What A Win

Talap Wins at Windsor!

I take pride in every winner we have a Pond House knowing that I played some tiny part in the background. Every winner is special in its own way, but yesterday Talap winning at Windsor was just a little bit extra special.

I can now admit (now he has won!) that I claimed him for from France for my parents! It is something they have never done before and it’s can be a little bit of a gamble, although we always try to do as much homework as possible and reduce the risks. They don’t have a big budget so I was on the lookout for a fun consistent horse that has shown some ability but perhaps would fit within the price limit.  Talap seemed an ideal horse, showing a good attitude in his races in France and always running to a good level of form over the right distances. He was a little bit older (six years old) and in his races he looked very straightforward and had no wearing details in his races. He won a claimer over 1m4f in February at Cagnes Sur Mer very easily. He was in to be claimed for €8000 and we put in a claim above that. Unfortunately for us he defended by current connections that day so we did not get him. The following week he ran  over 1m2f back at the same track in to be claimed for the same money. The drop in distance was not to his advantage on this occasion and he finished fourth. We put in the same claim as we had previously and on this occasion, we were successful . He arrived at Pond house about 10 days later and the family came to see him. Thankfully for me they all liked him and we have all grown to love him in the following weeks. My brother, Darren has been to ride him on several occasions, my father, Gordon sorts his shoes as he is a farrier, and my mother Angela pays the bills! We decided to keep him at Pond house as we wanted to run him on the flat before going hurdling. I muck him out every morning and groom him every evening, I have even ridden him out! I’ve helped David pick his races and lead him up on race days. It was his third start for the stable yesterday at Windsor and I was thrilled he was able to get his first win for us. It was a very tight finish, and we won by a nose! Tom Queally gave him a great ride and his head was down at the right time. We were a little worried by the rain softened ground but this did not inconvenience him. He seems to love his racing and is very tough and genuine. We have done a bit of schooling with him and I can’t wait to see him over hurdles shortly.

American Sniper ran with credit at Kempton to finish third, just missing out on second. He has had a busy season and may just benefit from a little holiday.

Today, we have four runners at Ffos Las, it was due to be five, but Moodofthemoment does not run. Our runners are King Turgeon, Last Quarter, Bumpy Johnson, and Abaya Du Mathan. King Turgeon runs in the 2m5f novices handicap chase at 2:50 pm and Jack Tudor rides. He won nicely at Fontwell on his penultimate start but was disappointing at Exeter last time. He wears first time blinkers this afternoon and any rain they get at the track will be to his advantage. There are eight runners and he is about an 11/1 chance in the betting. I think he will like the track and hopefully the blinkers will have the desired effect, so he can run well.

Last Quarter runs in the 3 mile handicap chase at 3:25 pm, Jack Tudor rides. He is another who needs to come back from a poor performance last time. He ran well at this track two starts ago to be a very close second. If he can put his last run behind him, he should not be far away, but he does come with risks! The ability is there, but he doesn’t always choose to to use it, fingers crossed he will today!

Bumpy Johnson runs in the 4 pm handicap hurdle over 2m4f. Jack Tudor finished second on our gelding at Exeter last time and for me that was a career best effort. He won at this track earlier in the season and a bold run is expected this afternoon.

Abaya Du Mathan runs in the 5 pm handicap chase over 2m3f with Jack again in the saddle. He has been running consistently well of late and has finished second on his last two starts. He won this race 12 months ago from a higher mark and we hope he will enjoy returning to the scene of his triumph. While some of our earlier runners will prefer some rain, Abaya will be hoping it stays dry. He is in great form at home and I am sure he will run his usual honest race.

There are three flat meetings today at Epsom, Wolverhampton and Yarmouth. In Ireland, we have day one of the Punchestown festival to look forward to, but I think that is enough from me for today – sorry for rambling on!

My husband said that is the fourth time you have gone back for dessert. Does that not embarrass you? I said “no I keep telling them it’s for you!”  Have a good day!