No More Racing Post

It is with sadness that we heard last night that today's edition of the Racing Post with be the last for a while as it's publication has been temporarily suspended.  As we know sport pales into insignificance with what is going on in the world right now.  It is sad for racing that we don't have a newspaper to cover it but while there is no racing they will continue to bring us news and updates on their website and will return to print when the racing action returns.  Editor Tom Kerr has written a very good letter which is published online and he finishes it with the line, stay safe, stay healthy, stay home.  Sentiments I think we all echo at this difficult time.

There is International racing taking place today.  We have action from Vaal in South Africa starting at 11am and later today there is racing in the US at Gulfstream Park and Golden Gate Fields.  Remember, South Africa goes into lock down with no racing after tomorrow (Friday).  

David appeared on Sky Sports Racing with Matt Chapman last night for a telephone chat.  David, like many jumps trainers knows it is a tough time for everyone concerned but in our sport it is particularly had for the flat trainers.  After all, we managed to complete about 90% of the jumps season and while it is gutting to not have the Grand National and some of the other big races that occur in the last few weeks it could have been worse.  Like many trainers, here at Pond House we are doing our best to look after the staff and comply with all the government measures that in place.  We will have to make use of the furloughing system, which is a good scheme and will hopefully mean the business and staff will get through this difficult time with jobs and lots of nice horses to look forward to next season and when we all come back.  It is lovely to have some nice sunshine at the moment after such a wet winter but temperatures are still dropping to below freezing overnight.  Hopefully as soon as it warms up a little bit we will be able to turn the horses out to grass full time but at the moment they are going out in play pens by day and in by night. We will continue to update the website daily and perhaps take a look back at some of the great days, horses and people that have been here at Pond House so please keep reading!

Day 4 of social distancing: Struck up a conversation with a spider today.  Seems nice.  He's a web designer.  Have a good day people. Stay safe.