- Monday, 23 October 2023 15:44
- Written by David Pipe
Ben Lilly Winner at Wincanton
It was a quiet start on the runner’s front last week but our first runner of the week, Ben Lilly was a winner at Wincanton! Ben Lilly has returned from a holiday in great form and this was his second win from four starts back and he has been third on both other occasions. He travelled strongly throughout the three mile trip with Gearoid Harney and went to the front with a good leap at the second last hurdle. He is quite a character and probably doesn’t want to hit the front too soon ideally as he has a tendency to not do much in front but although he idled a little after the last, he did respond when the other horse came to challenge him to stuck his head out and win. It was another great afternoon out the members of the David Pipe Racing Club and the handicapper can’t put him up too much for this victory and he should continue to give a good account going forwards.
Over the weekend there was a promising debut from Tough Approach in the bumper at Newton Abbot to finish third. He didn’t quite have the turn of speed as a couple of those ahead of him but he hit the line strongly and he a nice hurdling prospect, probably over a bit further. The same can be said of Vision De Maine who finished second in his bumper at Sedgefield behind a very useful looking horse trained by Ben Brookhouse. Our four year old is a lovely big ‘raw’ future chaser and didn’t really enjoy the Durham tight track but it was a nice effort and he has come out of the race well and is another with a bright future. Back Yourself made a pleasing chasing and stable debut at Newton Abbot. His jumping got better as the race went on and he will improve for the outing for next time.
This Week
We have several entries this week with lots of action starting with three runners at Exeter on Tuesday. On Wednesday jumping at Worcester has been abandoned due to flooding so we are just left with Lady Reset running on the flat at Kempton in the evening. On Thursday we have entries at Carlisle and Ludlow and on Friday on the flat at Newbury and over jumps at Cheltenham. At the weekend we have entries at Cheltenham on Saturday and then at Aintree at Wincanton on Sunday. Keep checking the Daily News for the latest information on the stable runners.
Neve Daniel Charity Race
We are on the final countdown to the Bob Champion Cancer Trust charity flat race at Wincanton on Sunday 29th. Member of staff Neve Daniel is nervous but excited in taking part in race over 1m2f and she will be aboard Only Fools in the colours of the David Pipe Racing Club. She is still hoping to raise more sponsorship and so would really welcome any donations to her Just Giving Page which can be found by following the link below. We are also offering a visit to Pond House for four people at a mutually convenient date to help her raise money. We would like to invite you to place a secret bid via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The highest bidder will be invited to come to the yard to meet David and all of our equine stars. Please do get in touch!
https://www.justgiving.com/page/neve-daniel-1694267751173
John Doble Tree
John Doble sadly passed away earlier this year on 1st April 2023 aged 81. John lived not too far from the yard and has been involved in ownership at Pond House for several years and used to come and ride out quite regularly until his declining health meant he was sadly no longer able. John loved his horses and racing and was an enthusiastic member of Somerset Racing who have owned horses with us for several years. John was a lovely man, kind and very interesting to talk to. He had been on many adventures in his lifetime and told us some wonderful stories and knew some fascinating people. We felt particularly honoured when John’s wife Sue and Somerset Racing chief Richard Wilkin asked if they could plant a tree at the top of our gallops in memory of John. The planting of the tree took place last week and it looks lovely alongside one we already have there in memory of former staff member Joseph Coate who passed away at the tender age of 17 in a car accident. There is an accompanying plaque which simply reads ‘John Doble Rode Here 1941 – 2023’, a fitting tribute a great man.
Newmarket Sales
Leanne and I are off to Newmarket Sales this week. Just under 2000 horses will pass through the sales ring in the coming days and there are horses available to suit all budgets. If you have any interest in finding out more please do not hesitate to get in touch This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 01884 840715.
Horses in Training
We have been going through the horses in we have in training at Pond House in recent weeks and while we have been doing it alphabetically we have some new arrivals since we have gone through so I will no attempt to go through some that have not been mentioned as yet in the next few weeks. It is an ever changing team and it is brilliant to have some nice new additions to the yard.
Kauto Kawai
A three year old we claimed from France after finishing second on his career debut over hurdle at Moulins. He ran at Kempton over the weekend where front running tactics appeared not to suit and he faded out of contention approaching the second last hurdle. Still early days for him as we learn about him and he jumps well so am sure we can see better next time.
Kintaro
Arrived over the weekend, having been in training on the flat with Richard Fahey. The three year old has only had six runs to date and has finished placed from 7F to 1m3F without winning. He has a nice bit of size and scope and we will do some jumping practice and hope to have him running in juvenile hurdles soon.
Makanao
Another juvenile hurdler who has won on the flat in France. Made a pleasing enough stable and hurdling debut to finish second at Fontwell but then disappointed at Sedgefield last time where he finished fourth. The application on blinkers may not have suited, neither may have the long journey to Durham but hopefully he can bounce back from this next time.
Placenet
An exciting new recruit from France who is the winner of 8 of his 18 career starts to date over both hurdles and fences and place on another seven occasions. Bought as a potential Grand National horse, the six year old has a lot of potential for staying chases this season and beyond. He has settled in nicely since arriving across the channel and shows a lovely attitude at home and I can’t wait to get him on the track next month.
