- Monday, 18 July 2022 14:50
- Written by David Pipe
Another week has passed and since last writing, I can report another winner to add the season’s tally and another five seconds!
Texard (pictured above) was the emphatic winner of his race at Uttoxeter last Wednesday, following up his previous victory at the course last month. He was stepping up in trip from two miles to 2m4f but he bowled along in front and put in and exemplary round of jumping to win as he pleased. Watching the race he looked like he was just ‘lobbing’ along but he had all his rivals in trouble as they jumped the fourth last. Our seven year old probably found the Market Rasen race coming to soon after this on Saturday so we can put a line through that and there is hopefully more to come from this recent acquisition in the future.
Al Roc finished second over hurdles at Newton Abbot, Koi Dodville ran well again on his second start over fences to finish second again at Worcester, while Bashful Boy, Free Chakarte and Defi d’Oudairies complete our quintet of seconds for the week. While slightly frustrating to have so many seconds, it shows the horses continue in good form. You get all sorts of seconds as well- good ones, frustrating ones and lucky ones and we have had a combination of them all of late so can’t complain too much.
We were also unlucky not to have a good second winner of the week with Dindin having the race at his mercy and falling at the last at Newton Abbot on Sunday. Our nine year old was searching for his first win since coming over from France and looked set to get this when getting the last all wrong and coming down when victory was in his grasp. He has been kept busy of late but has been holding his form well and a win would have been much deserved. The main thing is he seems none the worse for his fall and hopefully he can came compensation next time.
Beating the Heat
It was nice the see the BHA being proactive a few days ago when extreme temperatures for Monday and Tuesday were being cited. While we had no entries for Mondays racing, we did have possibilities for Southwell on Tuesday. Initially race times were changed to the morning which in itself I thought was a good idea but then came the decision to abandon altogether which was probably the best call all round. While I think horses, like humans, are pretty good at adapting to the environment, staff and equine welfare should always come first in every decision.
Early Start
With temperatures forecast to be high on Monday all my staff were in early this morning to try and ‘beat the heat’. While we are not forecast to record temperatures as high in the West Country as some places across the UK, we wanted to start early and have all the jobs done before the hottest part of the day. We can then all focus on keeping ourselves and the horses as cool as we can. The horses that swim will definitely enjoy their dip even more today you would think!
This Week
Our first runners this week will not be until Thursday with several entries at Worcester and Lady Reset has an entry on the flat at Sandown. On Friday we have entries at Uttoxeter and names entered for the end of the week include Koi Dodville, Port O’Clock, D’jango, Iron Heart, Kolisi, Nibras Gold, Ben Lilly and Defi D’oudairies. Keep checking the daily blog for more news of the stable runners.
Fergus Returns
Some of you may have been wondering of the whereabouts of our conditional Fergus Gillard. I am pleased to inform you he is well and is now back at Pond House. He has been over gaining some experience with Edward O’Grady in Ireland. He has had a few rides over there but is now back fresh and well ready to get back going in England.
Racing Welfare Charity Cycle
Well done to all those that took part in the Racing Welfare 24 hour charity team cycle over the weekend. I have not heard how Jane and Mike Gerard-Pearse did personally but will endeavour to let you know how they did when I get to catch up with them. All I do know is that it must have been hard work in this warm weather and a tremendous achievement just taking part. I hope they are enjoying a well-earned rest now! The whole event I believe has raised in excess of £64,000, which is fantastic amount of money for a great cause.
Costs Soaring
It may only be July, but it is never too soon to be thinking about the Cheltenham Festival. To that end, I received communication from the track last week asking if I would be taking our popular hospitality marquee for my owners and racing club members for the 2023 fixture. I learned of a proposed 8% increase compared to last year’s facility.
Given that last year saw an incredible price rise from the previous festival in 2020 in the region of 35% (the meeting took place behind closed doors in 2021), it would seem that the Jockey Club clearly feel that racegoers are not feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis like the rest of us. Attending the Cheltenham Festival is costly for racegoers. As the crown jewel of jump racing, the meeting is something that some people save all year to attend. Continuing rises could prove prohibitive for them and I cannot help but feel that the festival is becoming no more than a cash cow for organisers.
Niall Kavanagh Memorial
Whilst looking through the Racing Post on Saturday, I noticed the Niall Kavanagh Memorial Race took place at Newmarket. Niall was a 19 year old from Newmarket, who tragically passed away last November after an aggressive brain tumour was diagnosed only three weeks earlier. Niall’s father, Noel worked at Pond House for my dad in the early 2000’s and was a decent rider, who rode three winners for him during his two year spell at the yard before heading off to work for Godolphin, which included some track riding out in Dubai.
I was very upset when I learned of Niall’s passing and a memorial race at Newmarket (where he was brought up) seems like a fitting tribute to him. Even more so as the race was won William Buick (one of four on the day for the jockey) in the Goldolphin colours. I cannot imagine how hard the last few months has been for them, but we keep Niall and his parents Noel and Claire in our thoughts.
Culmstock Cricket
We had a bit of a yard social on Thursday evening last week as lots of the staff turned up at the local cricket ground to support Jack’s under 12 Culmstock cricket team in the semi-final of the Devon cup against Exmouth. Culmstock batted first and posted a good score with the visitors needing 150 to win from their 20 overs. Jack scored a few runs but bowling is his forte and thankfully he did not feel pressured by the big crowd and opened the bowling taking three wickets in his first over! Culmstock went on to win comfortably in the end and everyone is looking forward to the final against Exeter in September!
Prom Night
Finally, it was Prom night for one of our younger staff members last Saturday. Zara, who has worked part-time at Pond House whilst completing her studies attended her big finale in most unusual fashion. I am sure that many of you have heard of the tradition of turning up to the Prom in fancy modes of transport, although I think Zara may just have raised the bar…
Zara’s father is a great friend of Garth and Anne Broom (of Brocade Racing) and so he was able to ask to borrow her lift to Oake Manor Golf Club…Native River! I have seen one or two pictures of horses at the Proms, but a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner is a first as far as I am aware. Forget your Ferrari’s, this was a Ferrari of Ferrari’s! The now 12 year old was a perfect gentleman and is looking very well in his retirement with bloodstock agent, Tom Malone, who lives just down the road and who originally purchased him for the Broom’s. I am sure it was an experience that Zara will never forget...
