- Monday, 17 February 2025 16:10
- Written by David Pipe
River Run Free Winner at Leicester
River Run Free won for the second time over fences at Leicester last week, putting in another polished round of jumping in the process. He is now two from two over the larger obstacles in handicap company. The winning distance was not that far but he did it nicely and I hope that the handicapper cannot put him up too much for this, though we shall find out on Tuesday! There is more to come from our six year old and he will appreciate an even great test of stamina in due course.
Last week, Vision De Maine ran well in the Sussex National at Plumpton to be fourth. He stayed the extended trip well on his first try and Jack felt he would be worth another go in a marathon chase on a more galloping track. Royal Mer ran his best race of the season so far in finishing second at Lingfield. He jumped and galloped all the way to the line and probably ‘bumped’ into a well-treated rival. Lock Out, also returned to form to be second at Hereford. He got bogged down in the ground at Exeter on New Year’s Day but appreciated the return to a better surface the other day. The last fence was omitted for all the races on the day, which was to our disadvantage with such a long run in. He only just lost out in a battle with the runner up close to the line. Jilaijone, was another of our horses to run well from limited runners with a good fourth at Ascot on Saturday. It was a competitive handicap, in which he raced off top weight and he travelled and jumped well and held every chance approaching two out. It was his first try at 2m7f and he saw it out well enough which opens up further opportunities for him going forwards.
This Week
Our first runner of this week will be Skin Full at Doncaster on Wednesday. He travels north for the second time this month, as he was an intended runner at the track when the meeting was abandoned due to frost not long before the first race last time! I will not start about late abandonments now but hopefully all will be okay this time! Jack Tudor rides and he tackles three miles for the first time.
Exeter on Friday will be our next runner of the week. Lady Balko holds an entry in the Mares Listed chase, which has attracted some horses from Ireland while Rouban could make his Pond House debut in the bumper. Back Yourself, Chauffeur Driven and Johannes also feature amongst our Exeter entries so keep checking the Daily News on the website for the latest stable information.
At the weekend, we have selective entries at all of the jumps fixtures. Deeper Blue may make his stable debut in the Ladbroke handicap chase at Kempton on Saturday. He is a relatively new recruit to the yard who has some good form in the book and has pleased me at home since arriving. We might me chucking him in at the deep end if he runs at Kempton but there is some great prize money on offer and we shall be looking to get as much of it as we can if he runs. Punta Del Este is another who could make his stable debut at Kempton on Saturday. Another new recruit to me, he also has some good form and wins to his name. He is a lovely ‘Saturday’ horse, I like what he has done at home since arriving, and I cannot wait to get him started on the track. He does also have an entry in the National Spirit hurdle at Fontwell on Sunday so we will pick the best race for him at the end of the week. This Fontwell race is a race I have fond memories of, with the might Lough Derg having won it twice in his career in dramatic style!
On Monday, we confirmed Chemical Warfare for the Eider chase at Newcastle on Saturday. Our eight year old has already had a terrific season, winning six races and this represents a step up in grade but he gets in the weights and looks well worth a crack at a big prize. He has already won at the track three times before and will enjoy the better going forecast. He has had a wind operation and a little break since he last ran and is in good form at home. This will be his first try at four miles but he appears as if he will gallop all day but we will find out on Saturday!
Gold in the Rivers has an entry in the last Pertemps Cheltenham qualifier at Chepstow on Saturday. He is already qualified for the final but this looks a suitable race for him on its own anyway. He was a good fourth at Carlisle when last in action and he has had a wind operation since so hopefully that can bring out further improvement.
Our final entry of the weekend is Jaipalentemps at Hereford on Sunday. He disappointed on British/stable debut at Taunton last time but he tackles fences this time. He is a three time chase winner in France and I hope he will improve for a return to the larger obstacles this time.
Gearoid Harney Update
Gearoid spent last week at Oaksey House again and further scans results did not bring about the news he had hoped for. He is going to be out of action for a few more weeks and have further tests next month. He is improving every day but cannot afford to take unnecessary risks so more rest and recovery is needed. He is heading home to Ireland this week to spend some time with his family.
Jack Pony Race
Jack had his first ride in a pony race at Buckfastleigh on Sunday. It did not quite go as well as we had hoped in terms of the result but he did very well himself and it was all a great learning experience. His pony, Candy Kisses was bought to help all three of my children learn to ride last summer and she really has done her jobs and taught him how to ride but she is not very fast! Jack only started to learn to ride just over twelve months ago and has come a very long way in a short space of time, a lot of this down to his pony. She is very good but takes a bit of riding and there have been plenty of thrills and spills along the way! The ground was very testing at the point to point on Sunday which was not too her liking but even though we had hoped for better it was not meant to be. Although, initially disappointed, Jack enjoyed it very much, is very philosophical about it all and cannot wait to have another go! It is now school half term and there will be lots more jumping and fun to be had with pony this week.
Jack & Candy Kisses at Buckfastleigh
(Photo Courtesy of Pointing DC)
Cheltenham Sales
There are sales at Cheltenham this coming Friday with a provisional catalogue of 23 horses now online. I shall be going up to see all the horses beforehand so if any horses take your interest from the link below then please do get in touch! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
https://www.tattersallscheltenham.com/sales/cheltenham-february-sale/4DCGI/Sale/CFB25/Main/Lots/
BHA Visit
Last week, we had our surprise, unannounced visit from the BHA vets. This happens regularly throughout the year to all licensed stable yards where they come and do random drug testing on the horses. They take blood and hair samples from a pre-determined selection of horses while also inspecting our medication cupboard and drugs book. It is very much like what is done in many sports and helps give racing the high transparency and integrity it deserves.
Michael O’Sullivan
I could not end writing this week without mentioning the passing of Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan. He sadly passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning following head injuries he sustained in a fall at the last fence at Thurles earlier this month. Although I did not know him personally, the outpouring of tributes from all that knew him show what a well-liked and lovely person he was. I have watched him ride many times and he was obviously a very talented young rider with Cheltenham Festival winners to his name. Sometimes our sport is cruel just like life can be cruel and he died doing something he loved. My thoughts and best wishes go to his family, friends, colleagues and all those that knew him at this very sad time.
