- Monday, 23 September 2013 15:30
- Written by David Pipe
After another week with (next to) no jump racing, it was certainly good to be back with runners at a couple of meetings yesterday (Sunday). Although we didn’t hit the mark there were a couple of decent performances nonetheless from the likes of Purple ‘N Gold and Bathwick Man. Purple ‘N Gold has been in good form on the level - he appeared to be an unlucky loser at Sandown and it looked as though he may prevail yesterday on his handicap debut over hurdles at Plumpton.
- Monday, 16 September 2013 15:47
- Written by David Pipe
I was delighted by the success of Diamond’s Return at Uttoxeter last Wednesday. He has been a horse that has been quite difficult to place since notching up a quick hat-trick during the spring of 2012 but a recent third at Ffos Las over the longer distance of 2m4f suggested that he was well worth a try at three miles.
Given an ultra-confident ride by Conor O’Farrell, Diamond’s Return was held up right out the back of the field but made steady, relentless progress throughout the final mile, so much so that he was upsides at the last before quickening away to score by a cosy 2½ lengths. When things work out well these waiting rides are a joy to behold, when they do not however, they soon draw criticism and Conor went from hero to zero with some people in a matter of only 48 hours! Diamond’s Return was turned out again at Bangor two days later under a penalty and under similar tactics, failed to give his running and was pulled up. Some people fail to understand that horses are not machines and can sometimes have an off day and sadly on Friday he had one of those.
- Monday, 09 September 2013 14:26
- Written by David Pipe
Although only a quiet week on the racing front it was nevertheless an eventful one with visitors aplenty. Terry Neill joined us on Wednesday to see his ex-French charge Wetak and we took the opportunity to grab a few words with him for the website as we were also hosting renowned SIS broadcaster Mike Vince. Indeed, Mike was kept very busy on Wednesday, interviewing me and my father for our thoughts on the season ahead as well as chatting with a number of other members of staff around the stable with a view to getting their horses to follow.
- Monday, 02 September 2013 15:54
- Written by David Pipe
I enjoyed a very nice week away in Tuscany with Leanne, the children, my parents and some close friends. To say the location was ‘rural’ would be something of an understatement as our villa was located some five miles up a single dirt track and we certainly had a mixed bag with the weather – by day it was warm and sunny, by night we had some spectacular thunder and lightning storms.
- Monday, 26 August 2013 11:46
- Written by David Pipe
It was nice to be back among the winners last week with Royal Peak scoring again at Worcester on Monday in determined fashion from a potentially well-treated rival. Having been headed after the last, he found extra to deny multiple point winner She Is A Cracker by a head in a driving finish. He was turned out again at Newton Abbot two days later under a penalty in a bid to stay ahead of the handicapper but the race may well have come a bit soon for him as he looked a little flat in finishing fourth. He will be due another rise from the official handicapper tomorrow (Tuesday), but he is only lightly raced and can continue to progress.
- Monday, 19 August 2013 17:44
- Written by David Pipe
As you can see from the photographs, it looks as though Tom Scudamore has some competition for his job as stable jockey at Pond House! Ronaldo des Mottes is currently away enjoying his summer break but he had a visit from his owners Dan and Kenny Ives who couldn’t resist climbing aboard their eight year old gelding. Now, Ronaldo isn’t exactly the smallest horse in the yard but the lads are very tall and dwarf him when they climb in the saddle – fortunately for Ronaldo, Timmy Murphy, Tom Scu et al aren’t quite as large as his owners! Ronaldo has been with us since his four year old days and is a great favourite around the yard – he signed off last season with a creditable third in the Sussex Champion Hurdle and we are looking forward to seeing him back in the stable towards the end of the month when he will embark on his preparation for a novice chasing campaign.
- Monday, 12 August 2013 15:41
- Written by David Pipe
After a blank week it is nice to get back to the real business of having some runners on the track. Although we don’t get going over the sticks again until tomorrow we nonetheless have a runner this evening (Monday) on the level at Windsor where Purple ‘N Gold runs in the 1m2f flat handicap under James Doyle - he has proven to be a shrewd purchase by owner Keith Webb having already scored on the level and over hurdles.
- Monday, 05 August 2013 14:08
- Written by David Pipe
It would appear that I picked the wrong week to take my holidays! Having enjoyed a break in Portugal the week before last (when the weather here was at its finest), this week sees a blank in the National Hunt calendar and a weather forecast that suggests waterproofs are the order of the day rather than my Speedos! Indeed, our only possible runner during the week ahead comes at Sandown on Thursday where Togiak is entered in a 1m2f handicap.
- Monday, 29 July 2013 07:15
- Written by David Pipe
Last week was a quiet one with only three runners and I took the opportunity to enjoy a few days rest & recuperation by flying off to Portugal for a few days with Leanne and the children. We had a lovely time in the sunshine and the kids thoroughly enjoyed building sandcastles on the beach and paddling in the sea. As is always the case though, the stable is never far from mind – it can’t be with year round racing…
- Monday, 22 July 2013 15:30
- Written by David Pipe
I couldn’t possibly begin this week without mentioning the fitting tribute to the life of David Johnson at last Friday’s memorial service at the Grosvenor Chapel in London. The family held a private ceremony for David on Wednesday, but Friday presented an opportunity for those others who knew ‘DJ ‘to pay their respects and they certainly turned out in force.
It was an extremely touching service, with barely a dry eye in the house. Many of the speakers (my father included) spoke fondly of their memories of DJ and the music, including the classic Eagles song ‘It’s Your World Now’ encapsulated the man perfectly. His passing will clearly leave a sizeable void in the lives of all those who knew him. DJ’s son Stephen has started a webpage to raise money for Cancer Research UK – a cause that I am sure you will all agree is most worthwhile. If you would like to make a contribution in DJ’s memory you can do so by visiting: http://www.justgiving.com/DavidJohnsonDJ/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_content=DavidJohnsonDJ&utm_campaign=pfp-tweet
Talking of poignant losses I was also extremely saddened to hear that Taunton racecourse Clerk of the Course had passed away suddenly last week. I have known and respected Michael for many years and he was a very amiable man. He did a wonderful job with the ground at Taunton racecourse and was part of the vision that sees the track flourishing as it is today. The sport of horseracing will also be much the poorer for his loss. Our thoughts go to his wife Clare and family at this very sad time.
We did enjoy a nice winner last week when Purple ‘N Gold made a successful hurdling debut under Tom Scudamore at Uttoxeter on Wednesday. He tracked the leaders before being sent on at the last hurdle and holding on in a desperate finish to prevail by a short head taking our tally for the new season to 14. He was originally claimed from the flat by Keith Webb and has done very little wrong, scoring on the level at Kempton as well as finishing placed on a number of occasions. He has done plenty of schooling at home, showing good aptitude and enthusiasm for hurdles. Personally I am of the opinion that he was idling in front here and can continue to progress with that experience under his belt.
It looks like being a quiet week ahead on the racing front and that may not be a bad thing with scorching temperatures of up to 33°c set to continue. The stable will have two runners tomorrow (Tuesday) – Darcey Diva at Southwell and Vapiano who makes his debut for the yard in a conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle at Bangor – both will be ridden by Kieron Edgar.
Further ahead we have Standing Ovation, Royal Peak, and Investissement entered at Worcester on Wednesday as well as a handful of entries at Uttoxeter on Friday, while Saturday and Sunday sees a blank weekend for jump racing where the stable has no entries.
We do have a number of entries for the Galway Festival at the end of July/beginning of August, although both War Singer and Street Entertainer, who were both disappointing at the weekend are most unlikely to make the journey across. We also have Shoegazer in the Galway Plate and he is still a possible for the big race at this stage.
Even allowing for the sparse summer jumps fixtures, there is still plenty of work to be done and the horses have just started coming back in following a good summer at grass. They are looking a picture having had a good deal of sun on their backs and I always enjoy seeing many of the familiar faces back in the yard. Now the preparation for the winter season begins with work commencing on their fitness and their seasonal objectives.
The highlight of the racing week has to be the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot and features a fascinating clash between St Nicholas Abbey and Cirrus des Aigles. There has been precious little between the two in past meetings and this should be another great race, with many other top class horses in the line-up. Sadly, since this blog was written St Nicholas Abbey has suffered a career ending injury, but hopefully connections will be able to save him for a long and frutiful career at stud...best wishes for a speedy recovery.
It has certainly been a good week for British sports. What a performance from cyclist Chris Froome to land the Tour de France by more than four minutes and follow-up the success of 2012 winner Bradley Wiggins. Congratulations to him and all at Team Sky.
The England cricket team were also very impressive as they disposed of the Australians with sessions to spare, taking a 2-0 lead in the series. Although you can never take anything for granted, it would take a monumental collapse from the home team not to retain the Ashes. Although it is early days in the series, wouldn’t it be marvellous if the English cricketers could whitewash the Aussies?!
Finally, I am sure that there were a few sore heads this morning following the surprise 60th birthday party of stable sponsor Wayne Clifford in Woods Restaurant in Bath yesterday! Sarah did an excellent job of keeping the bash under her hat - there was a very good turnout and we had a lovely evening among great company.
Anyway, for the latest news from the stable, you can visit Chester’s Daily Chat or follow us on Twitter: @DavidPipeRacing
