Owners' Day 2018

There were only three runners from Pond House last week (and two of those were on the flat), but I am pleased to report that the horses continue in good form and we were back among the winners again with the success of Jacbequick on the level at Ffos Las. With the bulk of the horses at the stables continuing their preparations ahead of the core part of the jumps season and an Owners’ Day last Saturday to organise it has certainly been a busy time.

Jac Proves A Bargain!

Our first runner of last week came at Ffos Las on Wednesday when Jacbequick, a new arrival at the yard following his acquisition from a claimer at Beverley made his debut for the stable in the 1m2f flat handicap. Restrained in mid-division by apprentice jockey Finley Marsh, he smoothly made his ground in the straight and pulled clear under hands and heels riding in the closing stages to win with a little bit in hand. A rise of 6lbs means that he is still on a feasible mark and he could run again this week as he has engagements on the level at Ffos Las and Bath, although he will need a bit of rain if he is likely to run. He already looks good value and will be sent hurdling at some point.

Impulsive American performed creditably when a close fourth over 1m6f at Ffos Las on Friday, looking as though a more thorough test may suit. A most versatile sort, he has the option of running again on the flat over hurdles or fences.

Mutanaqel was our final runner of the week at Fontwell on Sunday. Our three year old son of Havana Gold had some reasonable form on the level and with the look of a potential hurdler; we purchased him from the Doncaster Sales last month. Contesting the juvenile hurdle, he produced a decent effort on his debut over timber to finish fifth and he will certainly have learned a good deal from the experience. On this evidence there are certainly races to be won with him.

The Week Ahead

Looking to this week and we have already been among the winners with the success of Timeforben in the valuable staying handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot this afternoon (Monday). She has been a fabulous mare for connections and will continue to give them plenty of fun. More about her next week…

Celestial Path contests the 1m6f flat handicap tomorrow evening at Salisbury. He has been in good form over hurdles this summer, winning twice so I am hopeful he can continue that progress on the level.

Dell On His Travels

Kalifourchon is a probable runner at Uttoxeter in the staying handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter on Wednesday, while Dell’ Arca will contest the Kerry National at Listowel in Ireland on the same afternoon. Dell’ Arca has been in excellent form this season, winning over hurdles at Uttoxeter and on the level at Newbury – he is a tremendously likeable and versatile type and is a few pounds lower in Ireland than he is over here. He took the 14 hour journey across like the old pro that he is and arrived at the track this morning. It is a tough assignment but I am sure he will do us proud once again.

With a break of four days in the jumps programme from the middle of the week onward, that is likely to be it with the possible exception of Jacbequick.

Owners’ Day

We hosted in excess of 200 guests to our Owners’ Day at Pond House on Saturday. We gave a demonstration of the horses exercising on the Wexford sand gallop, paraded a number of horses and enjoyed the entertainment laid-on in the marquee. The weather was kind with the rain holding off and everyone seemed to have a good time. Many thanks to those who helped make the day a great success, including my ever loyal owners, our sponsors, my excellent team of staff and of course, broadcaster Mike Vince who gave of his time and expertise to provide a foreword for our accompanying brochure as well as take to the microphone to offer his fascinating insight into our parade of horses. Your support is greatly appreciated.

As usual, you can keep up to date with all the latest news on our runners and gossip from around the yard by reading Chester’s Daily Chat or following us on Twitter @DavidPipeRacing

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