- 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
