- Monday, 15 December 2025 07:56
- Written by David Pipe
Itseemslikeit Winner at Uttoxeter
It has been a good but somewhat frustrating week on the racecourse with literally all of the horses running well but not as many winners as I would have liked! Itseemslikeit was a welcome if a pleasantly surprising winners at Uttoxeter on Tuesday.
He is a giant of a horse who has shown ability but is very lightly raced as he seems to pick up little knocks and bangs which have made him a little tricky to train. The day before he was due to make his chasing debut last year he picked up a bad cut which kept him off games for a long time. By the time he was ready to return we put his chasing career on hold and he did run over hurdles but the ground had dried up and it was effectively season over. He was also to ready to run earlier this season but another little setback when he was entered again delayed his first go over the larger obstacles. Thankfully, however everything aligned to get him on the track this time, the rain and ground came for him and he was very impressive in victory, jumping well and going clear of his rivals with the minimum of fuss. We will see what the handicapper does to him on Tuesday but he has come out of the race fine and as long as we keep him in one piece there is plenty more improvement to come.
So Turenne unfortunately fell at the last hurdle at Fontwell last Monday when having the race at his mercy. Thankfully, with some physio he has recovered well and there is no lasting damage. Similar comments apply to Phantomofthepoints who fell on his chasing debut at Uttoxeter. It was only a two runner race and we had jumped well until slithering on landing at the open ditch, the third last fence and coming down. It was a shame but again he is none the worse for the experience and I see no reason why he will not be back out over fences next time. Purple Owl ran well to be third in his novice hurdle and we will see what rating the handicapper gives him on Tuesday.
We had further third placings on Wednesday when Green Sky ran better following her wind operation at Hereford and filled that position. Later that day, Bashful Boy finished like a steam train on the flat at Kempton in a hot race to grab the each way money. This was more like it from our nine-year-old and there will be easier opportunities for him to return to winning ways on the all-weather in the coming weeks.
Navarau made a pleasing career debut to be third at Taunton on Thursday, running a little green throughout but staying on strongly at the end of the race. American Sniper ran his best race for a while to be second at Taunton over a trip a little short of his best. He can return to winning ways probably over a little further on some decent ground.
Kingston Queen and King Turgeon both ran well in their races at Cheltenham on Friday, finishing third and sixth respectively. While of course I hoped for better it was not to be and hindsight is a wonderful thing. The winner of Kingston Queen’s race put in a performance even his own trainer was not expecting and is now 8/1 in the betting for the Supreme novice’s hurdle. Our mare showed all her usual heart and determination but will be better over a slightly longer trip on that ground. King Turgeon ran well and held every chance jumping the second last fence but weakened slightly from then. It was a tougher race than when he won it twelve months ago and with some help from the handicapper he can return to winning ways.
This Week
Our first runners on this week will be at Wincanton on Tuesday. Shot Boii, Harley’s Pride and Royal Mer make up our trio of runners. Shot Boii runs in the conditional jockey’s handicap chase and Rian Corcoran rides. He is normally very consistent but was disappointing on his seasonal reappearance at Ffos Las. I am not sure he necessarily likes that course and ground I hope he can put in a better performance at Wincanton. Harley’s Pride was disappointing on her hurdling debut at Hereford, she is better than that and I hope she can take a step forward from that this time. Royal Mer makes his seasonal reappearance in the 2m4f handicap chase. He would probably prefer softer ground than he might encounter here but it will be good to get him out and see what he can do.
On Wednesday the action turns to Ludlow and on Thursday we have entries at both Exeter and Ffos Las. On Friday, we have entries at Ascot and Uttoxeter. Keep checking the Daily News on the website for all the latest news on the stable runners.
Support the Hunt Family Fund
On Thursday evening Leanne and I were at Cheltenham racecourse for a lovely evening put on to support John Hunt and his family. We were seated next to Kim Bailey and his wife and he certainly kept us entertained with his stories! The night was of course however about John and his family and helping to support a very worthwhile cause they have got involved with since the horrific tragedy that happened to their family last year. The event was attended by many well-known people from across the sporting world as John commentates on a variety sports, not just racing. The feature race on Saturday was named in support of their fund and it is brilliant to hear that over £250,000 was raised for the worthwhile cause over the few days with John and Amy presenting the prize for the December Gold Cup to the winning connections.
Sam Sutton Memorial Service
On Monday, myself and Pete are attending the memorial service of Sam Sutton in Leicestershire. Sam, was a wonderful owner with me at Pond House and had horses in training in France and loved travelling all over Europe to watch them run. He sadly passed away recently after a short battle with illness. It will be a difficult day for his family and close friends but it will be nice to see them all and reflect on some lovely racing memories we all shared with Sam.
School Holidays & Pony Racing
My children have now broken up for the Christmas holidays and it is great to have Jack riding out in the yard. He has a new racing pony we have acquired from Ireland and he is looking forward to racing in point to points pony races early in the new year, before progressing to the racecourse series which starts more in the spring. We have a pony racing training day here in early January, all riders have to do this to take part in the races and it will be nice to be able to host the day for the west-country children here at Pond House. Jack will then have to ride his pony in three point to point pony races and do a training day in Newmarket in February before we will see him on the racecourse proper. He has lots to learn but rides his pony daily and is very much looking forward to getting going, his Christmas wish list is all about having some jockey gear! Watch this space!
