Welcome Back Ruby

I see owner Andy Stewart had to make an emergency landing in his helicopter on the way to Paul Nicholls' Open Day last weekend.  They landed in a field near Portsmouth due to thick fog.  We have had to do that a few times in the chopper over the years.  A quick story.  One day we were flying and a new pilot to us casually said over the radio mic, does anyone know where I am?  Not the sort of thing you want to hear from someone flying a helicopter!  In fact, I told him we were flying along Chisel beach.  I said keep going and we will come to Exmouth and then follow the river to the M5, follow that and then will come to Pond House.  True story!  I did buy him a map!

Ruby Walsh should be in action today at the start of the Listowel festival.  He is booked to ride a horse called Salute Him for trainer Tony Martin.  I would think that Tony would like to put Ruby on a winner so could be one to watch this afternoon.  Ruby has not ridden since suffering a fall on 12th July and has suffered more than enough injuries over the last 12 months.  Lets just hope Ruby now has a clear run from injuries as I love watching this very talented horseman, its good to have him back!

Talking of very talented horsemen, I see that champion jockey AP has sorted out a ghost that he seemed to have in his house.  I think when he has to do a light weight AP looks like a ghost himself.  Maybe his wife Chanelle was seeing his reflection?!  Seriously though  I am glad they have sorted out this problem as it must have been rather scary.

Jumps racing is having its annual few days break this week with no action which I think is brilliant and much needed for all the jockeys, although a lot of them will be riding over at Listowel!  Qulinton holds and entry in the Kerry National on Wednesday but we shall be keeping a close eye on the weather before deciding whether he runs or not.  David has entries on the flat on Wednesday at Haydock.  Frosted Grape and Shallow Bay are both entered but the ground up there is currently soft, heavy in places so we will just have to see what happens. Jump racing returns next weekend with meetings at Plumpton and Uttoxeter on Sunday.

Meanwhile back at the yard things are very busy as we are preparing for the start of the 'proper' jumps campaign, I can't wait!  Below are some more photos of our Pond Hosue inmates on the gallops.

  
                  Buddy Bolero                                         Madison Du Berlais