Born in 1981, Bonanza Boy was one of the best staying chasers of his generation and was the winner of 15 races, 1 bumper, 4 over hurdles and 10 chases. His chase wins included back to back victories in the 1998 and 1999 Welsh National. He won the Rehersal Chase, the now, Midlands Grand National and had a memorable victory in the Racing Post Chase at Kempton when he was tailed off and looked likely to be pulled up. Peter Scudamore kept on at him and he ran on strongly to win going away! A wonderful servant to all connections he enjoyed a long and happy retirement with his owners George and Angie Malde near Simonsbath where he was a local celebrity, making public appearances and opening village fetes. He sadly passed away in 2011 at the grand age of 30 and was buried at his owner’s farm.
Bonanza Boy
Celcius was born in 1984 and ran his first 9 races for trainer Ian Balding. He ran an amazing 97 times and won 20 times. Peter Scu won on him 6 times, Dunwoody 3, Dascombe 3, Bridgwater 2, Lower 2, Rory MacNeice 2 (now defends jockeys in trouble) and Nick Moore 2. He also made the frame 32 times. He was not a very big horse but we would like a few more like him!
Celcius is still enjoying himself and can be regularly seen out hunting locally.
Celcius (right) with another ex Pond House racer Captain Jack out hunting
It is great to hear further news of yet another of our old horses excelling in a new discipline. Northern Madrik did not quite fill his potential as a racehorse but he is certainly doing well in his new career. He is only a six year old but has qualified for Hickstead 2008 ex racers. He is pictured below taking part in a working hunter class at the New Forest Show where he was well placed. Well done to him and Helen who now looks after him so well.
Northern Madrik
It was great to hear that former inmate Gaur Du Luc is doing well in the showing ring. He was a recent winner at Hickstead in an ex-racehorses class and is pictured below looking fantastic. He is looked after by David Johnson's daughter, Lisa and she has done very well with him and all her hard work has been rewarded. Well done to them all.
We had heard previously how well former recruit Ishandraz was doing in his new career show jumping and we have just been updated that he recently was a winner at the Three Counties show. Well done to him and all connections who look after him.
One of our former mares, Alikat, was sent to stud earlier this year to be covered by Overbury. It was confirmed last week that she is in foal so next March/April should see the patter of tiny feet. Below is a picture of Alikat (on the left) with her field-mate Nee Lemon Left (Brenda) who is in foal to Firebreak.
Alikat & Nee Lemon Left
Two of our mares, Miss Academy and Canadiane, were sent to stud earlier this year in France. They are visiting Astarabad who stands at the Croix Sonnet Stud in Touques.
We recently visited the mares to check on their progress and pictured below is the stud farm, a beautiful old building in typically traditional French architecture, together with Astarabad and Martin Pipe.
Croix Sonnet Stud
Left: Astarabad and MCP and RIght: (l-r) Canadiane and Miss Academy
Pictured below is Ishandraz, owned by Mrs Julie Reynolds and ridden by Miss Victoria Gregg, riding at a recent show jumping competition.
Ishandraz was at Pond House ran in seven hurdle races, winning at Plumpton and being placed several times. We are glad that he is well looked after and is enjoying his new career.
Ishandraz
Pictured below is Laurel Diver and her new foal born at the beginning of May, a colt by Bollin Eric. Laurel Diver has proved to be a prolific mare producing such excellent racehorses as Mr Cool, Very Cool and Miss Cool, who won many races between them and all of whom were in training here at Pond House. We are sure the future is bright for this new arrival.
Laurel Diver and colt
It was great to hear that Strenue won at the finale of the Witheridge Riding Club's Hunter Trial at Blackdown Hills Cross Country Course last week. Strenue was given a great ride by Holly Clapp.
