Proud Dad!

 Little Chiefy & Jack Pipe Winners at Bangor

A big highlight in what was a relatively quiet week was my son Jack winning his first racecourse series pony race at Bangor on Saturday on his pony Little Chiefy.  This is the first season Jack has been properly riding in pony races and having started at Cocklebarrow in January, he and his pony have progressed and learnt with every run.  He has won two point to point pony races, at Charlton Horthorne and Flete Park from six starts and he was placed on the other occasions as well, but this was stepping up to a different level and I am a very proud dad.  Jack learns from his mistakes and has taken something from each of his races.

His pony is not an easy ride at home or on the racecourse and he does very well to manage him.  Having said that, his pony is talented and tries hard in the race and together they have formed a good partnership.  He is better over staying distances and the race at Bangor was over 1m2f.  Little Chiefy planted himself at the start and with some help from the assistant starter Jack managed to jump him off at the rear of the field.  He made ground nicely down the inside initially to get a good position and he rode a good race from there.  Knowing that stamina is his pony’s forte he kicked for home 3f out and the race turned into a bit of a dual between him and what is widely regarded as the best pony in the division having won the final of the series at Aintree last year.  That pony’s jockey is also a good young rider with plenty of experience and the pair fought out an exciting finish with Jack prevailing by a neck at the line. 

In the racecourse series, ponies have a rating and are weighted according to their rating.  First season ponies, like Little Chiefy are automatically given a rating of ‘A’ and carry a weight of 9st 9lb, whereas the pony we just beat has a rating of ‘A*’ and carried 10 stone.  I am not sure quite how it works but I believe Jack will now either carry a penalty or move up to an A* next time which will make things tougher but that is what it is all about and it hopefully gives everyone a chance. There is a race for them at Chepstow over 1m3f on Friday 29^th May and the track and trip should suit so the plan is to very much go there. 

Pony Racing was not around in my younger days but I think from what we have found out about it in recent months, I have nothing but positive things to say about how it is run and what a good job they are doing of introducing, educating and producing young jockeys of the future.  Everything is done very professionally but they make it fun and inclusive for all.  We had a wonderful experience on Saturday from the moment we arrived.  Carl Llewelyn walked the course with all the young riders and then they weigh out and in, in the weighing room and each rider gets feedback on their ride after the race.  Rules are strict but there is plenty of encouragement and the camaraderie between them all was also evident.  We are all very much looking forward to the months ahead with plenty of racing (and travelling!) to come. 

You can watch Jack and Little Chiefy’s win at Bangor by clicking on the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KxDbhSTuL8

Jack is back down to reality with a bump now with his GCSE exams continuing this week.  I think he has four this week before the half term break and his next ride!

This Week

We have been quiet on the runner’s front in recent times but with rain forecast this week we will have some runners in the coming days.  October Hill runs in the conditional jockey’s handicap hurdle at Ffos Las on Wednesday with Rian Corcoran on board.  She has been consistent without winning in her starts for us so far and the track and trip should suit on Wednesday.  She returns to handicap company after being in a novice event last time and with Rian taking off a useful six pounds she should have a good chance.

On Friday we have entries at Worcester which include Saccary who has finished second on his last three starts and we hope he can go one place better and Show Your Hand who also finished second on his last start in a bumper at Exeter.  He has learnt from that experience and is capable of winning a Bumper.  Both horses also have entries over the weekend at Uttoxeter and Fontwell so we will try and pick the best races for them.  Similar comments apply for recent French recruits, Grand Claremont and Karnaval Point.  Both are multiple winners in France are likely to run where the ground is softest.  Keep checking the Daily News on the website for all the latest information about the stable runners.

We also have one entry on the flat at Salisbury on Sunday, Cinammon Coco.  While he has not been at his best in two runs for us over hurdles thus far, he shows ability and has run well in Ireland on the flat so this looks a good opportunity for him to get back on track. 

Doncaster Sales

I am off to Doncaster Sales this week with the horses in training sales taking place on Wednesday and Thursday this week.  The store sales took place on Monday but there are a few hundred horses to go through the ring in the coming days, a mixture of point to pointers and rules horses at prices to suit all budgets.  I have been through the catalogue with a fine tooth combe and if you would like to know more, please do get in touch, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 01884 840715.  We would love to get you involved.

Winner for James

Well done to James Shaw who has returned to race riding from his concussion injury and had a winner at Bratton Down point to point on Sunday.  We are now entering the final few weeks of the point to point season and racing returns to the track next Sunday and there is also a meeting at Upcott Cross on the Bank Holiday Monday.  Ashley Dascombe jets off to New Zealand this week and Martin McIntyre is still on the side lines but I am sure James will be in action again at the weekend.