- Monday, 17 April 2017 11:29
- Written by David Pipe
After the frantic few weeks surrounding the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals the programme begins to wind down, especially as the flat meetings rise to prominence and many of the jumpers who have been on the go throughout the winter months embark on their summer holidays. Unsurprisingly last week was a quiet one for the stable with all but one of our runners coming at the weekend. Unfortunately we were not able to add to our seasonal total although there were some creditable performances to take encouragement from.
Arkadios looked to be an unlucky loser at Newton Abbot on Saturday when falling at the penultimate hurdle with the race appearing to be at his mercy. Although an unfortunate outcome at least this effort showed that he has the ability to win a race of this nature and he should be out shortly hoping to atone for this.
Meanwhile, Bambi du Noyer posted a promising first effort for the Pond House team when a close fourth in the two mile handicap hurdle at Ffos Las on Sunday. A winner at up to 2m3f in France, he shaped well here and looks as though he may benefit from slightly further in future. He is on a reasonable looking mark and should certainly be capable of winning something similar over the coming months.
Looking to the week ahead we will have three runners at Chepstow this afternoon with Purple ‘N Gold, Sweettoothtommy and Prospera Pacha representing the team. We will have no runners on Tuesday while we will keep an eye on the ground before deciding what to do later in the week. On Saturday, despite having seven entries in the Scottish National we are unlikely to have any runners. With another dry spell forecast, the ground is certainly getting lively so in all likelihood plenty of the inmates will be out enjoying the summer grass very shortly.
Even so, there is still plenty going on to keep me busy and I will be at the Cheltenham sales on Thursday evening where I will be hoping to get my hands on some talent for the future. As always, I have been through the catalogue meticulously and there are some very nice prospects on offer – if you would like to join the ranks of owner at Pond House, please do give me a call as I would be more than happy to have a no-obligation chat about your requirements. You can find the lots engaged in the sales here: http://www.tattersalls.ie/ascot-cheltenham/sales/cheltenham-april-sale/4DCGI/Sale/CAP%2017/Main
Finally, I would like to bring your attention to the charity race at Cheltenham on Thursday where Three Star General is an intended runner and he will be partnered by a former Pond House staff member turned soldier, Ben Moore from Melton Mowbray. Ben had a few rides for my father as a conditional jockey back in the 90’s and it was good to see him at the yard again last week as he came down to exercise his intended mount (pictured above). The race is being run to benefit the Bob Champion Cancer Trust and Hannah’s Willberry Wonderpony charities – I am sure you will agree that these are wonderful causes and the Cancer Trust is one that is especially close to Ben’s heart – he himself has dealt with a cancerous tumour in his leg, while his daughter is bravely fighting the disease. If you would like to show Ben your support, you can donate by clicking on the following link… http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=BenjaminMoore2
We wish him all the very best and everyone at the stable will be cheering him on.
