WE HAD our 15th winner of the season last week at Worcester when Oceanline won again under a good ride from Jack Tudor.  

He had won at the track over 2m7f on his previous start and had been put up six pounds for that success but that was not enough to stop him and the drop back in distance to 2m4f did not inconvenience him either.  

Jack gave him a positive ride, he jumped well and kept galloping.  Things were getting a little tense in the final half a furlong as he was being closed down but he just did enough and we were on the right side of a photo finish.  

With our other runners, there was a great comeback run at Worcester from Micronormous who had been off the track since May 2023.  She travelled through the race a little to exuberantly and after getting to the front at the last she probably just paid the price and got a little tired on the run in and finished a close third.  

Final Entry ran well under a penalty to be third in the juvenile hurdle at Newton Abbot.   Like his brother, Mr Tambourine Man, stamina is his forte, he is likely to appreciate further in time, and a more galloping track may suit.  

Saucats ran in the same race at Newton Abbot and travelled into contention strongly before weakening from two out.  This is what he has done in France in his races so we will see if we can help him with his wind and then he may be a different proposition.

Jumps racing continues to be limited at the moment and we started  the week with three runners at Worcester on Monday afternoon.  Our next runners will then be at Newton Abbot on Friday when we have entries.  The weekend also looks quiet but keep checking the Daily News section on the website for the latest information.

It was a very busy weekend at Pond House where we hosted 110 members of the David Pipe Racing Club on Saturday morning and then over 150 visitors as part of National Racehorse week on Sunday.  

We have had some great feedback from people who came which is always lovely to hear.  The weather was kind, which also helps, and guests got to see the horses in their stables, see our equine physio Jenni treating a horse and farrier Kevin in action.  Esther was in our lab to explain about blood tests and then everyone watched a horse swimming and loose schooling.  We galloped a few horses on the Wexford Sand Gallop and then paraded a few horses before refreshments were served. 

 The parade both days included our retired stable star Vieux Lion Rouge who loves days like these and being centre of attention!  On Sunday, we also had the pleasure of former Pond House inmate Flou Artsistique back to demonstrate his dressage skills.  He has been excelling in his new career with mounted police officer Amy and he looked amazing in showing off his new skills.  We held a raffle on both days and raised £500 for the air ambulance and so it is lovely to be able to give something to a very worthwhile charity. 

I must take this opportunity to say thank you to the staff and all those who helped in making the day happen and run so smoothly.  The staff were in an hour early on the Saturday to make sure the usual jobs were done and the yard was clean and tidy in time for the doors opening. 

Dave Pipe’s Racing Column