- Monday, 05 August 2019 14:46
- Written by David Pipe
The mandatory summer holiday from jump racing commences today meaning that there is no National Hunt action to look forward to all this week, whilst next week sees only a couple of midweek fixtures on Wednesday before racing recommences properly a week on Saturday. The break does give the jockeys a chance to recharge the batteries for a day or two, although the horses still need to be exercised, fed, groomed and mucked out daily so they are ready to go when racing resumes. Thus, we need a full complement of staff at Pond House and day-to-day life in a busy racing yard continues very much as normal.
Teaser Makes It Two
We were among the winners again last week when Teaser (pictured above) made it two successes from as many starts over fences at Newton Abbot on Monday. Our four year old jumped better than on his debut and always had matters in hand here, making all the running and stretching away in the home straight. He is learning all the time and can continue to do well over fences, not least as he receives a valuable weight allowance from his elder rivals. He is due to go up 7lbs for that success.
Although they have only owned him for about a year, he has already proven to be the horse of a lifetime for his lucky owners The Willpower Partnership. The partners very kindly sent down some drinks for the staff to enjoy (outside of work hours!) and Teaser decided to get in on the act as well by enjoying a nice, cool beer (pictured right)!
Things could not have been any tighter at the finish of the 2m1½f handicap chase at Bangor on Friday when Malangen (pictured below) forced a dead-heat in the final strides. Bought cheaply from a claimer on the flat last season, he has proven a revelation winning three times over hurdles and now over fences. In a race full of drama, jockeys Tom Scudamore and Paige Fuller (aboard the ‘other’ winner, Salto Chisco) both lost their whips. Tom Scudamore did extremely well to coax the best out of his mount, using his hand as a makeshift whip in an effort to maintain his forward momentum. It would have been a rotten way to lose a race, so I think everyone connected with both horses were delighted when the result was called as a dead-heat.
100 Not Out!
Malangen’s victory marked part-owner (and syndicate manager of Teddington Racing) William Frewen’s 100th success as an owner either through sole ownership or partnerships which is an amazing achievement. Furthermore, it also marked the 50th win with Tom Scudamore on board. William has had some marvellous horses through the years, including the remarkable Lough Derg who enjoyed a massive following throughout his career.
A huge cricketing fan (as are the remainder of the Teddington partners), I am sure William will be delighted with this century.
With Delface, El Terremoto, Ourmullion, Noel’s Boy and Percy Street all finishing in the first four, the string continues in good form. I thought that Noel’s Boy ran another solid race in his bumper at Newton Abbot to finish fourth. A former point-to-pointer, he will benefit from a stiffer test of stamina and also jumping some hurdles. He has been schooled over obstacles at home and looks a natural. He could now head to Worcester in a couple of weeks’ times. With the horses in good order I hope to be able to build on that momentum once we resume after the summer break.
In the meantime, there are sales at Doncaster to look forward to next week and there would appear to be some nice types going through the ring. We will be up there with a view to adding to our string and if you would be interested in joining the ownership ranks at Pond House please do get in touch. We regularly have a nice selection of horses for sale to suit most budgets, whilst we are also able to buy to order. Alternatively, if you would like to test the ownership waters, we manage a number of excellent value and fun syndicates at an even more affordable price.
Although we will be quiet on the racing front, there will still be plenty going on around the yard so for all the latest gossip don’t forget to keep up to date with Chester’s Daily Chat or by following us on Twitter @DavidPipeRacing.
