- Monday, 28 February 2022 16:03
- Written by David Pipe
Obviously, the world has changed significantly since my blog last week and racing matters pale into insignificance alongside world events. My thoughts are with those involved and I hope a peaceful resolution can be found and quickly. Back to matters I can have a bearing on and I was pleased to be on the scoresheet again at Exeter last week with Kingofthewest a good winner on Friday, leading home a 1-2 for the stable. Meanwhile, preparations continue apace for the Cheltenham Festival and I can scarcely believe that there are now only two weeks until the biggest jumps meeting on the calendar.
West Wins Again
Kingofthewest was a ready winner of the 2m½f novices’ hurdle at Exeter on Friday, making all the running to score with the minimum of fuss under a good front running ride from Fergus Gillard. He was placed in an Irish point-to-point over three miles so it was sensible to keep it simple and take advantage of his assured stamina. I was delighted for his owners – a newly formed syndicate called Friends From The West, who for some, he is a first venture into racehorse ownership. They certainly have a smart prospect on their hands. He is a lovely type who can only improve with experience.
Pachacuti also ran very well, finishing runner-up in the same race. He travelled very well for a long way under Tom Scudamore and following a couple of disappointing efforts over timber, this was much more like the bumper promise he showed. Now eligible for handicaps, that should open up more opportunities for him and he should be winning races over timber.
Gwencily Berbas was another to run well, finishing fifth in the Eider Chase at Newcastle on Saturday. Given how keen he was at various parts of the race, he stayed on very well over the 4m1½f trip and may well have finished fourth but for a mistake at the final fence. It was extremely testing ground on his previous start at Sandown and the return to a sounder surface clearly suited him much better. He is still relatively unexposed over staying trips.
The Week Ahead
We start this week with one runner at Plumpton this afternoon. Heure de Gloire contests the mares’ handicap hurdle at 4.10pm. She ran well to finish third at Doncaster on her penultimate start and would likely have filled the same position at Ffos Las but for falling at the last. The favourite looks to be the one to beat, but she has each-way claims.
Tomorrow is a blank day, but we will have two runners at Wincanton on Wednesday when Morgenstern and Crossing Lines contest the 2m5½f handicap hurdle at 4.50pm. Morgenstern ran well when second at Wetherby on his penultimate start at Wetherby and revels on testing ground, whilst Crossing Lines may appreciate this drop back in trip having shaped well for a long way when second to a promising type at Uttoxeter last time.
Olympe de Gouges has a number of entries, but is most likely to run at Taunton on Thursday, when Major Robinson and Abaya du Mathan are also among those engaged.
Ladykiller is entered in the conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle at Newbury (as well as Doncaster) on Friday, along with Neon Moon. The latter was forced to miss his intended race at Ludlow last Wednesday, but he is fine again now and he could bid to follow-up his recent impressive Plumpton success.
Crossing Lines holds a further engagement at Newbury on Saturday, whilst Duc de Beauchene completes our entries for the week ahead at Huntingdon on Sunday.
Preview Nights
With only a couple of weeks until the start of the Cheltenham Festival, it is that time of the year when the preview nights start and I will be participating in a couple of those once again. I will be appearing on the panel of Tiverton Golf Club’s preview evening, along with fellow trainer Philip Hobbs on Thursday evening. It is in aid of an excellent cause with proceeds going to Children’s Hospice South West.
I will also be participating in the Exeter Racecourse preview after racing on Friday 11th March. Admission is free and tickets can be booked via Exeter’s website.
Last Chance
Talking of Cheltenham, just a reminder that this is your last opportunity to purchase badges to our Cheltenham Festival marquee. Our owners and members of the David Pipe Racing Club are able to take advantage of this exclusive facility at the bottom of the paddock, which provides a brilliant base for the day. We only have a few spaces left on the first three days, so be quick if you haven’t booked already. You can find out more about the David Pipe Racing Club by clicking here…
Come On England!
Finally, I would like to extend my grateful thanks to Eurobale for their kind hospitality at the England versus Wales Six Nations Rugby match at Twickenham on Saturday. Leanne and myself had a great day and enjoyed the match, which became a bit of a nail biter in the closing minutes. At least England were able to get one up on the Welsh, which was about the only time that happened on Saturday!
