give them plenty of enjoyment over the coming months and is an ideal dual-purpose horse. Incidentally, we still have a 25% share in him available, details of which can be found on our horses for sale page.
New Syndicate
Whilst we are talking of syndicates, I am pleased to announce that we are forming an exciting new syndicate in a four year old filly at the yard. Her name is Fire Leopard and she was a solid handicapper on the flat, winning three times up to 1m4f and she looks like a nice novices’ hurdling prospect who will also be able to revert to the level. She came from the stable of David O’Meara who we acquired flat and hurdle winner Jacbequick from and I am hopeful that Fire Leopard will be similarly successful.
You can choose the size of the share you would like and with Christmas around the corner, what better present for the racing enthusiast in your life?! Details of the syndicate and costs can be found on our Syndicates page.
Stable Tours
Finally, we are also offering organised tours of Pond House stables for small parties. The experience will include breakfast at an excellent local eatery, a visit to the gallops to see the horses during exercise and a guided tour of the pioneering facilities. These can be booked via our Tour manager and further details can be found on our Stable Tours page or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . There are a couple of dates remaining this year and more to be arranged during the early part of the New Year. Again, these would make a fantastic present for any racing enthusiast.
Anyway, for all the latest information on runners and gossip from the Pond House team, don’t forget to read Chester’s Daily or follow us on Twitter @DavidPipeRacing.
