- Monday, 21 July 2025 10:10
- Written by David Pipe
Best Night New Recruit
I have just returned from a nice week in Portugal with the family where it was very hot but lovely to get away for a few days of R & R! Now back, it is now full steam ahead with the horses as they are all back in from their summer holidays and the yard is a hive of activity.
Runners
Last week we just had the two runners on the track; Old Bridge finished a ‘better’ fourth back at Newton Abbot while Hammer Dan finished third back at Worcester not finishing as strongly as we had hoped this time. This week, Ocean Heights is our only entry and he has a possibility under each code, with a flat and a hurdles entry on Friday. He is entered in an apprentice race at Sandown, a course he has run well at before and over hurdles at Uttoxeter. He schooled well at home the other day and we will keep an eye both races and what the weather does before choosing the race that gives him the best chance of winning. Keep checking the Daily News on the website for all the latest stable information. We may look to step Old Bridge up in distance in a race at Uttoxeter on Sunday as jockey Jack Tudor suggested he warrants a try over 2m4f. This is the last jumps fixture before a two-week break where I am sure the jockeys will be looking forward to having some downtime.
Pond House Team
I will now continue to look at the horses we are assembling for the season ahead in alphabetical order; some established names as well as some exciting new recruits in the coming weeks;
Activist
A four-time winner over hurdles from 2m to 2m3f, including twice last season. He handles all types of ground, is a very good jumper, and will go chasing at some point. He is a winner on the flat in France and we may give him a try on the level as well.
Allstitchedup
Just the one run in a bumper last season, which did not quite go to plan, after which he had a small setback. Was ready to run again in the spring when the ground dried up and went against him. He is a lovely big chasing type who won his only start in and Irish point to point impressively. Will start over hurdles but is a staying chaser of the future.
American Sniper
Won a Pertemps qualifier at Newbury last season, his fourth career success over hurdles. Ran well at the Cheltenham Festival and then at Punchestown after and has given his owners some great days out. He prefer better ground and we are looking forward to him going chasing this season.
Bashful Boy
Bashful Boy returned from a winter break with a good run in the Chester Cup and continues to run well on the flat. He did not appear to be enjoying things over hurdles when we last tried him but he is down to a good handicap mark and so I am sure we will try him again at some point. An eight-time career winner there are more races to me won with this likeable horse. Prefers a sound surface.
Belfrina
An exciting young filly with lots of potential for the season ahead. A little green on hurdling debut where she finished second, she looked set to win on her second start only to fall at the final flight of hurdles. She won a listed contest at Doncaster after this and then she finished a close second again at Musselburgh on her final start. She works well at home and has an attitude to match so there is plenty more improvement to come this winter. A winner on the flat at the Curragh from just two starts I am sure she will be on the flat again at some point as well.
Best Night
A new recruit from France who has had just five career starts to date finishing a neck second last time out over 3000m at Lion D’Angers. Comes from a trainer we have bought well from in the past with Night Edition and Paricolor a couple of examples. She shows a great attitude in her races and is a nice dual-purpose prospect for our racing club.
Become a David Pipe Racing Club Member
Our David Pipe Racing Club has had 27 winners and counting and membership to the club is just £150 for a year, which runs for twelve months from the date of joining. Members can expect great fun at an affordable price with regular racecourse runners and the chance of race day owner’s badges. On signing up you will receive a membership certificate, pin badge, pen and key ring as well as information about the racing club horses. You will receive regular training updates, videos and information as well as the monthly in-house newsletter. There is nothing more to pay and all profits from prize money won are re-invested back into the club to acquire new horses. It is a great for yourself and also an ideal gift for any racing fan. Now is a great time to join as members are invited to a Pond House stable visit in September to meet our club horses and all the other horses in the yard, watch horses on the gallops and swim. You will also meet David and his father 15x Champion trainer Martin Pipe. To become a member please give the office a call on 01884 840715 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and a member of our team would be delighted to give you more details.
