- Monday, 26 May 2025 10:35
- Written by David Pipe
Ocean Heights Winner at Haydock
Photo Credit: www.grossick.co.uk
Ocean Heights made it two wins in a week when following up his win at Doncaster with an all the way success at Haydock on Friday. Escaping a penalty for the first win because it was an apprentice race, he raced off the same mark and we were technically three pounds ‘well in’ and our jockey was able to claim his full seven pounds on this occasion. This was Jack Dace’s 100th ride and it was great he was able to make it a winning ride; he rode a lovely race from the front, dictating the pace and gradually increasing the tempo up the home straight.
This race was over 1m2f and the previous being over 1m4f but the drop back in trip was no problem and he was pulling away from his rivals towards the line. There are no immediate plans for him to run again that quickly but there are a couple of races coming up at Leicester and Chester next month which could be possibilities, depending on what the handicapper does to him on Tuesday morning.
Last week, Nini Star improved again for experience to finish fourth at Southwell. A couple of our other runners proved a little disappointing but Kepagge can now enjoy a well-earned retirement following his run at Ffos Las last week. Eleven years young, he won five races for us and his owner Sarah Ling from 24 career starts, four over hurdles and a bumper. He reached a rating of 135 at his peak but was limited by a few injury issues along the way. He is a lovely big gentleman of a horse and retired sound and in one piece. He will spend the summer at grass with his owner before we look to find him an active home for his retirement.
This Week
We are quiet on the runner’s front this week but we do travel to Cartmel with First Lord Du Cuet to run in the hunter chase and Tommy Eyston rides. He won his only point to point start at Buckfastleigh last time out and we have been waiting for some rain or he would have run again since. There are seven runners and it looks competitive but I hope he would have a good chance.
Pub Crawl is our only other entry on the flat this week and he holds entries and three different meetings, all Thursday. We will try and pick the best opportunity for him at either Brighton, Carlisle or Chepstow.
For news of the weekend runners please keep an eye on the Daily News section on the website.
GREEN SKY
Last week, Leanne and I enjoyed a good trip to Doncaster sales and it was nice to catch up with some familiar faces. We bought one horse, a great dual-purpose mare called Green Sky by Mastercraftsman. She is a five-year-old bay mare who has won on the flat over 1m1f from just four starts and has a rating of 76. She is yet to win over hurdles but has a rating of 108 and was a close second on her latest start at Ayr last month. The winner of that race has won twice since and the third horse has also won. Her form looks rock solid under both codes and she will be a great fun horse going forwards on the flat and over hurdles. She looks value at £28,000 and is settling in well at Pond House. We would consider selling her as a whole or a half share so If you would like more information please do get in touch on 01884 840715 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Point-to-Point Update
The point-to-point season comes to a close this week and it is fantastic that Rian Corcoran is Champion novice point to point rider in the country. He had a winner riding for Shark Hanlon over the weekend in Wales taking him to 24 winners for the season. He misses the last few meetings having picked up a ban but it is great he is comfortably in front in both the National and Area titles. We did not have any runners in recent days and I am pleased to say Mia Holmes’ family are going to have Sidi Ismael for her to ride point to pointing next season and I am sure they will have great fun together. Royal Defender has an entry at Bratton Down this coming weekend but we will see how much rain they get in the meantime.
