- Monday, 08 September 2025 11:11
- Written by David Pipe
We had just the one runner last week, Old Bridge who finished fourth over hurdles at Bangor. While I had hoped for a better result I don’t think he ran his true race for a couple of reasons and we know he is better than this. He seems fine after the race, which is the main thing, and I am sure he can bounce back next time.
Things remain relatively quiet on the runner’s front this week but Mancero runs at Newton Abbot on Tuesday. This will be our three year olds second start for the yard and he returns from a break following a disappointing British debut at Hexham back in June. He was not right after the race however, we have given him a little break since then, and he seems in great form at home. He is a little bundle of energy and with some rain having fallen at Newton Abbot, he will enjoy the ground and I am sure we will see a better performance. He is a winner of his sole start in France so has to carry a penalty in a competitive race but I would hope he can be there about.
Hammer Dan is our only other entry of the week at Uttoxeter on Thursday. He will be returning from a wind operation and if he runs, it would be great to get his head in front. He has had a good summer without winning so it would be nice to put this right. There is no jumps racing at all at the weekend but Hammer Dan may get a further entry back at Worcester next Monday so keep checking the Daily News on the website for all the latest news on the stable.
David Pipe Racing Club Visit
We enjoyed having over 100 members of the David Pipe Racing Club to Pond House over the weekend and the weather played its part with some nice warm sunshine. Members got to watch some galloping, swimming and jumping and we paraded a few horses. We held a raffle in aid of the Somerset and Dorset air ambulance and cream teas were enjoyed by all. Best Night, a new recruit from France is one of the horses the members got to see in action while we all announced that Shot Boii and Yggdrasil will be joining the club. That means there are five horses for our members to follow at present, with Kintaro and Lock Out also being part of the group. You can join in all the fun for just £150 for the year with plenty of action to look forward to in the coming months. Please get in touch with the office for more details, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
David Pipe Horses in Training
We have produced a little booklet with all our horses in training for the coming season ahead with a few extra things as well. Copies are available to purchase for £5.00 plus £2.50 postage and packaging with all proceeds going to the Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance. 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. to order your copy.
Stable Staff Golf Finals Day
Best of luck to Gemma who is playing in the NARS stable staff golf day at the Warwickshire today. She qualified after winning an event at Wincanton last month. She plays today off a revised mark so things maybe tough but it will be a great experience and I will let you know how she gets on next week!
Pond House Team
Order of the Dance (IRE)
A lovely five year old who has recently joined us and is settling in well. He is lightly raced and has finished runner up in three of his seven starts over hurdles in Ireland. We are learning about him all the time but he goes nicely at home and we are looking forward to getting him on the racecourse over here.
Pachacuti (IRE)
He won the jump jockeys Welsh Derby at Chepstow last season under Jack Tudor. He finished second twice but did not perform up to his best for the majority of the season. We found a physical issue that may have been effecting him since and we hope to have helped him with this with a small operation over the summer. Goes nicely at home on the gallops and is now handicapped to run well. Likely to mix both hurdling and chasing again this season.
Parchment (FR)
A gorgeous three-year-old gelding by Triple Threat who made a winning career debut at Clairefontaine in June. He jumped and travelled well that day and was very impressive. Bought privately since then he went out to grass when he arrived and will have benefitted from a nice break. One to look forward to in juvenile hurdle races this winter.
Phantomofthepoints (IRE)
The winner of two hurdle races so far and perhaps a little unfortunate not to be more. Started last season with a fantastic run in the stayers handicap hurdle at Haydock to be a close third. Disorientated by the fog at Chepstow at Christmas when throwing away certain victory close to the line before winning nicely at Wincanton. In the grip of the handicapper after but ran well on his final outing at Ayr in April. Relatively lightly raced for a seven year old and I hope there is more to come from him over fences this season.
Punta Del Este (FR)
A talented three-time hurdle winner who joined us earlier in the year. Was not at his best in two starts for the yard after but as summered well and has had wind surgery. Goes nicely at home and with some help from the handicapper there is plenty of fun to be had with him going forwards in some decent races.
