The Week Ahead

There has been plenty written about Tom Scudamore’s error of judgement last Monday when taking the wrong course aboard Run Forest Run for trainer Karen McLintock so I will not dwell on the subject too much.  Needless to say that Tom was mortified as soon as he realised his error and has apologised profoundly to all effected by his mistake.  He accepted his punishment of a twelve day suspension (commencing 13^th August) with the good grace and dignity befitting of a gentleman and he seems to have come out of this with his reputation enhanced rather than damaged by the entire saga.

I am sure that the Racing Post’s headline had something to do with the outpouring of sympathy for our stable jockey and believe it to be an error of judgement on their part.  Given the name of the horse, it must have been every sub-editors dream but it was a cheap shot nonetheless.  Bruce Millington went on to write a more balanced piece in Thursday’s edition, the only pity being that few people will have seen it on page 106!

Talking of the Racing Post, I am an avid follower of the Dikler’s weekly column and he once again hit the mark with his observations of a certain Talksport radio interview regarding A P McCoy beating my father’s career tally.  The presenter, a former professional footballer and racehorse trainer asked the champion jockey how Martin Pipe would have felt about him beating his total ‘were he still alive’…reports of my father’s demise are greatly exaggerated and far from pushing up daisies I am pleased to report that he is keeping everyone on their toes around Pond House!

We were joined by the local Conservative Club last Friday night and our assembled guests were given a guided tour of the yard and an insight to the work that goes on behind the scenes.  ‘Tom Tom’ Scudamore (as he has been dubbed around the yard) turned up just in time to help out, although whether he managed to find his way home again was another matter!

Last week was a quiet one on the runners front with just Massannie taking her chance over fences at Bangor on Tuesday.  Making her chasing debut she travelled with more enthusiasm than of late only to stop quite quickly in the straight, eventually finishing last of the three runners.  She wasn’t quite right after the race and is certainly better than the bare result.  Hopefully there will be other days for her.

It promises to be a busier week this week with Azza competing at Uttoxeter this (Monday) evening.  Our former Listed winning hurdler makes her debut over the larger obstacles tonight in the beginners’ chase and this looks like a decent opportunity for her.  She is not the biggest horse in the yard although she has schooled well at home and will be ridden by Tom Scudamore.

We will have a runner at both Worcester and Perth tomorrow.  Weather Babe bids to follow-up her recent course win over the longer trip of 2m7f under Conor O’Farrell.  She is now 7lbs higher in the weights but I think that the extra distance will suit her, she is honest and genuine and there is no reason why she cannot go very well once again.  Meanwhile, we send two horses on the long trip to Perth for their two day meeting; Arkle third His Excellency ran his best race for some time when runner-up last time out at Market Rasen and competes in the three mile handicap chase under Tom Scu tomorrow.  Ainsi Fideles (pictured above) goes on the second day of the meeting (Wednesday) in the 2m4½f handicap chase.  He was a convincing winner on his chase debut at Market Rasen last time and receives a handy weight allowance from his elders here.

Over on the flat, Purple ‘N Gold will go to Sandown on Wednesday for the 1m2f handicap and he looks to have sound prospects.  He is a consistent operator at his level and rarely runs a bad race – things were happening all a little too quickly last time for him and the return to this sort of trip looks just what the doctor ordered.  Jim Crowley has won aboard him in the past and I am hopeful of a decent run.

Later in the week Party Girls will run at Stratford on Thursday and will be partnered by conditional jockey Michael Heard who claims a handy 10lbs off her back.  She needs to improve on the form she has shown of late although she is in good order at home.

Looking to the weekend, Saturday sees a blank day for National Hunt racing, while we have entries for Street Entertainer, Hawkhill and Party Girls at Market Rasen on Sunday before we have our enforced holiday of nine days without jump racing.  I have been quite vociferous about this matter in the past and far from giving everyone involved in racing much of a break, it just conspires to make the program disjointed and very stop-go for the horses…a clearly defined month or so break at the end of each season would surely be a much better idea and far more beneficial to stable staff, jockeys, trainers and horses alike.

Anyway, for all of the latest news from around the yard don’t forget to keep up to date with Chester’s Daily Chat or alternatively you can follow us on Twitter @DavidPipeRacing.