- Monday, 12 August 2019 15:56
- Written by David Pipe
It is amazing how much you miss something when it is not readily accessible! Some people have suggested that there is too much racing these days and that we have reached a saturation point. They point to uncompetitive field sizes and prize money compared to the model employed in Ireland where there are far fewer meetings. However, I have really missed the opportunity to compete over the jumps over the past week and look forward to getting back racing when local track Newton Abbot and Worcester host meetings on Wednesday.
Wait Almost Over!
Indeed, we have entries at both meetings with Noel’s Boy, Paricolor and Skinflint engaged at Newton Abbot, whilst Ourmullion, Stream Lady, Hot Ryan, Noel’s Boy and Percy Street are entered at Worcester.
Skinflint is an intended runner in the 2m5f handicap chase at Newton Abbot. He has been knocking on the door since rejoining us from the point-to-point ranks and possibly found the distance of 3m2½f just beyond him on his last start when travelling very well for much of the way. The distance should prove more suitable for him and there are certainly races of this nature in him.
Over at Worcester, Ourmullion is likely to contest the 2m handicap hurdle. He was successful at Newton Abbot on his penultimate start but was unable to follow-up last time out when a respectable fourth. He has a higher handicap mark to contend with and that will make life tougher for him. He also holds entries at Market Rasen and Southwell this weekend. Noel’s Boy is also an intended runner on the Worcester card – he has shaped with promise in two bumpers and this switch to hurdles and step-up in trip should suit him well.
There are three jumps fixtures this weekend with meetings at Market Rasen, Perth and Southwell on Saturday and we have entries at each of those meetings. Stream Lady holds multiple engagements over hurdles and fences and we will try to find the best opportunity for her on her first start for Geoff Thompson who kindly sponsors the yard through his W&S brand. The same comment applies to Hot Ryan an El Terremoto. Progressive juvenile hurdler Legal History and Max do Brazil who is two out of two over fences round out our entries at Perth.
For the latest news on running plans don’t forget to keep up to date with Chester’s Daily Chat or by following us on Twitter @DavidPipeRacing.
Time for a check-up
When it comes to keeping a horse happy and healthy, one of the things that people regularly overlook is a horses’ oral wellbeing. Whilst it is the feet and legs that absorb the impact when galloping, it is equally important to keep a horse’s teeth in tip-top condition as it is the mouth that is in contact with the bridle and where all of the riders’ control derives. It is also vital to help the horses digest their food properly.
As such we have regular visits from specialist equine dentists to rasp their teeth and carry out any other dental work needing attention. Sharp teeth can cause severe discomfort and infections and these regular check-ups help to ensure that this does not happen.
The dentists that we use are massively experienced in their field and although the utensils they use may look daunting, the horses do not mind at all and are not distressed in any way (as you can see from the picture above). Indeed, afterwards they can often be seen looking very pleased with themselves. Afterall, we all know how good that ‘clean teeth feeling’ can be!
The 19th Hole
It is a good job there has been no racing as it allowed a number of my staff to disappear for the day to Wincanton’s annual stable staff golf tournament on Friday! Representing the Pond House team this year were (pictured left-right) my secretary Gemma Edwards, assistants Martin Ayliffe and Gerry Supple and school master Ashley Farrant and they performed creditably to finish fifth against some rivals who seemed especially well-handicapped!
Although blustery, they were able to avoid the worst of the storms during the round and enjoyed a hearty breakfast before and the 19th hole after! Many thanks to Wincanton racecourse for organising the event; it is always eagerly awaited by the staff and very much appreciated.
Howzat!
It was a pleasure to see Somerset cricketer Jamie Overton at Pond House last week with his girlfriend Zoe. Zoe rides out for us occasionally and being a keen racing man, Jamie didn’t miss the opportunity to visit the stable.
Indeed, Jamie very kindly reciprocated the favour when inviting us to watch Somerset play their T20 match against Kent on Saturday. As you can see from the picture below, my son Jack and I were getting right into it and in a very exciting match, Somerset beat Kent to move into joint third in their group (with the top two teams qualifying for finals day). Somerset have won four on the bounce now and hopefully can carry that momentum forward as the competition progresses.
