RIVER Run Free won for the second time over fences at Leicester last week and is now two from two over the larger obstacles in handicap company. There is more to come from our six year old and he will appreciate an even great test of stamina in due course.
Last week, Vision De Maine ran well in the Sussex National at Plumpton to be fourth. Royal Mer ran his best race of the season so far in finishing second at Lingfield. Lock Out also returned to form to be second at Hereford. Jilaijone was another of our horses to run well from limited runners with a good fourth at Ascot on Saturday.
Our first runner of this week will be Skin Full at Doncaster on Wednesday. He travels north for the second time in the month, as he was an intended runner at the track when the meeting was abandoned due to frost not long before the first race last time!
Exeter on Friday will be our next runner of the week. Lady Balko holds an entry in the Mares Listed chase, while Rouban could make his Pond House debut in the bumper. Back Yourself, Chauffeur Driven and Johannes also feature among our Exeter entries, so keep checking the Daily News on the website for the latest stable information about our runners.
At the weekend, we have selective entries at all of the jumps fixtures. Deeper Blue may make his stable debut in the Ladbroke handicap chase at Kempton on Saturday. Punta Del Este is another who could make his stable debut at Kempton on Saturday.
On Monday, we confirmed Chemical Warfare for the Eider chase at Newcastle on Saturday. Our eight year old has already had a terrific season, winning six races and this represents a step up in grade but he gets in the weights and looks well worth a crack at a big prize. This will be his first try at four miles but he appears as if he will gallop all day but we will find out on Saturday!
Gold in the Rivers has an entry in the last Pertemps Cheltenham qualifier at Chepstow on Saturday. He is already qualified for the final but this looks a suitable race for him on its own anyway.
Our final entry of the weekend is Jaipalentemps at Hereford on Sunday. He disappointed on British/stable debut at Taunton last time but he tackles fences this time. He is a three time chase winner in France and I hope he will improve for a return to the larger obstacles this time.
Jockey Gearoid Harney spent last week at Oaksey House again and further scans results did not bring about the news he had hoped for. He is going to be out of action for a few more weeks and have further tests next month. He is improving every day but cannot afford to take unnecessary risks so more rest and recovery is needed.
I could not end this week without mentioning the passing of Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan, who sadly passed away on Sunday following head injuries sustained in a fall at Thurles.
Sometimes our sport is cruel, just like life but he died doing something he loved. My thoughts and best wishes go to his family, friends, colleagues and all those who knew him.
David Pipe’s column