July News

        Martin McIntyre Award Winner

It was a quiet week on the runner’s front since last writing and it had the ups and downs of what happens in our sport.  We sadly lost Happy Helen at Newton Abbot on Tuesday.  She was making her hurdling a stable debut in the juvenile hurdle, she was running well until stopping quickly in the race three from home, and she suffered a fatal heart attack.  These things are hard to take, especially with a young horse and like with humans, there is usually no warning or anything noticeable beforehand.  The only good thing is it happens very quickly and she would have known very little about it. 

Mr Tambourine Man was trying for his third win in a row on the same afternoon but he did not handle the sharper track.  Kintaro did not run at Worcester on the Wednesday as he had knocked himself and Born in the West unfortunately did not confirm the promise of his Newton Abbot run.  Steppenwolf did not enjoy the sharper track at Bangor and will be seen in a better light when returned to a more galloping track while Walk of the Roses ran well enough on her second start over hurdles to be third.  Myristica had her first run since a break at Uttoxeter on Sunday and but did not enjoy the ground which was softer than anticipated.

This Week

We start the new week with two runners at Worcester on Monday afternoon.  Back in the Bay and Granny Smith both run in the mares bumper.  Back in the Bay is making her stable debut after she was bought at the Doncaster May Sales.  Our five year old has had just the two starts in Irish point to points and was a close second at Curraghmore in April.  She is a lovely big mare by Doyen and is definitely one for the future over jumps but she prefers better ground and so it will be interesting to see how she gets on.  Granny Smith ran a little better than her finishing position suggests on her stable debut in a bumper at Uttoxeter last time.  She has improved mentally and physically for that outing and was not far behind on of the favourites for today’s race in that contest and while she will want further over jumps in time, hopefully she can build on that debut effort.

On Tuesday, Nibras Gold will have his second start over fences in the 2m3f handicap chase.  He ran very well on chasing debut at Ffos Las to be second and although the handicapper raised him for that performance, I think he has a very good chance.  The extra distance round this track will suit and hopefully he can get off the mark over the larger obstacles. 

With no jumps racing on Wednesday, only Perth on Thursday and no intended flat runners in the next few days, our next runners will be at Newton Abbot on Friday.  Bashful Boy, Only Fools and Via Dante hold entries so keep checking the Daily News on the website for the latest information on the stable runners.

Stable Staff Week

Last week was the annual Racing Welfare stable staff week where there were various activities across the country to celebrate the dedication and hard work of all racing staff.  Without them, there would be no racing and it is great all their hard work is recognised.  It is often long hours in all weather’s but we have a great team of staff here at Pond House, many of them have been here nearly as long as me and of that fact, I am very proud.  We have a great balance of experience and youth and they all gel together to form a team and everybody plays their part.  While it is a bit quieter in the yard at present with lots of the horses and staff on holidays, it won’t be long until both humans and equines are back in fully swing and we shall have a staff BBQ to get everyone together and look forward to the months ahead.

Deauville Sales

Leanne and I are off to Deauville sales this week where there is a mix of un-raced, flat and jumps raced horses on offer.  We are going over on the ferry from Portsmouth and I recommend a visit to this town if you ever get the chance.  There is something for everyone with beaches, cafes and shops and even some racing to!  There are horses catalogued to suit all budgets and it is a sale we have done well from in the past.  If anyone would like to get any more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.             

Exciting Store Prospect

Last week it was the Derby sales in Ireland with plenty of lovely store horses on offer and while I did not go in person, I was delighted to secure the purchase of one I had picked out before hand, a three year old by Cracksman who is the full brother of Manuelito who is here at Pond House.  Cracksman is an up and coming jumps sire and I rate Manuelito very highly.  He has won twice impressively for us over hurdles and he just continues to improve all the time and will continue to do so as he is only four.  Manuelito ran on the flat, but this three year old will be broken in now before being turned away for some grass and he is a lovely long-term prospect.  He looks excellent value a 25,000 Euros, and he is looking for an owner!  His new owner will have to be patient, he is a youngster who will need time but he will be definitely worth the wait and you can even choose his name!  Please click on the link to see some photos of him and his pedigree page; he is also a half-brother to Navajo Pass who is a six-time winner and was placed in Graded Company for Donald McCain.  Navajo Indy is another half-brother who has won over hurdles and so was he looks as good on paper as he does in person.  Please do get in touch for more information and we can all dream!

https://www.tattersalls.ie/sales/derby-sale/4DCGI/Sale/DBY24/Main

Congratulations Martin McIntyre

It was the National Point to Point awards on Saturday evening and well done to Martin Mcintyre who won the ‘Moment of the Season’ award.  This was for riding his 100^th winner aboard Douglas Longbottom at Lockinge on Easter Monday.  While he was not present on the night to pick up the award as he is currently on holiday in the Algarve it is a great milestone to have reached.