- Monday, 25 July 2016 14:00
- Written by David Pipe
Just the three runners last week but the admirable Purple’N Gold made sure that we were in the money courtesy of his close third in the valuable handicap chase at Uttoxeter on Sunday keeping us in third place in the trainers’ standings. He rarely disappoints and has now won or been placed in 29 of his 36 starts since joining us from a Kempton claimer – what a great buy he was!
Looking ahead there are a few more National Hunt meetings this week before we have the enforced summer break of seven days without jumping. Indeed, Perspicace takes his chance at Newton Abbot this afternoon in the 2m2½f handicap hurdle. He was a little disappointing last time out, although he had won his two previous starts over timber and if he can resume his earlier progress he would have a squeak under Tom Scudamore.
We take Impulsive American up to his seemingly beloved Scotland tomorrow (he has won four times north of the border) where he takes in the novices’ chase at Perth in which he meets just one rival; Gordon Elliott’s Hostile Fire. He is another to have proven a revelation since joining the Pond House team, winning on the flat, over hurdles and fences. He receives a handy age allowance, although the going is something of a concern (currently soft, heavy in places). The forecast is set fair so hopefully the ground will dry out for him somewhat. These two runner races are often tricky affairs and I am sure this one will be no different, but if successful he could well run again on the second day of the meeting on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, both Skylander and Lady Of Longstone run at Worcester tomorrow with the latter making her chasing debut. Lady Of Longstone improved out of all recognition last season, winning five times over hurdles with her slick jumping standing her in very good stead. She has schooled well at home over fences and I am looking forward to seeing how she fares. If she is as exuberant over fences as she is over hurdles, she is going to give regular rider Michael Heard a thrilling ride.
Our only other runner before the break could be For ‘N’ Against who holds an entry at Bangor on Friday. He produced a good effort to win his penultimate start, but seems handicapped to his best. We will decide upon his participation later in the week.
Looking elsewhere, there should be a fascinating renewal of the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday when the three 2,000 Guineas winners, Galileo Gold, Awtaad and The Gurkah clash for a second time after their Royal Ascot face-off. Connections of all three should be applauded for the sporting manner in which they have taken each other on as from a commercial point of view I wouldn’t have thought any of their future stud values would be enhanced if there is a split decision between them.
Anyway, back to matters closer to home and the horses continue to come back in from their summer holidays and it is good to have them back looking fresh and well. At least during the last week or so they should have had a little sun on their backs! The likes of Champers On Ice, Vieux Lion Rouge, Moon Racer and Un Temps Pour Tout to name but a few are in now and there are still more set to return but as you can imagine, the anticipation for the season ahead continues to rise.
Although the racing program may look comparatively quiet, there is still plenty to be done around the yard and we have been busy during the ‘offseason’ doing the housekeeping; painting, steam cleaning and disinfecting all of the stables. Meanwhile, we have drained, cleaned, painted and refilled the equine swimming pool – you can see from the picture that this is no small feat with the pool being 15 feet deep. Clearly there is no rest for the wicked…
