- Monday, 30 August 2021 11:31
- Written by David Pipe
Last week was a quiet one for the yard with no runners, however, things are already looking busier for the week ahead with runners at Hexham tomorrow. Mr Tambourine Man (pictured above, courtesy of Jon Partridge) and Miss M are both set to make the long journey to the Northumberland venue where they will contest the 2m4f and 2m handicap hurdles respectively.
Mr Tambourine Man produced a sound first effort over hurdles for us, finishing runner-up under his penalty in a novices’ event over the minimum trip at Worcester last time. He contests the 5.45pm race and he looks sure to benefit from the step-up in trip on his handicap debut and appears to have a good chance under Tom Scudamore.
Miss M makes her debut for the David Pipe Racing Club in the 2m handicap hurdle at 6.45pm. She travelled really well at Fontwell last time and looked the likeliest winner at the final flight on her first try at 2m3f, but she clearly didn’t get home. Back down in trip, I hope she will give the members present something to shout about.
We will have no runners on Wednesday, but Lady Reset holds an entry at Salisbury on the flat on Thursday. She likes to hear her hooves rattle and the ground there is currently good/firm. It looks a fairly hot race on paper so we will do our homework before deciding on her participation.
We conclude our entries for the week at Stratford on Saturday and Fontwell on Sunday. Secret Boris, a recent French import, Miss M and To Fly Free hold engagements there, whilst we have made entries for Iron Heart and Oneonechop at Fontwell.
Well Done Somerset!
We had a great time at Taunton’s County Ground last Thursday as we went to see the T20 Vitality Blast match between Somerset and Lancashire. A group of ten of us, including Leanne and the kids and Tom Scudamore were supporting the home side who prevailed in a thrilling finish. I would love to have been able to attend the semi-finals and final at Edgbaston on 18th September, although tickets for that day are long since unavailable. Good luck guys!
A Great Cause
Long serving Pond House team member, Julie Bellamy will be competing in a charity race at Wincanton on Sunday 24th October and we are appealing for help to support her!
Julie left school in 1980 at the age of 16 and started work for trainer John Thorne in Somerset. She stayed there for 5 years then worked at Richard Holder’s near Bristol for one year. Julie then took a year out of racing and went to Australia before coming back to work for MCP in September 1987. She has been here ever since…34 years and counting!
Julie has been responsible for many good horses during her time at Pond House and currently looks after Aintree legend Vieux Lion Rouge. He is just one of the horses that Julie exercises every day and she is a very capable rider. She has never ridden in a race before but is very much looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to take part, whilst also benefitting a great cause.
Julie is raising money for Racing Welfare, which is a registered charity supporting the workforce of British horseracing, including stud, stable and racecourse staff, alongside those working in associated roles across the industry. They offer professional guidance and practical help to all those whose dedication is vital for the well-being of racing. Their work aims to help people from recruitment to retirement, to thrive in day-to-day life and through a range of life's challenges.
If you would like to donate to help Julie reach her target, or find out more, you can do so by following the link below:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/juliebellamyracingwelfarecharityracewincanton24oct2021
