One Week To Go!

Unfortunately we didn’t come away from the track with a winner, although we came close with Sure Josie Sure and I’msingingtheblues (twice) finishing runner-up. Sadly, the Scottish National had a tragic postscript to it when our Midlands National winner Minella Four Star suffered a heart attack and passed away. It is a great loss to his enthusiastic group of owners for whom he provided such a thrill only a month earlier when landing Uttoxeter’s big marathon handicap. He had proven to be a tough, genuine and progressive stayer since his purchase from Alan King’s yard twelve months ago.

Our thoughts too are with the connections of Regal Heights, another runner who sadly passed away following the Scottish National. Predictably, these equine fatalities did not meet with the same level of press coverage as the Grand National at Aintree the week before. This is a sad but ever-present danger of the sport that can happen at any time during any race, but it does go to show the amount of sensationalist nonsense that had been concocted following the big race at Liverpool.

We enjoyed a nice winner at Towcester on Tuesday evening when Businessmoney Judi scored in determined fashion under A P McCoy. AP certainly needed his wits about him as the front-running Sara’s Smile veered badly left at the second flight, very nearly causing our runner to unship her jockey too.   AP sat tight though and drove her out to win from previous dual bumper winner The Strawberry One, much to the delight of her patient owners who were having their first winner in five years. Indeed, Judi only arrived at Pond House recently and is the first horse that we have had for Business Money Promotions, so it was nice for her to win on her first start for us. Hopefully she will be able to win again soon in the not too distant future.

I would also like to congratulate Katie Squires who works in the yard. Katie had her first winner in a point-to-point yesterday at Tweseldown when former Pond House inmate Sir Bathwick was successful…it was a walkover, but they all count! Well done Katie.

This coming weekend marks the end of the 2010/11season with the highlight being the Bet365 (formerly Whitbread) Gold Cup at Sandown.  At the confirmation stage we left in Faasel and Gentle Ranger, and with quite a few notable absentees (presumably as a result of recent exploits or alternative engagements at the Punchestown Festival) there are only 25 possibles left in.  With Siegemaster as the current topweight, Faasel has 10-7 and Gentle Ranger 10-0.

Finally, don’t forget to have a go at our exclusive competition to win a couple of packages to Ladies’ night at Exeter racecourse on 3^rd May. The closing date for entries is this Saturday, so don’t delay – details as follows:

Tony Hadley, widely regarded as one of the finest vocal talents in pop history, is set to perform at Exeter Racecourse on May 3 at its most glamorous evening of the year and we have two Ladies’ Night Packages to give away for this fantastic night out.

The prize for two includes premier tickets, a one course meal in the Denman Room and a glass of wine or drink of choice, a racecard and a betting voucher.

Tony Hadley’s performance coincides with an evening of fashion, racing and champagne. As well as six exciting races and music, there are £1,000’s worth of prizes to win for the best dressed ladies including a romantic night for two, including dinner, breakfast and a bottle of champagne at Combe House, Gittisham, stunning jewellery from Siler and Sand and gifts from Leonard Coombe Master Saddlers and Country Life at Newton Abbot.

The evening is also the chance to mingle with the crowds, make new friends and relax in the racecourse’s gorgeous surroundings.

Tickets for the race night and concert are priced at £20 (Premier), £15 (Grandstand and Paddock) and £5 (children aged 17 and under) and are available now by contacting the ticket hotline on 0844 5793005 or by visiting www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk.

To enter our competition please answer the following question and email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or send it on a postcard by April 23 to David Pipe Ladies’ Night Competition, Exeter Racecourse, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7XS.

Which band was Tony Hadley in?
Don’t forget to include you name, address and contact details.