Horse in Training

    Bashful Boy - Winner of Last Four Races

It has been another quiet week outwardly as jumps racing continues its mini-break but things are fairly busy back at the yard and the majority of horses are now cantering away after their summer holidays.  It is sometimes a little difficult try to find things to write about every week so I thought I would start a little series briefly talking about the team of horses we have for the season ahead.  I will do it in alphabetical order, a few each week.

Last Week

We just had the two runners on the flat last week, Pepsiwithacap at Bath and Ocean Heights at Kempton.  Pepsiwithacap looked to have the race going to plan until she found little off the bridle from about three furlongs out.  Jockey Charlie Bishop thought she may appreciate a step up in trip as she was in top gear from a long way out.  Meanwhile, at Kempton, it was a good run from Ocean Heights.  He was giving weight to some very decent looking three year olds and he was only beaten eight lengths crossing the line in seventh.  He now qualifies for a handicap mark so we will see what the handicapper gives him on Tuesday and we will then look for a suitable handicap race.  Jockey Rob Hornby thought he liked Kempton so we may head back there if there is the right race.

This Week

Jump racing does not resume until Saturday and we have two entries up at Perth, Red Happy and Favori De Sivola.  We shall keep an eye on the weather before making a plan about heading to Scotland later in the week.  Jumps action returns with two meetings on Saturday, Perth and Market Rasen but nothing on Sunday?  Before the weekend, we have Lady Reset entered on the flat at Newbury on Friday.  She is in good form at home and could run in the final race on the card, the 1m2f apprentice handicap.

On Tuesday this week, dad and I are heading out to lunch with a few trainers and vets in memory of Barry Allen who passed away last year.  ‘Barry the blood’ as we called him was a very private man but extremely clever and knowledgeable scientist.  He set up our laboratory here at Pond House originally and was in charge here for many years before teaching Esther who now does are bloods and track washes on site.  He remained in close contact after he left and was always on call for advice when needed.  He was widely renowned in the racing world for being an expert in his field and this is no more evident by the people who will be eating with us at the lunch.  Barry did not have a funeral after he passed away so it will nice to raise a glass to him with a few of his friends and family.

On Wednesday there is an online Tattersalls Sale of horse in training which gets underway at 12 noon.  67 lots are catalogued and I am just in the process of going through them all.  If anyone would like to know more please do not hesitate to get in touch This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   

Horses In Training

Abaya Du Mathan – He is what he is but he is a very tough and admirably consistent veteran chaser who has a particular liking for Ffos Las!  A nine time winner in his career, he has won two races and been placed seven times as well.  Will be kept on the go for now but then likely to have a winter break as he prefers the better ground.

Activist – A winner and placed in France on the flat, he has taken a little while to acclimatize to life in Britain but he is only a four year old so has time on his side.  Jumps well, has had a wind op and has a rating of 91 over hurdles so hopefully he can progress when next back in action shortly.

American Sniper – Has changed ownership in the summer and now will run in the colours of Peter Garnsworthy.  Had a good first season with us winning two hurdle races and being placed six times.  He has summered well and still only a five year old there is more improvement to come and will jump a fence.

Anglers Crag – A lovely big horse, things didn’t quite go to plan last season after a fall on his chasing debut at Exeter.  Definitely better than his form figures read and although not back from his summer holidays as yet, looks well treated off a rating of 108.

Back Yourself – A recent new addition to the yard and we have only just started cantering him so learning about him all the time.  He has just had the three starts over hurdles so far but won nicely at Ffos Las on handicap debut.  Loves soft ground and hopefully there is more to come.

Barrier Peaks – Had a terrific winter last season and won four races in a row in testing conditions.  Narrowly failed to bring up the five timer and can be forgiven for a below par performance on his final run before his summer break.  Still hopefully well treated he can continue to progress over hurdles and is likely jump a fence as well.

Bashful Boy – Has been in terrific form of late and has won his last three starts on the flat and then over hurdles at Newton Abbot last time.  Loves better ground and even though his flat rating is now 86 I am not sure he has finished improving yet.  It will be interesting to see how he gets on when pitched into a higher grade of race.  May well run over hurdles next before looking at a bigger prize on the level but a fantastic dual purpose little horse. 

Behind the Curtain – Has only just come in from the field, so won’t be on the track for a little while.  A bumper winner in Ireland he was nearly ready to run last season before picking up a niggle but we have given him plenty of time and hopefully he can reward our patience. 

Ben Lilly – The winner of seven races on the flat but has yet to win over hurdles even though he has been placed on eight of his nine starts!  Has had a nice long break but nearly ready to run again so hopefully he can get his elusive first victory over jumps. 

Bonheur De Ballon – A winner over hurdles in France he is yet to run in Britain as his blood was not quite right when arriving from across the channel and it took a little while to come right.  Looks a picture after a summer holiday and back cantering.  Will want soft ground and capable of winning race going forwards.