- Monday, 24 September 2018 15:54
- Written by David Pipe
Autumn is now officially upon us and nice as the summer has been with an abundance of fine sunshine and sizzling temperatures, there is something about the changing of the seasons that brings a heightened anticipation to the place as the horses continue their preparations for the core part of the jumps season. Although maybe not as strong in numbers as we have been in previous seasons, I think we have a very nice team of horses assembled for the coming months and annual members of Chepstow racecourse were able to witness them first hand when they paid us a visit last week.
Other Days
Unfortunately we were not among the winners last week, although many of the horses continued to perform well. Midnight Sapphire did not manage to improve on her smashing debut effort for the stable when fourth at Worcester on Monday, although that does often happen when a horse has its second run back after an absence. Scu felt that the ground was plenty quick enough for her.
Acker Bilk disappointed in the novices’ hurdle at Newton Abbot on Friday. He looked a horse of considerable potential when making a winning debut over hurdles at Worcester but he stopped very quickly after the third last and was wisely pulled-up by Tom Scudamore. He was found to be lame behind which obviously excuses this below-par effort. While we are unsure of the extent of the problem, hopefully it is nothing too serious.
Malangen and Mutanaqel were our final runners of the week when contesting the juvenile hurdle at Plumpton on Sunday and I thought they both ran perfectly respectable races to finish second and fourth respectively. Malangen should now be eligible for handicaps over hurdles and he will probably go down that route.
The Week Ahead
Looking to this week and even though there is no jumps action this afternoon (Monday) we still have a runner on the flat at Hamilton as Jacbequick bids to follow-up his debut success for the stable.
We do not have any runners at Warwick on Tuesday, so the next racecourse representatives will probably come at Perth on Wednesday. Vaniteux is an intended runner in the three mile handicap chase. This represents a step-up in trip and while all his best form has been over shorter distances, as a winner of an Irish point-to-point in his younger days, he is well worth a try. With a decent week in prospect weather-wise, the drying ground should certainly be in his favour. He has been working well at home and this is a good starting point for him.
Drama King holds an engagement in the novices’ hurdle at Perth on Thursday, while Duc de Beauchene, who looked like a very nice prospect when runner-up in a Ffos Las bumper could make his debut in the novices’ hurdle on the card.
Impulsive American will contest the selling hurdle at Worcester on Friday, while Aldrin is an intended runner in the two mile handicap hurdle. Those will be our last runners of the week, with no entries at Market Rasen on Saturday, while there are no jumps fixtures on Sunday.
Annual Members
We were joined last week by Chepstow’s annual members (pictured above) who were on one of their days out. 35 members came to have a look around the stables, see the string in action on the gallops, while we also demonstrated a horse loose schooling in our indoor arena as well as another exercising in the equine swimming pool.
The members were also quite keen on some of the horses we currently have for sale (details of which can be found on our ‘for sale’ page), the latest of which is a very promising young filly called ‘So Lonely’ (pictured below). She is a four year old by Aidan O’Brien’s globe-trotting Group One winning superstar So You Think. She has finished in the frame in several bumpers and was unlucky in running when beaten only a short-head on her only start over hurdles. A lovely type, she is a nice addition to the yard and should be winning sooner rather than later. Further details can be obtained from my office on 01884 840715.
Tiger’s Back
It was good to see Tiger Woods roar back to form with success in the PGA golf tournament at the weekend. As some of you will know, I enjoy the odd round myself although I certainly couldn’t profess to having any great talent for the game. With Woods’ success, it has definitely heightened the anticipation for the Ryder Cup which gets underway this weekend – I for one will be tuning in.
Still Selling
Finally, don’t forget that we still have copies of our 2018/19 Pond House brochure for sale. It is a good read and donations from the sales will benefit the air ambulance. At 76 pages, it would make an ideal present for the racing enthusiast. Further details here…
For all the latest gossip from the yard and running plans, do keep in touch with Chester’s Daily Chat or follow us on Twitter @DavidPipeRacing.
