- Monday, 28 January 2019 17:02
- Written by David Pipe
The weather was playing havoc with the fixture list again last week. Freezing temperatures meant that we were left with two days where there was no jump racing at all in this country and I see that there are weather warnings in place for the days ahead. Consequently we only had one runner last week, but he performed with credit and things are already looking busier for the week ahead (weather permitting!) with four runners at two meetings this afternoon (Monday).
Delface Second
Delface was our only runner last week at Uttoxeter on Saturday. A winner over course and distance on his previous start, he once again performed with a great deal of credit in finishing runner-up in the conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle. Always to the fore under Kieron Edgar, the first two had it to themselves from some way out and while Delface kept galloping to the line, he was denied by an in-form winner. Clearly on good terms with himself at present, he should be well capable of winning something similar again before too long.
The Week Ahead
Looking to this week and we have four runners across two meetings this afternoon as Extra Mag and Martabot run at Kempton, while Mrs Miggins and Three Star General represent us at Ludlow.
There are no runners from the yard on Tuesday, whilst Whitley Neill (pictured above) is an intended runner in the conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle at Plumpton on Wednesday. He has not been beaten at all far in his last couple of starts in decent company and should go well once again in the hands of Kieron Edgar. Kieron was riding out at the yard this morning and he schooled Whitley Neill over hurdles and I was very pleased with him
We have no entries on Thursday, although Eur Gone West and Druide Premier are engaged in the 2m3½f handicap hurdle at Chepstow on Friday. Mr Clarkson is our only possible runner on these shores over the course of the weekend – he is entered in the 2m7½f handicap hurdle at Sandown on Saturday. Welsh National runner-up Ramses de Teillee is entered in a staying handicap hurdle at Leopardstown on Saturday. His mark of 139 is 10lbs below his current chase mark so he may take his chance, although much will depend on the weather in the interim - he needs soft ground to show his best so we will take a view on that later in the week.
Welcome Back
It was good to welcome home my parents who have spent the last three weeks enjoying a bit of sunshine in Lanzarote. They were joined for a few days by my partner Leanne and the children as well as a few friends. They arrived home just in time to help celebrate Chester’s 72nd birthday yesterday…many happy returns to him.
Absurd
Finally, there has been much said about the controversial decision by the stewards to fine fellow trainer Henry Oliver after he waved his arms behind his runner Burrenbridge Hotel at the start at Uttoxeter on Saturday in a bid to encourage his charge to start, notably from Sir Anthony McCoy. The former champion jockey branded the incident as “embarrassing” and “rubbish” and I have to say that I agree with him.
The BHA statement read, “We set a lot of store in our sport behind the fact that we do not force horses to race and that they do so of their own free will”. On the flat it is not uncommon to have four or five stalls handlers shoving a horse into a starting stall, whilst using additional accessories such as a blindfold or a Monty Roberts rug…it seems to me that some common sense needs to prevail here because such instances are making a mockery of the sport.
Anyway, for all the latest gossip from the yard and information on any runners don’t forget to read Chester’s Daily Chat or follow us on Twitter @DavidPipeRacing.
