- Tuesday, 03 December 2013 07:58
- Written by Chelsea Eggleton
Today there are three meetings taking place - two over the jumps at Sedgefield and Southwell as well as an all-weather flat card at Wolverhampton. One of the first things I do after I have had a look through the paper for stable runners is to see where champion jockey A P McCoy is riding. This afternoon he travels to Sedgefield and he has four good looking chances - he looks like he could have a first and last race double.
- Monday, 02 December 2013 08:06
- Written by Chelsea Eggleton
I thought that Shotavodka ran a cracking good race at Newbury on Saturday in the handicap hurdle under a fine ride from young conditional jockey Kieron Edgar. He was trying to give the winner 3lbs and was beaten only 2 1/2 lengths. I hope the handicapper does not over react to this performance as he did have the run of the race - if he receives a sensible mark, there could be a nice handicap in him. Our Father plugged on to finish seventh in the Hennessy, looking like a Grand National type to me, while Consigliere passed a few beaten horses to finish sixth and pick up a bit of prize money in the 2m1f handicap chase - he could probably do with softer ground and a bit of respite from the assessor.
- Sunday, 01 December 2013 10:21
- Written by Chelsea Eggleton
MCP & Chester with Tom Queally's 'Frankel' saddle
I see the yard has a top new addition to the Pond House team David bought the top lot at Newbury's sale on Friday night, costing £450,000, the second most expensive horse ever bought for jumping at the sales. At that sort of money I am not sure I would want him to come out of his box?! He is called Un temps Pour Tout which apparently means time for everyone. He has some top French form and I am pleased to report he is settling in well at Pond House.
There are just two jumps meetings today, at Leicester and Carlisle but David does not have any runners. The Lucinda Russel yard is in good form and they could be ones to follow at Carlisle this afternoon. I have already mentioned about our trip to London on Thursday for MCP winning his Sir Peter O'Sullevan award but I wanted to mention it again because I have a couple of photos from the day. As mush as it was a wonderful day for Martin receiving his award it was a great day for raising money for charity as well. Myself and Martin are pictured alongisde Tom Queally's saddle on which he rode the mighty Frankel to victory and also AP's boots, which he wore to ride his 4000th winner. J P McManus bought the saddle for £31,000 and AP's boots were bought for £8,000. JP also bought the portrait of MCP for £11,000 and kindly gave it to Martin as well. These were just part of a fantastic sum raised for six charities on the day so well done to all involved.
- Saturday, 30 November 2013 08:11
- Written by Chelsea Eggleton
Our Father
Conor O'Farrell will now ride our Hennessy hope Our Father replacing the injured Timmy Murphy. Our seven year old will run in the colours of the late David Johnson representing the Ives and Johnson families. He has won first time out the last three seasons before he has lost his form so fingers crossed he can make it four in a row! This is a very competitive race however and the winner will need to be at the top of their game. The Johnson family also have an interest in another runner in the race, Rocky Creek so they should be in for an exciting afternoon! David has five other runners on the Newbury card, starting off with No Secrets in the 1.20pm handicap chase. He won two chases last term and has gone up in the weights accordingly but fingers crossed he should go well. Shotavodka, Notus De La Tour and Punjabi run in the 1.50pm handicap hurdle. Shotavodka ran well at Bangor last time to finish second and has Kieron Edgar on board taking a handy seven pounds off his back. Notus De La Tour has been plagued by injuries in recent times but could have and each way chance at a big price. It will be just interesting to see how Punjabi gets on on his Pond House debut. The 2009 Champion hurdle winner has not shown much form in recent runs and has tumbled down the weights so it will be just nice to see some of his old sparkle this afternoon. Consigliere is our final runner of the day and he looks to have a big task ahead of him this afternoon although he will always be one of the Pond House favourites.
- Friday, 29 November 2013 08:08
- Written by Chelsea Eggleton
It looks like being an exciting day's action with four meetings taking place - three over the sticks at Newbury, Doncaster and Musselburgh as well as an all-weather flat card at Wolverhampton. The obvious highlight is day two of Newbury's Hennessy meeting - the stable has four runners, Amigo, Western Warhorse, Tanerko Emery and Vazaro Delafayette. I am particularly looking forward to seeing Tanerko Emery (pictured above) taking on Wonderful Charm - it looks to be a very good five runner novices' chase. Our charge was a narrow runner-up behind Raya Star on his chase debut and was an unlucky fifth in the Greatwood Hurdle next time - he looks sure to give the favourite plenty to think about.
- Thursday, 28 November 2013 07:59
- Written by Chelsea Eggleton
There are three jumps cards taking place this afternoon at Newbury, Uttoxeter and Taunton, also on the menu is one all-weather flat meeting from Kempton. The stable has five runners at Taunton today - four of them, Famousandfearless, The Wealerdealer, Party Girls and Prasina Russata (pictured above, nearside) contest the 1.05pm race, while Bladoun represents us in the 2.50pm. The card looks pretty competitive and it is hard enough to pick winners when the stable has only one runner, but choosing between four is very difficult! They should all run respectably - I guess that is what's called sitting on the fence!
- Wednesday, 27 November 2013 08:01
- Written by Chelsea Eggleton
The yard enjoyed another winner yesterday when Heath Hunter landed the conditional jockeys' novices' hurdle at Sedgefield under young Tom Bellamy. It was Tom's first winner since April following his long spell on the sidelines with injury. Our six year old gelding won with a bit in hand, jumping well and probably idling somewhat on the run-in. He seems to have a really good attitude towards his work and is another nice prospect for the yard. Our other runner yesterday Ainsi Fideles appeared very unlucky as he looked all over the winner until capsizing at the penultimate hurdle. I am sure there will be other opportunities for him.
