- Monday, 28 September 2020 15:23
- Written by David Pipe
Although we only had three runners last week, I was delighted to be among the winners with Airton’s Uttoxeter success taking our tally for the new campaign to eight. Fortune certainly seemed to favour us on this occasion, although these things have a tendency of balancing themselves out and we have had an unlucky loser or two to put on the other side of the ledger.
Gillard Off The Mark
All winners count and I was delighted for the members of the David Pipe Racing Club, whose colours in which Airton runs. He was a first winner too for his young partner, Fergus Gillard on only his second ride since turning from amateur to conditional jockey. Fergus gave Airton a great ride – he was handy throughout and whilst he was outpaced turning into the home straight, he was sticking on again in a close fifth when the leader fell at the last, in turn hindering the eventual fourth. Had Fergus not have kept persevering, he may well not have been able to take advantage of the circumstances. He is a very promising young jockey and I am sure that you will be hearing plenty more of him over the coming season and beyond.
Earlier in the week Golden Jeffrey finished fifth in the 3m handicap hurdle at Perth. He ran creditably for a long way but may just have found this longer trip a step too far. Mrs Miggins was our other runner last week, finishing sixth in the 3m handicap chase at Uttoxeter. Her jumping was not as fluent as when a ready winner at Southwell on her previous start and she is certainly better than this.
The Week Ahead
We kick off this week with a runner at our local track, Newton Abbot. Percy Street contests the 2m5½f handicap hurdle and he has been in good form this season, finishing runner-up over course and distance. He should give him running once again.
We have three runners at Sedgefield tomorrow; Sans Logique, Malangen and To Fly Free. Sans Logique, a winner on the flat in France, was not beaten far on his hurdling debut, form which has been advertised since. With that experience under his belt he should go well under Tom Scudamore in the juvenile hurdle.
Malangen contests the 2m4f handicap hurdle and he managed to bag a victory at Southwell under similar conditions earlier in the season and he is only 1lb higher than his last success in a handicap so he has claims on that basis.
To Fly Free makes her handicap debut after a couple of promising runs in juvenile contests. A three year old filly, she claims all of the allowances and should appreciate the sound surface. Tom Scudamore is in the saddle and I hope she will go well for the David Pipe Racing Club. There are no limits on the number of members and you can also be a part of the fun so why not join today? Further details can be found here…
Later in the week we have plenty of entries at Ffos Las on Thursday including Jasmin des Bordes and recent recruit Nobel Joshua, whilst Main Fact, who was a revelation over hurdles last season has an entry at Salisbury on the level, although he would want the ground much softer than it currently is.
We have four entries at Fontwell on Friday; First Lord de Cuet, Sans Logique, Buster Edwards and Sexy Lot, whilst we have Miss Tynte, Grangeclare Glory and new recruit Bumpy Johnson engaged on the second day of their two day fixture. We will decide on running plans for those a little later in the week.
With rain forecast I am looking forward to the going easing and being able to enter some of my winter horses over the coming weeks. I am sure every other trainer is thinking the same thing so the action is sure to be extremely competitive when the ground comes right.
Horses To Follow
As promised, we have started our series of horses to follow videos from the team at Pond House and what better way to begin than with stable jockey Tom Scudamore? I won’t give the game away, but Tom is trying to give himself the best chance of success by picking more than one horse for the season ahead. You will be able to watch his interview by clicking on the image below…
Above: Tom Scudamore (photographed by Fiona Crawford)
We also had a special guest riding out on Saturday in the shape of former conditional jockey turned bloodstock agent, Tom Malone. It’s been a while since Tom was on the gallops and he swapped the saddle on his bike for one on horseback as he rode several lots for me. He was certainly made to exert himself and had worked up quite a sweat by the end of the morning.
As if that wasn’t enough, he was then nabbed for his horse to follow and was given quite the grilling. Fortunately he has a good sense of humour and took the tough line of questioning in his stride and in the spirit in which it had been intended. I will be posting the video to that in the next few days.
Decimus Syndicate
I mentioned last week that we are currently filling syndicates in a couple of promising youngsters and the response has been rather good. So much so, that we only have four 1/10th shares remaining in handsome three year old Iron Heart. He seems to be a natural over hurdles and has pleased me in his schooling at home. He is fit and will be running shortly and will give shareholders an awful lot of fun. Martyn Chapman manages the syndicate and he is the man to speak to if you would like to join the fun or would like further information. He can be contacted on 07776 138087.
Arc Weekend
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe takes place at Longchamp on Sunday and it will be a fascinating affair. It would be great to see Enable complete a historic hat-trick in the race…something that has never happened before. I have to say, I was leaning towards Love in receipt of the age allowance, although heavy rain may well have swung conditions back in the favour of John Gosden’s wonder mare. It should be a cracking race and I will be watching…the question is, do you follow your head or your heart?
