New Addition

The recent dry spell has certainly led to the ground drying out significantly and the racecourses have been short on runners as a consequence.  We only had a handful of runners last week and we were a little unlucky not to be among the winners with Lady Reset, Oneonechop and Mr Tambourine Man all reaching the frame.

Lady Unlucky

Lady Reset has been in tremendous form this summer, winning three times (twice on the flat and once over hurdles) and she ran another great race at Salisbury on Thursday to finish runner-up in the 1m2f handicap.  Travelling nicely under apprentice rider Mollie Phillips, she was short of room two furlongs out and when finally extracted from the far rail; she was not aided by her rider losing her reins.  Even so, this was another sound effort from our mare against some progressive younger types.  She loves the faster ground and will be kept on the go whilst this prevails.

Mr Tambourine Man finished fourth on his handicap debut at Hexham on Thursday, on his first try at 2m4f.  He ran a strange sort of race and having looked to be in danger of dropping away in the straight, he stayed on again in the closing stages.  He has already shown more than enough to suggest he will be winning races over timber and has the option of returning to the flat at some point.

The Week Ahead

The winter horses continue to come along nicely, although they are still some little way off a run yet.  That is no bad thing whilst the ground is as it is and consequently we only have a few entries for the week ahead.

Ranco (pictured above) will be our first runner of the week at Uttoxeter on Wednesday.  A winner at Windsor on the flat earlier in the season, he won’t mind the current good going when he contests the 2m handicap hurdle at the Staffordshire track, whilst Lady Reset is our only other possible runner when she has a choice of engagements on the flat at Sandown on Friday or Bath on Sunday.

New Addition

We are very pleased to welcome Philip Armson to the Pond House team.  Philip (pictured right) responded to a recent advertisement for a 7lbs conditional jockey and began his new role with us this morning (Monday).

Son of trainer, Richard Armson, Philip has ridden 11 winners during his career to date, with 7 of those coming in 2020/21 during his best season so far.  He is already off the mark with a couple of winners this term.  From what I have seen of him, he is very capable in the saddle and is able to claim 7lbs in his races.

When you find a good conditional, the weight they are able to claim can very often be the difference between winning and losing.  With conditional Fergus Gillard booting home plenty of winners and down to a 3lbs claim, it has opened an opportunity for another conditional.  We wish Philip well and I am sure you will be hearing more about him in the future.  We have a great blend of youth and experience as he joins our strong team of jockeys that also includes Tom Scudamore, David Noonan and talented amateur, Martin McIntyre.

Last Chance To Visit!

If you would like to be our guest at the famous Pond House racing stables, it is not too late!  Members (and a guest) of the David Pipe Racing Club will be attending a specially laid-on day when they will be able to take a look around the yard, see the horses in action on the gallops, swimming and loose schooling.  There will be a parade of the racing club horses followed by light refreshments in our marquee.  If you like the sound of this, you can join the David Pipe Racing Club today by calling my office on 01884 840715 and we can process your payment by card, or alternatively you can join via our website using Paypal.

New members receive an exclusive David Pipe Racing Club pin badge, certificate and information about the horses running under the club banner as well as regular training updates and videos from the gallops.  Benefits also include our monthly in-house digital newsletter Pipe’s Press, regular racecourse runners and honest appraisals of their chances.  With organised stable visits, the chance of owners’ badges when the club has a runner and the opportunity to purchase places in our Cheltenham Festival hospitality marquee, we feel that the club offers unrivalled value for money.  This is the last chance to join the club ahead of this year’s members’ visit, so what are you waiting for?!