- Monday, 28 July 2025 15:41
- Written by David Pipe
Callie Coles Visits Pond House
We had just the two runners last week and it was great to get Old Bridge back on track with a good run to finish second at Uttoxeter. He appreciated stepping up in distance to 2m4f on a more galloping track and stayed to the line strongly behind a well-treated rival. On this evidence, we can get his head in front over hurdles soon.
Ocean Heights ran well for a long way in his flat race at Sandown but he has had a busy summer so we will freshen him up and he is handicapped to win again when back in form.
This Week
Jumps racing has a two-week mini-break now and there is no National Hunt action until Saturday 16th August. Bashful Boy does have an entry at Goodwood on Friday in the staying handicap over 2m4f, the opening race on the card and the plan is to run. He ran well to be a close third at Newbury last time and the winner has won again since. This looks a tough handicap and we are just out of the weights but there are only 14 entries with some valuable prize money on offer and we will try and grab as much of it as we can. The handicapper has given him some help and he has run some big races in these sort of races before, like the Cesaraewitch in which he finished fourth. He stays well and fingers crossed he can give a good account.
Callie Coles Visit
Those of you who are really into social media may well have head of Callie Coles who has a nearly 1 million followers on Instagram (calliecoles) and on other platforms, website; www.lifeatwoodley.com. Callie and her family are well known for their exploits with their ponies and animals at home, which include the ponies in the house! They were here filming, working with Great British Racing to produce some footage ahead of National Racehorse Week which is coming up next month. Two of their children, Merlin (8) and Pippin (3) enjoyed watching all what was going on in the yard during the morning before taking their own ponies up the Pond House gallops. Look out for snippets, which will start to be released this week.
Golden Horn x Lady Reset Foal
It was lovely to receive some photos of the Golden Horn x Lady Reset foal who is now three months old. He is growing fast and he is a lovely handsome colt with an inquisitive nature! Mum and foal are being well looked after at Ashbrittle Stud which is not too far from Pond House.
Pond House Team
Betty Bowler (IRE)
A gorgeous filly out of the talented Swing Bowler who we used to train and a half-sister to Phantomofthepoints. Showed plenty of ability at home and was nearly ready to run before a setback last season. Summered well and one we are very much looking forward to getting on the racetrack in the autumn.
Chemical Dave
Our four year old comes from a good jumps family and was doing everything right at home before running very greenly in a bumper at Doncaster on career debut. He will have learnt a lot from the experience and we have given him time to grow and mature since. He is likely to start in another bumper before going hurdling and he could be one to follow this season.
Chemical Warfare (IRE)
Our eight year old had a terrific campaign last season winning eight races and earning himself a Timeform Special Recognition Award. He started by winning over hurdles at Market Rasen off a mark of 75 and went onto win seven chases rising to 120 at best. Super attitude and heart to match he is a pleasure to have in the yard. Can be forgiven his latest couple of runs and we will see a different horse when he returns from a much deserved break
Eton Mes (IRE)
A gorgeous big four year old who has just had the two starts in bumpers so far. He finished third at Exeter on debut and found the ground too lively at Ffos Las on his second start but he galloped all the way to the line that day. Summered well and he is a very nice prospect for hurdling on slow ground this winter.
Congratulations England
Well done to the England women’s football team who are champions of Europe once again after beating Spain on penalties in the final. Leanne, the children and myself have really enjoyed watching the Euros and while my girls are not necessarily aspiring footballers, they have loved following the team and all joy and camaraderie that has gone with it.
