- Monday, 22 May 2023 11:17
- Written by David Pipe
Holiday Time
It was quiet for us on the runner’s front last week but the few we did run all ran well. Last Quarter and Call Her Clever both finished fourth at Worcester in their respective races. Last Quarter is a quirky character and jockey Jack Tudor came back and said please can I have another go! The ability is there but it is a challenge to get the best out of him on the racecourse and so it was nice for Jack to come back feeling positive and wanting to try something different on him next time. Call Her Clever made a pleasing career debut to be a close fourth. She was a little green but galloped all the way through the line and we will run her again in another bumper in a few weeks’ time and I am sure she will improve for the experience. Micronormous ran her best race to date over hurdles at Fontwell on Wednesday, finishing a close third. Hopefully this will have given her some confidence to build on for next time.
This Week
This week is already looking busier on the runner’s front with three at Ffos Las on Monday, Only Fools runs at Huntingdon on Tuesday and Myristica runs at Southwell on Wednesday. Lady Reset has entries on the flat on both Thursday and Friday at Sandown and Haydock while we also have entries at Worcester as well on Friday. There are plenty of jumps fixtures at the weekend so keep checking the daily news for more on the stable runners.
Weather Watch
The last few days have brought some welcome sunshine and warmth. The start of May continued as April had…wet… but then it is nice to have had a little dry spell for the last few days. Having said that, the racecourses have been drying out and the need for watering has re-started for the tracks to keep the ground safe. We have already had as much rain this month as we did in May last year but with the forecast set to be dry for the foreseeable we are on a par with what is normal for the month. While the weather is dry we also have to maintain our gallops by watering them, both the wood chip and Wexford Sand require daily maintenance to dampen dust and provide the best surface for our horses.
Summer Holidays
The horses at grass have welcomed the change in the weather and it is lovely to see them out sunbathing in the field. They have been out at grass for just over two weeks now and they are totally settled in their respective fields and enjoying their time of leisure, totally relaxed and chilled. They are just about to have their first check in as well where they come in to be weighed so we can monitor how they are doing. Initially they are likely to have put on a fair bit of weight but this begins to plateau the longer they are out and then we obviously don’t want them losing any weight when the grass goes past its best and so we introduce hard food when if necessary as well. The farrier will check their feet and then they will go straight back out in the field again.
Doncaster Sales
I am heading up to Doncaster Sales this week where it will be a busy few days with plenty of horses going under the hammer. I have been through the catalogue where there are over 500 horses made up of a mixture of point to pointers, horses who have been running under rules and some unraced youngsters as well. There will be horses at all budgets and it is a sale we have bought well from in the past. Main Fact was a star buy at £6,000 a few years ago while last year Thomas Mor has proven to be excellent value after a terrific season as has American Sniper to name just a couple. Fingers crossed we may be able to find a hidden gem or two amongst this year’s offerings. If anyone would like any more information about the sales please do not hesitate to get in touch 01884 840715 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Roof Renovations
This time of year is when lots of jobs get done around the yard. The workmen are here busy replacing some roofs on the stable blocks. All the stables are being power washed, re-painted and fogged as well as a lot of tidying, fixing and cleaning going on around the yard. Busy times
New Driver
A special well done to one of our young members of staff, Brandon Williamson who passed his driving test on Monday! Brandon is 17 and has just completed his first season at Pond House so may congratulations to him. Everyone watch out on the roads near Nicholashayne!
