- Monday, 24 January 2011 16:50
- Written by David Pipe
Sona Sasta followed up his easy Taunton victory by scoring at Newbury under a 7lbs penalty in the staying handicap chase. Danny Cook was the man aboard on both occasions and he is a progressive sort who already looks a better chaser than he was hurdler and he could be given a speculative entry in the 4 mile National Hunt Chase for Amateur Rider’s at the Cheltenham Festival, which closes on Tuesday.
Talking of early closing entries, the Arkle and RSA Chase also close on Tuesday and you can find out more about the Pond House representatives here. Last week we entered Ashkazar and Grands Crus in the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Grands Crus has been given a little break since his decisive victory in Haydock’s Fixed Brush Handicap Hurdle on 20th November, but he has been given an entry in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham this weekend so we will take a look at the race before deciding where to go next.
We have also made entries for Ronaldo des Mottes and Notus de la Tour in the Champion Hurdle – Ronaldo ran a blinder to finish second in the race last year; he is coming along nicely and is now nearing his first run of the season, while Notus de la Tour finished fourth on his seasonal reappearance in the Holloway’s Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday. Both run in the Totesport Trophy at Newbury on 12th February.
Speaking of the Holloway’s Hurdle…what a gallant performance from the evergreen Lough Derg! Now eleven years of age, “Douglas” produced yet another heroic effort at his beloved Ascot and was only headed on the run-in having made a mistake at the final hurdle. We regularly receive cards and fan-mail for him and he even has his own appreciation page on Facebook! Unfortunately for him, he is a victim of his courage and determination and I am sure that the handicapper will not be giving him too much assistance any time soon.
Later this week I will be joined by a television production crew from French racing channel Equidia who will be filming a feature about me and the horses at Pond House. They will be here for a few days following me around while I go about my daily routine, culminating in a trip to Cheltenham races at the weekend.
Following the races at Cheltenham on Saturday I will be attending the sales at their Centaur facility, where I will be looking for more future champions. If anyone is interested in purchasing a horse I am happy to have a no obligation chat, so feel free to get in touch with your requirements…
