Well Done Exeter!

Unfortunately prospects do not look great for the beginning of this week with Fontwell being called off this afternoon ahead of their intended Tuesday fixture. Sadly the forecast is for the cold snap to continue for some time to come - let’s hope they are wrong as our local track Taunton are supposed to be holding a meeting on Thursday, while Cheltenham host a two day fixture on Friday and Saturday with the December Gold Cup the highlight. I call it the December Gold Cup, but Cheltenham have taken the initiative to rename it the “Vote AP Gold Cup”, making reference to racing’s push for Tony McCoy to be crowned Sports Personality of the Year. Of course the champ is thoroughly deserving of such an accolade and I am fully supportive of any idea that helps realise this. We have two entries, Cheltenham Festival winner Great Endeavour and Matuhi.

Despite the adverse weather conditions affecting the racing calendar we have been able to keep going thanks to the top class facilities available to us at Pond House, notably the indoor canter and the all-weather gallops. When jump racing does finally get going again in earnest, our runners will be fit and ready to run.

I will be attending the Derby Awards in London this afternoon along with Gerry Supple as the guests of legendary broadcaster Mike Vince. Mike, who many of you will have heard on SIS, kindly invites us along every year and it is a date that is always highlighted on my calendar. I understand that among other esteemed guests will be Dave Mitchell, who I put on the map through my weekly column in the Daily Mirror every Saturday. I will be expecting a drink from him by way of gratitude! Thanks to Mr Mitchell I have often been accused of twittering… well now it is not so far from the truth as I have my own Twitter page – you can keep up to date with the latest news from Pond House by clicking the banner to the left of this article.

Talking of drinks, I was in my local The Culm Valley Inn the other night when a couple of interestingly dressed people walked in – (I hope) there was a party going on in the village. Anyway, it occurred to me that the one on the near side looked a likely type for novices’ hurdles! I am always on the lookout for new recruits, so if you are looking to buy or even relocate a horse please feel free to contact me for a no hassle, no obligation chat on 01884 840715.