Ups & Downs

Saturday really was a day of highs and lows and whilst we enjoyed an across the card double at Doncaster and Uttoxeter, we suffered an awful blow at Cheltenham with the sad loss of Warthog in the feature handicap chase.  Ordinarily we would have been over the moon with the successes of Ramses de Teillee (pictured above) who produced an excellent performance to land the Grade 2 novices' hurdle at Doncaster, whilst Main Fact was winning for the second time in a week with a battling success at Uttoxeter.

The loss of Warthog is a cruel blow however.  He had really seemed to come to himself this season, as he had shown when third in the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham's November meeting before producing a personal best to land the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup over course and distance in December.  His injury could not be foreseen; he set off with his usual zest and flew the first but jockey David Noonan felt that something was not quite right and correctly pulled him up immediately.  Xrays revealed that he had sustained a fracture and left no option but to have him put down.  The horses at Pond House are loved and adored by the team and everyone is incredibly upset by the loss.  Many thanks to everyone who has sent very kind messages of support at this sad time.  They have been numerous and we are extremely grateful.

There are just three meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Kelso and Plumpton, whilst there is an all-weather flat fixture from Wolverhampton.  There are no runners from the Pond House team today.

*****

It wasn't just a tough weekend on the racing front as we were saddened to learn of the passing of Henry 'Harry' Alford, father of Raymond Alford, David's secretary Gail's partner.  Henry was a well-known local farmer and a tremendous character.  Raymond was travelling horses to Cheltenham for us on Saturday when learning of the news.  Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with him and his family at this very sad time.

*****

It is Chester Barnes' birthday today.  Chester, who was an easily recognisable figure on the racecourse as assistant to Martin during his training career was also a five-times British table-tennis champion in his younger days.  He is 73 today and we would like to wish him all the very best.  His funny tales and jokes never failed to keep us amused.  Many happy returns Ches.

Tweet