Right Royal Week!

What a week we enjoyed at Royal Ascot, there were so many memorable moments and fantastic races that I was just glad to be a part of it all on Tuesday.  Investissement ran okay in the Ascot Stakes but appeared not to stay the 2m4f while in the Queen Alexandra stakes Ryan Moore said they went off so fast that Junior did not get to the front and was never really going.  He has been on the go a long time and he will now go off on his summer holidays.

Massannie was our winner of the week and she was very impressive at Stratford for Tom Scu.  She is now two from two over hurdles since coming to Pond House and I am sure there is more to come over the summer months.  Some of the other horses ran well and were placed.  It was nice to see Laustra Bad run his best race in a while and although the Irish raider was a very impressive winner of the race, he battle on bravely for third and hopefully if the handicapper is not too harsh then we might find him a little race somewhere.  High Ville bounced back from a disappointing run last time to finish third and he could go over fences at some point over the summer.  On Thursday, Third of the Third was unlucky to fall at the last when upsides at Ffos Las.  He would have been first or second and although he has returned a little stiff and sore he will be okay and looks sure to be able to win a hurdle race soon.  Oddjob also responded well to the first time blinkers to finish second and hopefully he to will be able to get is head in front again at some point.

Thankfully I was able to make time to see most of the races at Royal Ascot (in between studying my Irish Tattersalls Derby sale catalogue!)  What a special day Thursday was with the Queen winning the Gold Cup with Estimate and Lady Cecil winning with Riposte.  It was a great day for racing which tugged at the heart strings and it was lovely for all involved both with her Majesty and everyone at Warren Place.  Our condolences also go out for them for Thomas Chippendale who won so gallantly on Saturday but then sadly collapsed and died after the race.  In that same race, thankfully Paul Hannagan was essentially okay after his fall, when his horse slipped badly and he crashed through the railings – thank god they are plastic these days!  It was a great week for the O’Brien team, the American trained No Nay Never and to James Doyle for having a treble, the list goes on!  I also want to say special congratulations to Johnny Murtagh as well for being crowned top jockey once again.  From not many rides he had a fantastic week.  Royal Ascot 2013 was a great advert for British racing, I am just sad it is all over for another year!

Today, I have just returned from the funeral of Philip Scholfield, father to jump jockey Nick.  Phil worked at Pond House in two stints back 1988 and then again from 2001 to 2003 and he was a very good amateur jockey and point to point rider.   It was a nice service at Exeter crematorium followed by the wake at Exeter racecourse which was very well attended and a fitting farewell.

There is not much jumping action this week, I have three runner s at Newton Abbot on Tuesday evening (Mr Trilby, Hugo Drax & Standing Ovation) and then I may have one or two on Worcester on Wednesday.  The next action could be on the flat at Royal Windsor with Togiak holding an entry there.  Beyond has an entry, also on the flat at Salisbury on Sunday while we have a few entries at Uttoxeter’s jump meeting.  Problema Tic is entered in big race of the day, the £40,000 John Smith’s Summer Cup handicap chase.  He was the good winner of the Perth Gold Cup last time out and although he has been put up eight pounds for that win, he seems in good form at home and if the ground remains good or quicker I am hopeful he can run well again.

I am off the Ireland later this week to the Irish Derby sale.  As I mentioned earlier I have been doing my homework and have my eye on one or two lots.  If anyone is interested in purchasing a horse I would be only to happy to discuss this with you if you would like to give the office a ring on 01884 840715.