Horses for Sale

   Tuxedo Junction (GB) 


Exciting dual purpose prospect,
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    Fighter Allen (FR)  


Exciting new horse with proven form, 
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                     Seebald

Seebald was a 1995 German born bay gelding by Mulberry out of a dam called Spartina.  He was a high class horse I remember fondly from the days of when I first started working at Pond House.  He began his career on the flat in Germany for trainer P Rau as a two year old.  He was a winner of four races from ten starts over there before he was bought privately to run in the white colours of former Liverpool and England footballers Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler.

He made a winning Pond House debut over hurdles at Taunton in January 2000 and followed up in even more impressive style at Newbury in a novice hurdle on his second start in England.  Given a rating of 142 he lined up in the Imperial Cup at Sandown in March on his next start.  Sent off the 2/1 favourite he ran okay but it proved to be a step too far at this stage of his career as he finished eighth, 7¼ lengths behind winner Magic Combination.

He then went out to grass for the summer.  He returned to action with a very close second in the Elite hurdle at Wincanton.  He disappointed next time at Cheltenham but bounced back with a good effort to finish a very close third in the Christmas hurdle at Kempton behind Geos.  He was below form in the Kingwell hurdle after this but after a little break he got back to winning ways in May 2001.  He was sent novice chasing and he was unbeaten in his first seven starts over fences.

He won very easily on his chasing debut at Herford and followed up back at the course the following month before winning again at Market Rasen again that summer and he was very impressive on each occasion.  He then had a summer break but was back in action at Cheltenham in October.  He was a 30 length winner this day and returned to the track in November for another easy success.   Victories in a Grade 2 novice chase at Ascot followed along with a win at Warwick also.  It was then to the Cheltenham Festival in March for the 2002 Arkle chase. 

He ran a super race to finish a four length second to the mighty Moscow Flyer and lost nothing in defeat with the pair finishing impressively clear of the rest.  He went on to Aintree in April and finished a close second again in their Grade 1 novices chase behind Armaturk. He then went on his summer break once again.

He returned the following autumn and performed consistently well at the highest level, if a little frustratingly unable to get his head in front.  His first run back was in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter in which he finished second to Edredon Bleu.  He finished second on his next two starts as well in top races at Ascot and Kempton.   It was then back to the Cheltenham Festival for the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March 2003.  He was running a terrific race with Norman Williamson on board and was still upsides in front when falling two out.  Who knows where he might have finished and he did look booked for a place but he was renowned for his toughness and battling qualities so you could never rule anything out. He went back to Aintree after this and finished second in the Melling chase but then finished the season off with a thoroughly deserved victory in the Celebration chase at Sandown on the final day of the jumps season, beating Cenkos by 1¼ lengths.

Things were once again tough again the following season but he was admirably consistent once again.  He was fourth in the Haldon Gold Cup on his comeback run but was below form in the Tingle Creek at Sandown.  He then unseated at the 13th fence in the King George and was down the field in the AON chase at Newbury.  He was third at Newbury after this and then unseated in the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival.  He was fifth at Aintree before getting another deserved win at Cheltenham at their April meeting.  He won the Grade 2 contest in his usual resolute fashion seeing off Tikram by ½ length in a time close to the course record. 

He returned from his summer holiday in 2004 in great form and finished second in the Haldon Gold Cup to Azertyuiop.  He returned to Exeter for his next start and finished a short head second to Best Mate.  While you could say the Gold Cup hero was below form, Seebald ran a blinder and emerged with great credit, seemingly enjoying a step up in trip and showing his customary grit and determination in a battle.  He was sixth in the King George and fifth in the Victor Chandler chase before a couple of below par efforts including at the Festival in 2005.  He was then fourth in the celebration chase at Sandown that year behind Well Chief.


     Seebald's Photo Finish with Best Mate

Following another summer break he returned for what was to be his final season of racing for Pond House.  He found it more difficult to be competitive off his handicap mark in his advancing years and struggled to trouble the judge in his races.  His final ever race for us was at Aintree in April 2006 and he ran well to finish fifth of 18 runners but was ultimately well beaten and the decision was made to retire him although he did in fact have three runs in point to points as a thirteen year old in 2008 and he was placed on every occasion.

Seebald was a wonderful horse who loved his racing and was admirably tough and consistent throughout his entire career.  A P McCoy was on board for all of his wins in this country and they really were a match made in heaven, neither ever gave anything but their best. Seebald was rated 163 at best and won 15 races from 55 career starts.  He was also placed 16 times as well, all at the highest level and he won over £372,000 in prize money.

Watch him win at Cheltenham in April 2004 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wzHI35unL4