- Monday, 02 May 2016 09:26
- Written by David Pipe
Katkeau - First Winner of the Season
After a few days break the new season has started with a bang and fixtures are coming thick and fast over the coming days. It was great to get on the board with the first winner of the season courtesy of Katkeau at Uttoxeter on Saturday. Having run well in the Midlands National on his last run before seeming to not quite staying the trip I was confident he would bounce back to form and he did under a great ride from Tom Scu. A mistake 3 out cost him valuable lengths but he battled all the way to the line to narrowly prevail. Plans on what he does next are undecided but France is an option after he was placed over hurdles there last summer while I wouldn't rule out him taking on the Summer National at Uttoxeter. All will depend on ground conditions as he does prefer a bit of give underfoot.
I enjoyed a few days at Punchestown last week and I was delighted with the run of Moon Racer in the Champion Bumper. Having been off the track for 14 months I was pleased with his comeback, narrowly failing to get past the Willie Mullins trained Blow by Blow. They pulled clear of the Cheltenham placed and Aintree bumper winner Bacardys so the form looks rock solid. The most important thing is he has returned safe and sound and we can now start planning a hurdle campaign which is hugely exciting. I would like to thank the entire Punchestown team for looking after myself and our owners. The hospitality is amazing and it truly is a great atmosphere for the week. I highly recommend a visit! Hopefully we will be returning next year with a few more runners.
While in Ireland I was able to attend the sales after racing and managed to buy another nice recruit for the team in the way of 'The Two Amigos'. An Irish point to point winner by Midnight Legend he looks a smashing type and good value. We have added a few nice members to our equine team over the past few weeks, which is exciting looking ahead and with several sales coming up over the summer I will of course still be looking to strengthen the squad further.
DEP, Sir Michael Oswald & MCP
I also had another nice day out last week visiting The Royal Stud at Sandringham. We had a guided tour from Sir Michael Oswald, former racing manager to HM the Queen and Director of the Royal Studs. It was a fascinating visit to see both behind the scenes of the stud itself and the grounds of Sandringham.
Although the flat season is now in full swing after Newmarket at the weekend it seems the jumping action is keeping up this week. Newton abbot has a valuable two day meeting, while we also have Exeter and Wincanton. We also have entries further afield which include Fakenham tomorrow and Kelso, Wetherby and Carlisle later in the week! At the weekend there is the mixed flat and jumps card at Haydock on Saturday. This has of course the feature Swinton hurdle plus other valuable hurdle and chase races. Keep checking back on Chester’s chat for news of the stables runners.
