JUMPS action returned over the weekend and we had our first runners since the mini-break at Worcester on Monday afternoon and to celebrate we had a winner.
Oceanline became our 12th winner of the season when he came first in the lucky last. Jack Tudor gave him a great front running ride on his first run over hurdles since last October. He had been running well on the flat this summer and enjoyed his switch back to obstacles and jumped well throughout. He quickened up from turning from home and despite his nearest rival edging closer on the long run in he was always just doing enough.
This was just his second win over hurdles but he has an engine and is still well handicapped in relation to his flat ability so hopefully there is more to come. He loves the quicker ground and I am sure we will continue to mix both codes to keep him mentally happy as much as anything as well.
They raced at Worcester again on Wednesday evening this week, and it was a big day for young Jack with his horse, African Lady making her stable debut!
Jack purchased African Lady at the Doncaster Summer Sale last month, the first sale he has ever been to and the first horse he has ever been involved in buying. While he has not ridden the four year old filly he has helped plan her daily exercise routine, been involved with loose schooling her and watching her schooling over hurdles. He has been learning about race planning and all what goes on behind the scenes paperwork wise so it has been an interesting learning experience for him.
Naturally Jack is very excited and expectant as to how she might run so I hope things do go to plan! She has done everything we have asked of her at home and shows ability and has a good attitude. She steps up in trip to make her handicap debut on Wednesday with cheek pieces added so it will be interesting to see how she gets on.
On Thursday, we had entries at Newton Abbot and on Friday we have flat entries at Ffos Las and Goodwood. Keep checking the Daily News on the website for all the latest information on the stable runners.
While Jack and I were on our little trip to Ireland I actually missed the wedding of Chelsea and Simon. Chelsea joined our office team in November last year and married Simon on Saturday 10th August at Charlton House, Shepton Mallet.
A few of our team went to the evening do and a good time was had by all. There were many people from the racing world there as both Simon and Chelsea and their families are all involved in the industry. They met when both working for Nicky Henderson and after a spell with the Tizzard team, Chelsea is now with us and Simon has just moved to the Paul Nicholls yard and will become pupil assistant in due course.
Last Friday evening, we cobbled together a Pipe cricket team to play against a visiting side from South Dorset. It was more of a social game than high-class cricket but it was very competitive and fun to watch!
We posted a reasonable score but were chased down easily enough in the end. The other team was made up of ‘horsey’ people and included top West Country point-to-point trainer Chris Barber among others. It was a nice evening and most went to the Culm Valley Inn afterwards where there was live music to continue the party!
Racing column by Dave Pipe