- Monday, 06 November 2023 15:16
- Written by David Pipe
Chauffeur Driven was another to make his stable debut in a bumper at Ascot and similar comments apply to him with regards to how he ran and where his future lies. He ran better than his finishing position suggests and was only really getting going towards the finish line have been out speeded as the runners turned for home. The most important thing with the youngsters is how they take their races and come out of them. Both of these horses haven’t left a nut and have taken it in their stride which is all you can ever ask for.
This Week
Our first runners of this week come at Warwick on Tuesday. Kauto Kawai has his second start since arriving from France while Marrakushi makes his hurdling debut. Kauto Kawai finished second in France but was a bit disappointing on his first start for us. I think we got the riding tactics a little wrong in making the running that day and so will be a little more patient this time with a hood added and hopefully we will see him staying on at the end of the race. Marrakushi ran okay in a bumper at Exeter on his career debut and I think he will appreciate having the hurdles to jump.
On Wednesday we have one runner at Warwick and one runner at Chepstow. Pachacuti will make his chasing debut in the three mile handicap chase. He is a lightly raced six year old who I have always seen as a staying chaser and so I am looking forward to getting his season underway after Lingfield was called off last week. I hope that the meeting at Chepstow goes ahead as conditions will be ideal for King Turgeon. He loves the mud and it was not soft enough for him the last day at Ffos las before his holiday. He has summered well and I hope there is plenty more to come from our five year old.
On Thursday Neon Moon and Only the Bold are like to run at Newbury amongst other’s so keep checking the Daily News for the latest information on the stable runners.
Horse For Sale – Fighter Allen
I bought Fighter Allen from an online sale and he arrived at Pond House last week. He is a lovely big chaser, eight years of age and he has some very good form in the book. Rated 137 over fences he can run in some decent races this winter and give his new owner some great days out at the top table. He was won two chases, including last time out at Sligo in September, once over hurdles and once in France and he has some very good placed form as well. He is half-brother to the mighty Envoi Allen and I think he represents great value at 21,000 guineas. If you would like more information please don’t hesitate to get in touch 01884 840715 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Few Days Sun
Last week Leanne and I managed a few days away with the kids on their second week of half term. We booked on the Sunday and travelled on the Monday! We had a lovely little AirBnb in Tenerife and it was lovely to have a few days sunshine. Our trip also included a visit to the Siam water park, I had to be big brave dad to go on a couple of the rides with Jack but it wasn’t my favourite thing to do I have to confess!
As well as Fighter Allen we have another couple of lovely new additions to the yard to tell you about:
Jurancon
A super looking four year old son of Free Port Lux who won an Irish point to point at Portrush last month for Colin Bowe. He had one start previously last season but showed the benefit of a summer at grass this time and won impressively securing him at rating of 93+ which is pretty decent. Bought privately he will run in the colours of Brocade Racing and is an exciting new addition to our team. He is likely to start off in a bumper before going hurdling this season.
Manuelito
A gorgeous three year old son of Cracksman, our first by this sire at Pond House. He has had seven runs on the flat for Richard Hannon and does have some okay bits of form without troubling the judge. Found to be a bit weak and immature so given time and after some pre-training with his owners he looks the part now. Shows and aptitude for jumping and is a nice juvenile hurdling prospect.