All Systems Go For Dynaste

Unfortunately we were out of luck in the Spinal Research Atlantic 4 Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday, although I’msingingtheblues ran another excellent race to finish fourth under Hadden Frost, in the process picking up yet more good prize money.  He has proved to be a really good purchase from the sales last year, indeed from his six starts this season he has already more than covered his purchase price – there aren’t that many horses that you can say that about, especially in such a short space of time!  He has been on the go for a little while now and will be given a nice holiday before returning to action in the New Year.

Great Endeavour (pictured right) was running a big race when taking off much too early at the ditch on the final circuit, banking it and doing well to stay on his feet.  He was still in contention when badly hampered by the mistake of stablemate Salut Flo at the downhill fence.  He has had three hard races now (including his sensational victory in the Paddy Power Gold Cup) and is another who will be given a well earned rest before resuming in 2012.

Talking of Salut Flo, he was also in the process of running a big race on his return from a long layoff until a terrible mistake three out completely stopped him in his tracks.  He showed more than enough to suggest that he retains all of his ability and despite his spell on the sidelines, he is still only six years old and there should be plenty of other days for him.

Looking ahead to the weekend, we confirmed Dynaste at the five day stage for the Lough Derg Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday and a potential clash with reigning staying hurdler Big Buck’s.  It is a huge ask to beat Big Buck’s, but we will be giving it our best shot – Dynaste is an improving young stayer who more than deserves his place in the line-up.  You cannot be scared of one horse, although realistically we have it to do on official figures.

Lough Derg will continue his love affair with the Berkshire track and its crowds by parading before the race name in his honour.  He won the Long Walk in 2007 when beating dual champion hurdle hero Hardy Eustace in decisive fashion.  He will also be parading before the National Spirit hurdle at Fontwell later in the season – a race he won twice amid emotional scenes in 2008 and 2009 (pictured left).

I am very excited by the arrival of seven new horses over the weekend.  There are some well related youngsters, including geldings by Broadway Flyer and Oscar that are related to former Pond House winners Christdalo and Seven Is My Number.  They are currently for sale, so please feel free to contact me if you would be interested in purchasing one of these super prospects.

My father will be appearing on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 on Boxing Day.  It is a special edition of the programme that will be guest edited by Seb Coe (legendary athlete turned politician) and will also feature Sir Henry Cecil as they talk about methods of training racehorses compared with the training regime that Lord Coe went through whilst competing himself.  Sports presenter Rob Bonnet will be visiting the yard later in the week to speak with dad and the programme should certainly be worth a listen.