Dynaste on the Gallops

                    Dynaste

On what has been a fairly quiet few days on the runner’s front over the last week, as always there has been quite a lot going on behind the scenes and I am pleased to report all the ‘winter’ horses are galloping away daily and I am pleased with the progress so far.  I thought you would all like to see a photo of Dynaste on the gallops who is looking as well as ever and is pleased to be back in his exercise routine again.

Taking a quick look back to last week’s runners, Franklin Roosevelt ran no sort of race when finishing third at Worcester.  He can occasionally throw in the odd bad one and we know this was not his true running.  He is fine and we will look for another 3mile race whether it is over fences or hurdles and he is certainly very capable on his day.  Our only other runners were all at Newton Abbot on Thursday.  Hawkhill was slightly disappointing but Purple N Gold ran another genuine race to be placed third.  Although slightly frustrating in the fact he does not win very often he rarely runs a bad race and is extremely tough and consistent.  He was trying a new distance of 2m3f which he seemed to see out well and opens up new options for him.  He has also schooled well over fences at home at he may well tackle the larger obstacles when next on the racecourse.  Skylander made is Pond House debut in the Bumper and ran okay behind two useful sorts.  Being a three mile Irish point to point winner his future will lie over further and hurdles and fences.

Once again things have been pretty busy away from the racing scene.  I played in a charity golf event on Friday at Newton Abbot.  Trainer Martin Hill organises this day every year in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund.  It is always a great day out and we had an enjoyable day despite my golf being a little rough round the edges once again!  You won’t be surprised to learn that my team did not win, but we did not come last either so not too bad!!

On Saturday I donned the suit as Leanne and I, as well as my mother and Father travelled to Market Harborough for the wedding of owner Bryan Drew’s daughter, Olivia.  The weather was good and it was a lovely church wedding followed by a marquee reception held at their house.  The bride looked beautiful and a great day was had by all.

Looking ahead to this week, I did have entries at Sedgefield on Tuesday but decided against going up North this time.  After being beaten twice in a few days earlier this month, finishing second both times by a head and a neck I am hoping Bathwick Man can go one place better.  Having not won for nearly two years I would dearly love to get his head in front.  He always tries his heart out but just seems in the grip of the handicapper.  He has nearly been at Pond House as long as me - he came as a three year old and is now nine!  He is entered at Worcester on Wednesday and may go there depending on how much rain we all get.  Recent Fontwell winner Barton Stacey is also entered in a handicap chase as is Pond House newcomer Navanman.

During the rest of the week I also have entries at Fontwell on Thursday.  I see for this card there were four re-opened races at the entry stage after a ten day break from racing.  I hope questions why are being asked!  Looking ahead to Saturday it is Newton Abbot’s big meeting of the summer with a feature handicap chase and hurdle with some nice prize money up for grabs. Usually it is over two days but unfortunately this year it has been condensed to one day on the Saturday.  If you are down in the West Country it is definitely worth making an effort to go on this day.  There will be a great atmosphere with some very competitive racing.  We have Shotavodka and Houston Dynimo in the big chase and Massannie, Azza, Hawkhill and Houston Dynimo in the big hurdle.  On Sunday we have a second fixture of the week at Worcester on.  Keep checking back on Chester’s Daily Chat for more news of the stables runners.

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