- Monday, 13 September 2021 15:36
- Written by David Pipe
Despite only a couple of runners last week, it has very much been a case of ‘all hands on deck’ at Pond House. Away from the racecourse we have been frantically putting the finishing touches ahead of three stable visits. On Saturday it was the turn of our Owners’ to join us for the day, on Sunday we hosted the members of the David Pipe Racing Club and this morning (Monday) we opened the gates to visitors in conjunction with the National Racehorse Week, so it has been a busy few days.
Lady’s Sandown Success
Back to the track and I was delighted to be among the winners again when Lady Reset ran out the game winner of the 1m2f handicap at Sandown on Friday under Laura Pearson. Ridden more prominently on this occasion, she struck early in the straight and battled on bravely up the famous hill to record her fourth success of the summer. She has won three times on the flat and once over hurdles over the past few months and is a tremendously game and genuine filly who is really thriving at present. She loves the prevailing good ground and will be kept on the go whilst she remains in such rude health.
The Week Ahead
We kicked off with a runner at Worcester this afternoon when Story Of Friends finished unplaced in the 2m7f handicap hurdle. He started off with a good reappearance effort this season but had been a bit disappointing in recent outings. He has had a wind operation since then and just got a little tired today and he should improve on for the run.
Our only other possible runner this week will be Oneonechop who is engaged in the juvenile hurdle at Plumpton on Sunday. He has reached the frame on each of his outings so far and shouldn’t be too far away again if taking his chance. He will have other entries so we will take a look at the race before deciding where he goes next.
Open Days
It is a good job we don’t have many runners this week as my staff deserve a few easy days after three consecutive stable visits. They did a wonderful job to make sure that all of our guests were made to feel welcome and I am extremely grateful to them for their efforts.
One of the perks of membership to the David Pipe Racing Club are the annual visits and it was great to see them all yesterday. The club members have great fun with half a dozen or so horses in training and all the bulletins, updates and other benefits that go with that. If you would like to be a part of the fun you can get in touch with my office, or find out more details here.
The majority of our owners and club members will be familiar with the horses and staff at the stable, but it was a different story on Monday when we participated in the excellent initiative that is National Racehorse Week. With over 70 stables open to the public, it is the industry’s response to some of the negative publicity that has overshadowed the sport during the past few months and I think it is a great idea.
The truth of course is very different and the visits afford guests the opportunity to see the love and care that goes into getting the horses to the peak of physical condition. Those attending on Monday were able to see our current string of horses as well as a demonstration from former Pond House legends Un Temps Pour Tout, Moon Racer and Champers On Ice who are doing extremely well in Retraining of Racehorses classes. With Clare Poole, they are looking a picture. Another on display was Flou Artsistique, formerly owned by J P McManus. He is only eight months into his training with Amy Huxtable, but is doing extremely well at local level, doing showing and dressage. We pride ourselves on our record of finding our horses good homes and second careers when their racing days are over, regardless of ability and hope that has shone through today.
Guests were also able to see horses exercising in the pool and loose school as well as see a demonstration of farriery from Kevin Hollis, blacksmith extraordinaire.
A raffle in aid of the Somerset & Dorset Air Ambulance raised £400 and we are delighted to be able to support such a wonderful charity that does so much to help the racing industry.
