- Monday, 04 August 2025 10:04
- Written by David Pipe
Gericault Roque Back in Training
Bashful Boy was our only runner last week; he ran at Goodwood on Friday and ran a cracker in the staying handicap over 2m4f. He was the outsider of the field but off a featherweight, he finished fourth to get a bit of each way money. The winner was impressive, but take him out there was not much between the placings and it was a good run from our nine year old. The application of the visor has really perked him up in his last two starts and I am sure dropped in grade slightly he can be winning again soon. We will probably enter him in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket again in October. It is an early closing entry race that closes soon, he has run well in the race for the last two years and these big staying flat races really seems to bring out the best in him.
This Week
We currently have no entries in the coming day with jumps racing still on its mini-break but the Daily News section on the website will have all the latest stable information.
Owners Visits
While it may be quiet for us on the racecourse at the moment things are busy at home with all the ‘winter horses’ now back in. The majority have been doing roadwork for a bit now but most will be due to start cantering in the coming days and it is always an exciting time, if you can call it that for all the work riders on board! Some of our horses are ahead of others in their regime so plenty are already cantering in their daily the routine. Our Wexford Sand gallop in invaluable at this stage of their programme as it is a great way to start them off cantering with come continuous steady work. With the weather dry, the sand rides quite deep so it is pretty hard work for them at the moment which helps to keep the lid on their freshness as well! We had several owners come to visit their horses at Pond House last week now they are back in from grass. I think it is a good time to see them and then they can see how they change shape in the coming weeks, as they get fitter.
Geoff Lane
I am saddened to report that Geoff Lane passed away on 30th July 2025 at home with his wife Maz and family by his side following a short illness. Geoff was a much-loved family friend firstly but also one of the best and most respected veterinary surgeons in the World. Geoff has worked with Pond House for many years, specialising in wind surgery and was operating for us as recently as April at the age of 79. He was a great surgeon, dedicated to his art and he nurtured the next generation of vets along the way. He was extremely knowledgeable, especially in respect of respiratory problems in racehorses and in competition horses, indeed he worked at Badminton and other big eventing competitions for many years. He always had the time to explain in the most practical way, what was going on with a horse and it usually combined with a fantastic sense of humour. He was very professional I feel very privileged to have known so such a wonderful man and I was glad I got to visit him last week. He loved his shooting and cricket and we regularly had great times putting the world to rights! He will be very sadly missed. There will be a private family funeral followed by a memorial service at a later date. My thoughts, love and best wishes are with Maz and his family at this time.
Jim Old Golf Day
I am playing in the Jim Old Charity golf today on Monday at Malborough in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund. I enjoy my annual day out on the golf course, I say enjoy… it depends how I play really! I have two teams entered this year and will be accompanied in my four ball by Josh Apiafi and Matt Williams this time along with a secret weapon! The event is very well supported and people like A P McCoy, Mick Fitgerald, Noel Fehily, Fergal O’Brien and Emma Lavelle all have teams entered to name just a few. There are lots of teams and competition will be tough with plenty of banter - I shall let you know we get on next week!
Pond House Team
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 novice hurdling on slow ground this winter.
First Lord de Cuet (FR)
An honourable veteran who is part of the family at Pond House. He has not found winning very easy in recent times but did win a point to point easily at Buckfastleigh in March. He shows all his old enthusiasm at home. Even though he is in the twilight of his career and is now well handicapped so he is likely run again before Christmas and if he doesn’t sparkle he will be found a lovely retirement home.
Gericault Roque (FR)
Very lightly raced in recent times he made a good comeback from a long absence to be third at Windsor last season. He ran well for a long way in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival before not quite seeing out the 3m6f trip. He has some high-class form in the book, including second at the Cheltenham Festival and in the classic chase at Warwick and third in the Coral Gold Cup Chase at Newbury and we are looking forward to him running in the big three mile plus handicap chases this season.
Givehimthehonour (IRE)
A seven year old who won an Irish point-to-point but is yet to win under rules despite being placed several times. He has had just the two starts for us and was not at his best but has now had a long break and shows enough at home to think he can be competitive off his current rating.
Gold In The Rivers (IRE)
Winner of a Limerick Maiden hurdle, he ran well without getting his head in front last season. A lovely big horse, he will go chasing this season and we hope he can progress up the ranks form his current rating.
