- Monday, 05 January 2026 15:18
- Written by David Pipe
The first big freeze of this winter has taken its grip over the country and the racing programme has succumbed to the elements in recent days and it will probably continue to do so for the first half of this week with the next jump racing most likely to be at Taunton on Thursday all being well.
October Hill ran a very promising race to be fourth on her stable debut at Taunton last week. She was the outsider of the field in the mares listed novices hurdle but out-ran her odds and it was an encouraging start to her life in Britain. She is owned by a small partnership and there is a ¼ share still available in her so get in touch for more details, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone: 01884 840715. A quarter share is £10,000 + VAT to include all training fees until the end of the season and it is a great fun way to be involved with no hidden costs and you will of course get your share of any prize money won as well. She has an entry at Huntingdon on Friday this week so get involved for instant action!
October Hill - 1/4 Share Available
This Week
Bashful Boy runs on the all-weather at Wolverhampton on Tuesday and Rob Hornby rides. He runs in the 4.15pm staying handicap over two miles, carrying top weight. This race represents a slight drop in grade from his previous races and after finishing runner up to a useful rival last time out at Southwell he deserves to get his head in front, hopefully this week!
We had entries at Leicester on Wednesday but with that meeting already abandoned Taunton on Thursday looks likely to be the first jumps racing of the week. We have entries here, American Sniper and Best Night and also Penn Avenue entered up at Catterick although that fixture looks to be in some doubt.
On Friday, we have entries at both Exeter and Huntingdon and while both meetings are likely to be on, the weather forecast on Friday looks to be wet and windy so we have that to look forward to!
On Saturday we have entries at Warwick and Wetherby and Gericault Roque has an entry in the Classic Chase at the former, a race he finished second in four years ago off a five-pound higher mark. He has only actually had five runs since then and was due to run in the Madarin Chase at Newbury just after Christmas but we felt the ground was a little too quick that day so have kept him back for this. On Sunday we have entries at Fontwell so keep checking the Daily News on the website for all the latest news on the stable runners.
Pony Racing Training Day
On Sunday we were delighted to host the South West Pony Racing Authority training day here at Pond House. 17 children, including my son Jack all arrived bright and early with their ponies and despite freezing conditions they all had smiles on their races. First came equicisor lessons under the tutorage of jockey coach Rodi Greene before some fitness and team building games. A tack check followed by riding in our indoor canter in groups followed. Our tractor man came in to prepare the gallops but the decision was taken in light of conditions to stay indoors! All the children who came will ride in pony races this year and have to do the training day on the pony they will be riding in the races. These races take place at point to point meeting across the country and Jack is aiming to have his first ride at Cocklebarrow towards the end of the month. He has to take part in three point to point pony races and a training day in Newmarket before he can do the racecourse series which starts a bit later in the year. He has been a good help in the Christmas holidays, riding out every day 2-3 lots and his pony and he really did not want to go back to school this week! It is an important GCSE year for him and he knows he has to pass all is exams or he may have no pony!
Ian Balding
It was sad to hear of the passing of legendary trainer Ian Balding the other day. I remember he came to Pond House to see dad may years ago in the afternoon and he was surprised by all the staff working. The radio playing around the yard was also of particular interest and dad explained it was to get the horses used to noises, like they would get at the races. It was then reported with a picture in the newspaper of loud speakers being installed at Kingslere Stables! When dad saw him at a later date also, he said his staff didn’t like him anymore as they were now working afternoons! Fond memories and my thoughts are with wife Emma, his children Andrew and Clare and all the Balding family at this time.
Ben Bromiley Retires
Jockey Ben Bromiley has just announced his retirement from the saddle and while he was not a member of our team, he did come and ride out for us quite a bit last season and rode in a few races as well. He bows out at the age of 23 having ridden 43 winners and I would like to wish him well for the future.
Point to Point Action Returns
Point to point action returns to the Devon and Cornwall area at Wadebridge on Sunday. We have entered both Ben Lilly and Lustfull Lady in races down there and plan to run both all being well.
