THE LAST seven days have been quite quiet on the runners’ front but very busy behind the scenes back at Pond House.

We had owners and visitors at the yard every day last week culminating in about 60 people here last Saturday for those involved with the syndicates we run directly here at Pond House. It was a morning well received and some welcome sunshine was an added bonus. A visit to the local Culm Valley Inn for a refreshment after the stables also proved popular!

It is an exciting time of year now whether you are the sole owner of a horse or just have a small share. This is where we can all dream of what lies ahead on the racecourse this winter with many horses likely to make their seasonal reappearances during October.

Things start to get a little busier this week with Chemical Warfare returning to Sedgefield where he won just over two weeks ago, on Wednesday, as does Pub Crawl .

Exeter host their first meeting on Thursday and despite recent rain, their ground remains on the quicker side of good. We have a few entries but what runs will depend on what the weather does in the coming days.

On Friday, we have entries at Chepstow which includes stable debutants Tuxedo Junction and River Run Free in the two mile novices hurdle. This is the first day of Chepstow’s two day season-opener meeting. Many people regard this as the ‘proper’ start to the jumps season and the Saturday card features the Silver Trophy handicap hurdle and some valuable chases as well.

On Friday, we also have Ocean Heights entered on the flat at his beloved Kempton while over the weekend we have entries at Chepstow on Saturday and Bashful Boy in the Cesarewitch. Keep checking the Daily News on the website for all the latest information on the stable runners.

On Friday at Chepstow, I am sponsoring the final race on the card, the Conditional jockey’s handicap chase over three miles. I have two entries in the race, Lock Out and Dindin so it would be great to win some of the prize money back but I am looking forward to hosting a box full of guests for the afternoon and it is good to give something back to the courses when you can.

Like many industries, you have to keep up to date with protocol and staff training. Three of our members of staff spent the day on Friday renewing their first aid certificates. We are grateful to our staff who volunteer to be first aiders and we have two more members of staff on a slightly different cycle so that we are well covered through sickness, holidays and all eventualities. Accidents do happen, especially when horses are involved but we always try to minimise risk and it is great to have so many first aid trained staff to help if situations to arise.

For those wanting to become involved with ownership we have just launched a syndicate for Seymourjohn, a handsome 5year old bay gelding. He is an athletic horse and measures 16.3 hh, so has plenty of size and scope.

Ultimately, he is a staying chaser but is likely to start in a bumper or novice hurdle .He has a ability and and good attitude; he is fit and ready for instant action!

The syndicate for Seymourjohn will be limited to 15 shares and these are now available at £2k each. Anybody wanting to join the syndicate or find out more should contact[email protected].

Dave Pipe’s racing column