IT WAS a quiet week on the runners' front since last writing and it has had the ups and downs of what happens in our sport. We sadly lost Happy Helen at Newton Abbot on Tuesday.

She was making her hurdling stable debut in the juvenile hurdle, she was running well until stopping quickly in the race three from home, and she suffered a fatal heart attack. These things are hard to take, especially with a young horse and like with humans, there is usually no warning or anything noticeable beforehand. The only good thing is it happened very quickly and she would have known very little about it.

Steppenwolf did not enjoy the sharper track at Bangor and will be seen in a better light when returned to a more galloping track while Walk of the Roses ran well enough on her second start over hurdles to be third. Myristica had her first run since a break at Uttoxeter on Sunday but did not enjoy the ground which was softer than anticipated.

We started this week with two runners at Worcester on Monday afternoon. On Tuesday, Nibras Gold had his second start over fences in the 2m3f handicap chase.

Our next runners will be at Newton Abbot on Friday. Bashful Boy, Only Fools and Via Dante hold entries so keep checking the Daily News on the website for the latest information on the stable runners.

Last week was the annual Racing Welfare stable staff week where there were various activities across the country to celebrate the dedication and hard work of all racing staff. Without them, there would be no racing and it is great all their hard work is recognised. It is often long hours in all weathers but we have a great team of staff here at Pond House, many of them have been here nearly as long as me and of that fact, I am very proud. We have a great balance of experience and youth and they all gel together to form a team and everybody plays their part.

Leanne and I are off to Deauville sales this week where there is a mix of un-raced, flat and jumps raced horses on offer. We are going over on the ferry from Portsmouth and I recommend a visit to this town if you ever get the chance. If anyone would like to get any more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Email: [email protected]

Last week it was the Derby sales in Ireland with plenty of lovely store horses on offer and while I did not go in person, I was delighted to secure the purchase of one I had picked out beforehand, a three year old by Cracksman who is the full brother of Manuelito who is here at Pond House. Cracksman is an up and coming jumps sire and I rate Manuelito very highly.

The three year old will be broken in now before being turned away for some grass and he is a lovely long-term prospect. He looks excellent value a 25,000 Euros, and he is looking for an owner who will have to be patient but he will be definitely worth the wait and you can even choose his name!

Please click on the link to see some photos of him and his pedigree page- https://www.tattersalls.ie/sales/derby-sale/4DCGI/Sale/DBY24/Main

It was the National Point to Point awards on Saturday evening and well done to Martin McIntyre who won the ‘Moment of the Season’ award. This was for riding his 100th winner aboard Douglas Longbottom at Lockinge on Easter Monday.