This is that frustrating time of year when there are scant opportunities for those horses in training, while hopes for the new season are on the rise with those that have been at grass returning from their holidays. Optimism for the new season builds to a crescendo from here on in and I for one can’t wait for the jumps season to kick into full swing!

Last week was another quiet one with only a handful of runners from Pond House, although the likes of Ballynagour once again ran with great credit when runner-up in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen. Conceding weight to all of his rivals he stayed on really well in the closing stages and he has now earned a well-deserved holiday – judging by the weather it looks as if he might get a bit of that elusive sun on his back! His efforts at Market Rasen earned him over £10,500 in prize money and helped to keep the Pond House team in third position in the trainers’ championship at this early stage.

Ballynagour will be aimed at all the top handicaps again next season, but unfortunately he is not improving at the age of ten and he holds no secrets from the handicapper meaning that he is always going to be vulnerable to an improver in races of this nature. It is not hard to imagine him lining up at Aintree for another crack at the Grand National next season.

Meanwhile, Gabrial The Great also ran respectably in a decent little novices’ chase at Newton Abbot on Sunday. Unfortunately he could not confirm form with the winner on worse terms but there will be other opportunities for him over the summer, especially as he thrives on this quicker surface.

Back to Market Rasen and unfortunately jockey Barry Geraghty was injured in the carnage at the last fence of the Summer Plate when taking a fall from Cernunnos and breaking his arm. If there is an upside it is that the injury has not occurred at a vital stage of the season. Still, we wish him all the best for a speedy and full recovery and look forward to seeing him back in the saddle.

Conor O’Farrell (pictured above) had a slightly luckier escape the weekend before when taking a horrible looking fall at Stratford which knocked him out for a few moments. It has meant a week ‘off games’ for him, but there are no broken bones so he should be riding again sooner rather than later. Considering how nasty the incident looked, I think he can be considered very fortunate.

You may recall that we had been busy at the Arqana sales at Deauville earlier in the month, with six nice new purchases joining the team. I am pleased to report the last of those, Citrus now has a doting new owner and will be on the racecourse before too long. Indeed, we have just one horse remaining for sale – a lovely unraced three year old gelding by the sire Shantou. I have done well with Shantou’s progeny in the past (Ballynagour is a prime example) and this is a lovely type for the future. We are buying new stock all of the time and if you would be interested in joining the ranks of owners at Pond House, do feel free to get in touch so we can discuss your requirements.

Looking ahead there is another quiet week in store and the stable has entries at Worcester on Thursday and Uttoxeter on Friday and Sunday with the likes of Junior Package, Skylander, Impulsive American, Twentytwo’s Taken, Purple ‘N Gold and For ‘N’ Against all holding engagements. For running plans, don’t forget to check out Chester’s Daily Chat or you can follow us on Twitter @DavidPipeRacing.

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