- Monday, 16 August 2021 14:50
- Written by David Pipe
It is great to have the jumps back after a fortnight without any National Hunt action and although we have not had any runners since the return, that is about to change with four runners over the sticks at Worcester on Wednesday. Before that, we have a runner on the level tonight (Monday) at Windsor as in-form filly Lady Reset (pictured above) contests the 1m2f handicap.
- Monday, 09 August 2021 15:23
- Written by David Pipe
Last week was a blank one in terms of runners. Unsurprising really, when you consider that we are in the middle of a two-week summer break from the jumping game. Of course, you wouldn’t think it was summer by looking out of the window! Indeed, Lady Reset was due to run on the level at Haydock on Sunday but the good ground that we declared on, quickly turned soft and had to be abandoned come raceday! It has been the same story today with persistent showers at Windsor making the going unsuitable for her.
- Monday, 02 August 2021 14:20
- Written by David Pipe
Despite the enforced summer break, the routine carries on very much as normal at Pond House. With the vast majority of our winter team now back in from their summer holidays, we are busier than we have been at any other time during the summer. Of course, this begs the question, why does the break not come sooner when the horses are still out to grass? As far as I can tell, this only benefits the jockeys, whilst an earlier break would allow most of the team at home to enjoy some down time as well.
- Monday, 26 July 2021 11:44
- Written by David Pipe
I am pleased to report that compared to some parts of the country, we were able to get away relatively lightly, with the forecast storms of last week amounting to only 6½mm. Indeed, some parts of the south have had torrential rain and flooding. Glorious Goodwood gets underway tomorrow and the ground at the Sussex track is currently soft following 33mm of rain yesterday, whilst I feel for those people in London who are currently dealing with flood damage.
- Monday, 19 July 2021 14:57
- Written by David Pipe
We drew a blank last week but our Newton Abbot runners on Sunday both performed creditably, offering hope of winners to come. Oneonechop and Koi Dodville contested the juvenile hurdle at a sun-baked Newton Abbot on Sunday, filling third and fourth placings respectively.
- Monday, 12 July 2021 14:53
- Written by David Pipe
Obviously, last week was a very important one for me. Afterall, it is not everday that you get married…not a moment too soon a number of people have told me! Indeed, last Monday I was married to my partner of fourteen years, Leanne at a ceremony at Tunnels Beaches, Ilfracombe.
- Monday, 05 July 2021 10:01
- Written by David Pipe
I hope you will excuse the shorter version of this week’s blog as it is my wedding day today! Indeed, if Leanne were to find out that I am penning this rather than practicing my speech I could be in for my first bollocking as a married man!
- Monday, 28 June 2021 15:08
- Written by David Pipe
Although the season is still only young, I continue to be pleased by the form of the stable. Indeed, two winners from three runners last week is not a bad yield at all. Pick Up The Pieces (pictured above) made a winning start for the stable on Monday and we rounded off the week with a winner on the level when Lady Reset made the long trip up to Doncaster worthwhile on Saturday night.
- Monday, 21 June 2021 14:55
- Written by David Pipe
Despite there only being a couple of runners last week, I am pleased to report that those that continue in training remain in good form with a winner and runner-up to show for our efforts. That takes us to six winners for the season and from a limited number of opportunities, I don’t think that is a bad return. Of course, the weather is primarily the reason for this with the elements seemingly going from the sublime to the ridiculous. A few weeks of sunshine turned the ground lightning quick and then a weekend of rain has seen Windsor abandon their meeting this evening!
- Monday, 14 June 2021 10:53
- Written by David Pipe
Koi Dodville wins at Aintree
It has been great to have some lovely warm sunshine in the last few days but it has meant with the ground quickening up everywhere we have not had that many runners, nor have we got many coming up in the next few days. A handful of horses who we were possibly aiming to run have now gone on their holidays as we decided it was better for them to have their break now instead of continually waiting for rain. I see the weather forecast is set to change the middle of the week so it will bring some much needed irrigation for a lot of racecourses however.
