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Ascot
By Chester Barnes

I went to Ascot on Saturday which is the first time I have seen the new stand and layout of the course facilities.  I must say I really prefer the old building, which was much more traditional.  I walked into the new building and it's just like a shopping mall, there are escalators everywhere and it seems in complete chaos.  It is probably a nice building but I would think that whoever had designed it knows nothing about horse racing.  It has been built mainly for hospitality boxes and not the Charlie public.  I was with a friend of mine and we tried to get a burger and chips which cost us £8, what a rip off!  To me, it seemed liked the burger stall was taxing us to pay for all the mistakes they had made with the building of the main stand.  All the TV screens in the middle of the paddock kept breaking down and we missed two of the finishes completely.  I went to the weighing room and one of the televisions was broken and the other had rugby on.  I can honestly say that I will not be rushing back to visit Ascot again.

We had two winners on Saturday, one at Uttoxeter, Learning the Blues who scored his first success over hurdles comfortably in the hands of A P McCoy and Saratogane at Ascot.  Tom Scudamore gave the mare a great ride as it wasn't until the second last that she ever looked like winning.  This half sister to our smart hurdler Lough Derg was scoring for the third time over hurdles this season. 2nd Apr '07

                                                        
                                         Inside the new Ascot Stand                                        Saratogane

Start of the Flat
By Chester Barnes

It seems strange having the Lincoln Handicap at Newcastle - Doncaster has still got the builders in.  It would be good if Gentleman's Deal won.  I wonder what trainer Mick Easterby would be like in the Winners Enclosure?  The person interviewing him would have to be on his toes and very lively with the microphone - Mick can be a bit colourful.  I think that's the word I am looking for.  Whenever myself and Martin went to the sales he would always seek us out and tell us about all his great betting gambles of the past.  Some of the things that happened would make a great TV series, not like the series they put on about racing now.  Mind you, Mick is definitely a dying breed of trainer, they don't make them like that anymore.  We are losing the real characters out of all sports - Higgins, McEnroe, Clay, Gasgoine - or maybe I am just getting old!  31st March '07

Mick the Softie and the Brave Medics
By Chester Barnes

What a race Visibilty ran yesterday and he was given a great ride by the jockey who is Mick Easterby's grand-daughter.  Could it be an omen for Easterby's horse Gentlemans Deal to win the Lincoln on Saturday?!  It was Jackie's first win in a hurdle race and she never gave up on our grey and he kept responding well.  Mind you, turning into the straight he looked like he had it all to do, but he seems to like the uphill finish at Towcester and ran on well.  It was was Visibility's first win for two years and his last victory came at the track.  Our other runner in the race, which was a seller, Fontanesi, was claimed by Milton Harris for £6,000, good luck to Milton.  Our best wishes go to Fontanesi's jockey Jenny Riding who was taken to hospital following a fall.  On the next circuit the medical team did a great job in protecting her from a loose horse which jumped the dolled off hurdle and nearly ran them over.  One of the medical staff waved a stretcher and diverted the horse away from the jockey, so very well done to them.  This morning we have spoken to Jenny on the phone and she is doing well and should be out of hospital later today.  She was even talking about riding on Sunday, although she will have to pass a concussion test first!

Mick Easterby phoned Martin and David yesterday following the race and he was over the moon that his grand daughter had ridden a winner.  Jackie could not believe Mick had watched her ride, or even that he had known she was riding, so this just shows what an old softie he is!

We also had another winner at Towcester yesterday in the first race.  Tom Scudamore gave Manx Royal a great ride and coaxed the gelding around.  He managed to get his head in front for the first time over fences and we hope there are more races to be won with him in the coming months as he likes the fast ground. 30th Mar '07

Cheltenham Sales
By Chester Barnes

I see that Kauto Star's half brother Kauto Stone will be on sale at the Cheltenham sales on the 18th April.  It does not always work out that the relation is anywhere near as good as the original but it seems that everyone is prepared to pay a fortune to get a relation, or a horse that at one time lived in the next field.  We had Granville Again who won a Champion Hurdle and his brother was Morley Street so this was one case where having relations would have definitely paid off!  There is also a three parts sister to Denman at the sale.  I wonder who will bid for the two youngsters?  Maybe some of the million pound bonus that Kauto Star won will take a real bashing?!  By the way I just would like to let you all know that my brother was hopeless at table tennis, though I am not sure if this is a good fact or not!

I see there is a team Go-Karting challenge at Sandown Park on the 7th June.  Knowing how most jockeys drive it is not a race I would want to take part in!  I see it is sponsored by IG Index and it is in aid of a good cause, Racing Welfare.  There is an entry form in the office and my only hope is that MCP does not see it.  If anyone has ever seen him drive up our gallops in the jeep, Sandown would not get any insurance for the event! 29th Mar '07

Tommo Has Himself In Stitches
By Chester Barnes

Derek Thompson dropped a sewing needle from his sewing tin and then stood on it.  First of all, what's Tommo doing with a sewing tin - does this big fellow have to darn his own socks?!  Mind you, he does seem to keep putting his foot in it.  It shows you how mean he is - Tommo drove to the North of England with the needle still in his foot so that he wouldn't lose a day's pay.  Someone said to me that's dedication.  I said it's just mean.  They say he's so mean he owes himself money.  Mind you he's needled a few people in his time.  Only joking Tommo!

We galloped some names you will know first lot this morning - Acambo, Celtic Son, Standin Obligation, Wise Owl, Wee Dins, also Cricket Boy.  You will remember his mum, Lady Cricket.  If he's half as good as her he will be some racehorse.  A few went for a walk - Dom D'Orgeveal, Helen Wood, Go Solo, The Sportsman, Vodka Bleu and Pablo du Charmil.  The mist came down on the gallops and it was hard to see.  We had Mandy Cave down.  She's from the British Racing School and checks out the young riders to see if they have passed their exams.  Today it was Coral's turn and she passed okay.  Congratulations Coral.

A new lad that has joined the yard recently is Johnny Farrelly, who has come from Jonjo's yard.  Well, Johnny rode at Sedgefield yesterday and rode a 16/1 winner - Ice Crystal - for K J Burke at Bourton-on-the-Water, Glos.  Well done Johnny.  28th March '07

Gallop Day
By Chester Barnes

Cheltenham winner Gaspara word along sides Prince Bere on the gallops this morning and usual jockey Jordan rode the filly.  Jordan is quite a small jockey and Gaspara is not very big but she does make the filly look like a big chaser!  Gaspara has been entered for Ascot on Saturday.  Another trio who worked together were Desert Air, Madison Du Berlais and Dom D'orgeval who is entered at Newton Abbot on Sunday.  Laustra Bad, Helen Wood and Beau Nash all worked together with the first mentioned horse also entered at the weekend after running a fine race behind Gaspara at the Festival.  In all, we worked 31 horses first lot this morning on a beautiful sunny day at Pond House. 27th Mar '07

                                                        
                                               Gaspara                                      Madison Du Berlais, Desert Air, Dom D'orgeval

Bungee Jump
By Chester Barnes

I cannot believe A P McCoy will do a bungee jump at the Lambourn Open day on Good Friday from 170ft in the air.  One of our owners, Josh from Betfair gave David, Jonothan  Lower and our travelling head lads a bungee jump present as a thank you.  I am not sure that it is a thank you that I would want!  All of them are looking forward to it, especially Jonothan who is fearless!  I am sure if he could get some sponsorship he would give the money to charity!

It was the first ever Sunday meeting at our local track Taunton yesterday.  We had a few runners and although no winners, all of them ran well enough.  Sabre Hongrois was runner up in the first race, a maiden hurdle and Christdalo also ran well under top weight in the novice handicap hurdle finishing a staying on second on ground that was probably on the quick side for her. Yes My Lord was also placed in the handicap chase finishing third under Tom Scudamore.  We have runners today at both jump meetings, Stratford and Plumpton so we are hoping to add to our winners tally for the season, fingers crossed. 26th Mar '07

                                                                        
                                           Sabre Hongrois                                                            Christdalo

Weekend Racing
By Chester Barnes

We've got a busy weekend ahead with runners at Bangor and Newbury today and the first of the south-west's Sunday meetings begins tomorrow at Taunton, followed by Newton Abbott next weekend.  There's sure to be good crowds at both meetings and with five runners from the yard we'll be hoping for some results tomorrow.

One of our owners, Mr Brian Kilpatrick, sponsored The Sabin Du Loir Memorial Maiden Hurdle Race at Newbury yesterday.  Unfortunately one of his horses, Major Matt, who was due to run in the race was a non runner and the race went to the 11/10 Fav Carlitos, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and ridden by A P McCoy.

It's a dull, cold morning here at Pond House, so much for the arrival of Spring!  However, the forecasters predict a better week ahead and I'm sure the horses and all the lads and lasses will welcome some warm spring sunshine.  Don't forget to put your clocks forward one hour tonight.  24th March '07

Was It a Lunar Landing or a Crystal Ball for the Mighty Quinn?
(William will like that!)
By Chester Barnes

When Lunar Crystal won the Claimer at Ludlow yesterday, it was Robert Quinn's first winner for David.  Robert's brother trains in Ireland.  I thought Robert gave Lunar Crystal a good race.  He can be a bit tricky sometimes, a bit like his owner at golf!  I must say it was good thinking on David's part to use Robert and take 10lbs off his back.  Robert can claim this amount because he works in the yard.  They tell me there were about fifteen claims in for the second horse, L'Oudon at £10,000.  In the end John Spearing was his successful claimant.  I think the second, L'Oudon, has his own ideas about the game and I bet connections were pleased to get rid of the beast. 
23rd March '07

Lunar Crystal & Robert Quinn

Gallops
By Chester Barnes

We have topped up our all weather gallop with new wood chips and it always looks so light in colour for the first few days.  I do not care what other people say but I think that wood chip is the best surface for galloping horses at home.  We have had no problems with it and have produced many winners over the years.  It is quite cold here at Pond House this morning as you can see from the steam coming off the horses.  We also schooled a few horses including Prince Ary and Nobody Tells Me over hurdles and they are pictured below.  Jonothan Lower and Andrew Glassonbury are the jockeys on board.  22nd Mar '07

                                               
                                 Prince Ary & Nobody Tells Me                             String on the Gallops

Conditionals
By Chester Barnes

It is a great achievement for Tom O'Brien to have ridden 92 winners this season as a conditional jockey.  He rode a treble at Warwick yesterday to beat Joe Tizzard's existing record.  He has a good stable behind him in Philip Hobbs' and he gets a lot of rides for the Peter Bowen yard as well.  He has plenty of experience and in his younger days he used to ride out a Ballydoyle so he is used to riding top class horses.  I like AP's remarks in the Racing Post about the fact that statistics do not lie and the record is in black and white print!  I would not think that it will be long before someone snaps him up as first jockey, as remember at Hobbs' he shares the rides with Richard Johnson.  We have had some good conditionals at our yard including Tom Scudamore, Jonothan Lower, Martin Foster and Jamie Moore.  I think our current conditional Andrew Glassonbury is also very good.

Jockey's Decision
By Chester Barnes

I think that the flat jockeys should be able to make their own mind up about how many meetings they can ride at each week.  They are now being told they can only ride at 9 meetings every 7 days.  They have brought the measure in as a trial but do they think the jockeys do not know when they are fit to ride?  Seb Sanders who rode 50 winners in July and August last year says it will affect him a great deal.  I say leave it to the jockeys. 21st Mar '07

On the Gallops
By Chester Barnes

It was very windy on the gallops this morning, in fact I could only just stand still to take the photos!  We galloped quite a few this morning and I managed to capture three winners working together - Prince Ary, Nike Walker and Raslan.  This week is a time to draw breath from the excitement of last week at Cheltenham and we can now look forward to next month and the Grand National meeting.  I do love this time of year.  20th Mar '07

Prince Ary, Nike Walker, Raslan

Highway Robbery
By Chester Barnes

Sunderlands the bookmakers who sponsored the Imperial Cup at Sandown put up a £75,000 bonus if the winner went on to win a race at the Festival.  As you know, Gaspara managed the feat after winning the Imperial Cup she then won the Fred Winter Juvenile Novice's Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham.  MCP owns the filly and if I was Sunderlands I would make MCP wear a mask!  It is the third time Martin has been involved it taking the Bonus, previously having trained Olympian ridden by Peter Scudamore and Blowing Wind and A P McCoy to collect the prize.  Sunderlands came down this morning to present the cheques in which the bonus is shared, with £15,000 to the trainer, £10,000 to the stable staff and the rest to the owner.  Gaspara was on hand for the presentation and she was bucking and squealing as she came out of her stable, I think she knows she has done well and is pleased with herself! 19th Mar '07

The Cheque Presentation

A Star is Really Born
By Chester Barnes

Kauto Star is a star.  He looks a very good Gold Cup winner.  He did make his usual mistake at the last but he is very clever, never looked like falling and seems to get away with it.  His prize money winnings are now £1,846,548.00 which includes the 1 million pound bonus put up by Betfair for winning the Betfair Chase, King George and now the Gold Cup.  Well done to Paul Nicholls for running their star so often.  Normally these type of horses are nursed and only run a couple of times in the season but this horse is fantastic.  I bet owner Clive Snith will be hitting the golf ball a lot longer this week, that is if he is not carrying all his winnings around with him!  Kauto Star will be the first horse to win £2 million  in a season because he will win the Order of Merit which carries a £200,00 first prize.  Well done to all his connections.

David said it would be great to have a Festival winner in his first season and it was fantastic to see Gaspara do the business on the first day.  In all, David has had a great first season (and it is not over yet) with over a 100 winners, and still rising.  I think he now needs to improve the standard of his horses so he can compete in all the big prize money races and this is also the only way you can challenge to be Champion Trainer.  So he needs some more big owners, any ideas, or better still do you need a good horse?! 17th Mar '07

Wichita Lineman & A P McCoy Following Their Victory

Cheltenham Second
By Chester Barnes

Our Vic ran a cracker in the Ryanair Chase yesterday.  He dropped himself out half way through the race but once Timmy Murphy gave him a few reminders he picked up really well and I think he would have won in another few strides.  Quite a few of the runners were hampered when Crozan fell but that is racing and Our Vic's next run could be at Aintree.

Our Vic

I thought Paddy Brennan gave Inglis Drever a peach of a ride in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.  He really earnt his riding fee as he was pushing and scrubbing the eight year old for nearly the whole 3 miles. In fact the only time he looked like winning was half way up the run-in.  I expect he traded at very high prices in running on the exchanges.

The Gold Cup today looks very interesting.  I cannot remember a horse like Kauto Star running before.  He has won all five of his starts this season, but the mistakes he makes have made the bookmakers want to take him on.  They obviously think they of got a chance of getting him beaten.  I am going for the Cheltenham specialist Exotic Dancer to win and it could be a good day for A P McCoy as he has also got good chances on Wichita Lineman and Osana in the last. 16th Mar '07

Quiet Day
By Chester Barnes

We could have turned out a good golf team at the Festival yesterday.  We had David Howells and Robbie Colls in our marquee and when I went outside I spotted Padraig Harrington with Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke.  We nearly had the Ryder Cup team at Cheltenham!  It was a quiet day for us yesterday.  Well Chief over jumped and fell which is such a shame as he looked a million dollars.  They seemed to be really motoring as you would expect in the Queen Mother Champion Chase and it looked like a speed fall to me.  It was very quiet in the marquee after this race.

We had A P McCoy in our marquee before racing talking about his chances, mind you he is still looking for his first winner.  However, these days he does seem very relaxed, quite different from years gone by when he was quite uptight!  We also had motor mouth Matt Chapman in with us, he must spend a fortune on fake tans!  Most of our guests seemed to have a really enjoyable day and if we could have a winner today it would be nice.  We have several runners at fairly big odds today and they could be each way bets.  Vodka Bleu and Not left Yet are quite big prices.  I think if Our Vic runs to his best form he will win so let us keep our fingers crossed.  I would also like to let everybody know that Well Chief is absolutely fine this morning following his fall which is good news. 15th Mar '07

                                              
                                      Martin Pipe & David Howells                             Padraig Harrington & Chester

Gaspara Again!
By Chester Barnes

What a day at Cheltenham yesterday.  Gaspara won and gave David his first Festival winner.  Our filly jumped out and ran them ragged and what a little star she is.  Last night her owner was unbearable and he made everybody watch the replay 14 times! In fact by the end he had managed to convince me that she had grown 2 hands taller!  I thought Andrew gave Gaspara a very positive ride and we were quite confident that she would win.  We had a few drinks to celebrate last night.  Well I think we had a few drinks with staff down the pub, although to tell you the truth I cannot remember a lot about last night apart from the owner gloating!

What a day it was for MCP yesterday, he was inducted into the hall of fame along sides racing greats such as Desert Orchid, Best Mate and David Nicholson.  After Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival David is leading trainer and Andrew Glassonbury is leading jockey, we can only hope for such a good day today.

Today is the big day for Well Chief, he looks a picture so we are just keeping our fingers crossed for a good run and that he comes back safe and sound.  I also think It Takes Time is a big price in the Kim Muir and could be an each-way bet.  14th Mar '07

                                         
                                                  Gaspara                                                             Mr & Mrs Pipe with Michael Dickinson

Noble Bily
By Chester Barnes

Noble Bily won the seller at Taunton yesterday but David had to go to £7,000 to buy the gelding back in.  I thought that was probably enough as he won ok but it did look a poor race.  It is a good start to the week however, one runner, one winner.

Noble Bily

Today is the start of the Festival and to me it is like the Ryder Cup, World Cup and Ashes all thrown into four days.  If you have never been before the atmosphere is absolutely brilliant and when the first race starts the roar that goes up is deafening and like nothing I have heard anywhere before.  Another great sight is when the Irish win a race as the winners enclosure is so full you couldn't even get Jon Lower's wallet into a space, mind you not many people have seen his wallet!

We have a marquee at the Festival and entertain over 100 people each day.  We have the jockey's in at 12.00 o'clock to give their expert selections for the days racing, but some are more expert than others!  We have a competition each day with good prizes from William Hill and Betfair.  One year I remember one of the barmaids winning the competition and we took some stick over that result!  Rock on the first race. 13th Mar '07

Gaspara
By Chester Barnes

Gaspara who won the Imperial Cup on Saturday runs tomorrow in the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham.  She only gets a 4 pound penalty for her win so still runs off a nice weight.  I think that she actually wants further than the 2 mile trip but as you know normally all the Festival races are run at top speed, in fact sometimes they probably go too quick so it will be a help that she stays further than the intended trip.  Our filly just did one steady on the gallops this morning to stretch her legs.  The owner will be unbearable should the filly win the bonus, in fact he was unbearable on the gallops this morning!  12th Mar '07

Gaspara Following Her Win

Cheltenham Festival - Day Four - Friday 16 March
By Chester Barnes

We have the following horses confirmed for the final day of the Festival.

2.00 pm - Truimph Hurdle
Laustra Bad ... also entered in the Fred Winter on Tuesday
Pauillac
Raslan ... also entered in the Novices Hurdle on Wednesday

2.35 pm - Brit Ins Novice Hurdle
Joaaci

3.15 pm - Gold Cup
Our Vic

4.40 pm - Grand Annual Handicap Chase
Pablo du Charmil ... also entered in the Arkle Chase on Tuesday
Desert Air
Figaro du Rocher

5.20 pm - County Hurdle
Acambo ... also entered in the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday
Osana ... also entered in the Surpreme Novices on Tuesday
Fontanesi
Wise Owl

10th March '07

More Schooling
By Chester Barnes

Well Chief schooled over some fences at home.  Jonothan Lower was the jockey on board and he was very quick over the fences.  I managed to get the gelding in the picture this time!  It is amazing how many shots of trees and fences I get with no horse in the picture!  We also schooled Over the Creek over hurdles.  Rodi Greene did the steering and he jumped big and bold and attacked his hurdles.  I cannot wait for Cheltenham next week, although David says he wishes it was sooner! 10th Mar '07

                                                    
                                       Well Chief                                                           Over the Creek

Cheltenham Festival - Day Three - Thursday 15 March
By Chester Barnes

We have the following horses confirmed for the third day of the Festival.

2.00 pm - Jewson Novices Hurdle
Milan Deux Mille runs
Desert Air - also entered in Grand Annual Handicap Chase on Friday

2.35 pm - Ryanair Chase
Our Vic runs ... Timmy Murphy rides

3.15 pm - World Hurdle
Lough Derg
Over The Creek

4.00 pm - Racing Post Handicap Chase
Madison Du Berlais - also entered in the Grand Annual Handicap Chase on Friday
Vodka Bleu - also confirmed in the Coral Cup on Wednesday

4.40 pm - Hunt Cup Amateurs
Not Left Yet

5.20 pm - Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
Christdalo
ItsMyBoy
Quick
Team Tassel
Abragante - also confirmed in the William Hill Trophy Handicap on Tuesday

9th March '07

Schooling
By Chester Barnes

Timmy Murphy came down to Pond House yesterday to ride and school some horses.  He rode Bumper horse Sergheyev up the gallops, this horse previously having won a Bumper at Leopardstown.  At the moment David is not sure whether he runs at the Festival or goes to Aintree.  Timmy schooled Our Vic over some fences.  The ground was perfect after a couple of drying days at the yard.

                                
                         Timmy Murphy & Sergheyev                                           Timmy Murphy & Our Vic

David is in the Racing Post today talking about the stables likely runners at the Festival.  The paper is worth buying just to see David with his assistant on the gallops! 9th Mar '07

Cheltenham Festival - Day Two - Wednesday 14 March
By Chester Barnes

We have the following horses confirmed for the second day of the Festival.

2.00 pm - 2m 5f Novices Hurdle
Gaspara - runs Saturday at Sandown, entered in two races
and the Fred Winter
Raslan - runs today at Wincanton
and entered for the Fred Winter

2.35 pm - Royal & Sun Alliance Chase
Dom D'Orgeval

3.15 pm - Queen Mother Champion Chase
Well Chief

4.00 pm - Coral Cup
Penny Pictures
My Immortal
Vodka Bleu
Cantgeton
Go Solo

4.40 pm - Kim Muir
It Takes Time
Classified - also entered for William Hill Trophy (Tuesday) and Jewson Novices and Racing Post Plate (Thursday)

5.20 pm - Bumper
Choumakeur
Kavatcha
Le Beau Bai
Sergheyev ... Timmy Murphy rides

8th March '07

The Build Up
By Chester Barnes

The nearer it gets to Cheltenham you can feel the build up in the yard.  The staff are getting high on the atmosphere which the Festival seems to bring.  I find it strange that the jump season is now 12 months long but it really seems to boil down to from the middle of March to the middle of April, the Festival and Grand National meetings.  At the moment the Cheltenham horses are just ticking over nicely and David is beginning to decide which races the horses are going to run in.  The owners are also getting geared up for the big four days and arranging transport to get to the meeting.  We have a marquee at Cheltenham and have over 100 people on each day.  Most of them have been coming for several years and it is great to see old friends at the Festival.  We have the jockeys each day at 12 noon to give their views on the days racing and it is such a great atmosphere.  It is a great place to have a rest during the day, have a drink and get ready for the next race.  It is a very hectic few days but I would not change it for anything and I am looking forward to it immensely.  8th Mar '07

Cheltenham Festival - Day One - Tuesday 13 March
By Chester Barnes

We have now confirmed the following horses to run on the first day of next week's Festival meeting.

Osana has been confirmed for the 2.00 pm Supreme Novices' Hurdle Race and is also currently entered to run at the Festival on Wednesday in the 2.00 pm Novices' Hurdle Race and in the 4.00 pm Coral Cup and on Friday in the 5.20 pm Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle Race.

Buena Vista runs in the 2.35 pm Arkle Challenge Trophy and Timmy Murphy rides.  Pablo du Charmil has been confirmed for the same race and is also currently entered to run at Cheltenham on Thursday in the 2.00 pm Novices' Handicap Chase, the 4.00 pm Racing Post Plate Handicap Chase and on Friday in the 4.40 pm Johnny Henderson Challenge Cup Chase.

Acambo has been confirmed in the 3.15 pm Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle and is also currently entered to run at the Festival on Wednesday in the 4.00 pm Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle and on Friday in the 5.20 pm Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle race.

We have confirmed eight horses for the William Hill Trophy with Commercial Flyer and Little Brick being the intended runners.

Finally, in the 5.20 pm Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle Race we have entered six horses, including Gaspara who is also currently entered to run on Wednesday at the Festival in the 2.00 pm Novices' Hurdle Race, Laustra Bad who is also entered to run at Cheltenham on Friday in the 2.00 pm JCB Triumph Hurdle Race, and Raslan, currently entered to run at the Festival on Wednesday in the 2.00 pm Novices' Hurdle Race and on Friday in the 2.00 pm JCB Triumph Hurdle Race and runs at Wincanton on Thursday 8th March.

We will provide a daily update from approx. 11 am onwards of our confirmations for the Cheltenham Festival.  7th March '07

Countdown
By Chester Barnes

The countdown to the Festival really gets going today as the confirmations are made for the first day later this morning.  I see the closer we get the shorter the prices are for the horses at Cheltenham.  To me however, how can Black Jack Ketchum be 100/30 for the World Hurdle with one of the firms?  I know all about the heavy ground but this still seams a bit odd to me.  A number of different horses are now being backed for various races and I am sure the expected ground conditions are playing their part. 

It is another glorious sunny morning here at Pond House after some rain and even a light frost overnight.  We have our first runners of the week today at Fontwell after the scheduled meetings at Exeter and Hereford were called off due to water logging  in the last two days.  The lorries set off bright and early this morning with our 7 runners from which we should have a couple of good chances for some winners.  Meanwhile back at the yard the other horses continue their daily routine and preparations for next week.  It is such an exciting time of year and I cannot wait for next week. 7th Mar '07

On the Gallops

Sunny Morning
By Chester Barnes

It is a lovely bright morning on the gallops today after it has stopped raining at last.  As you can see from the photo it is a clear blue sky.  Jonothan Lower is pictured coming down the gallops aboard Dom D' Orgeval.  I see he is as short as 8/1 with some of the firms for the Royal and Sun Alliance Chase and I know that Jonothan really likes this chaser.  If we can get A P McCoy to ride him I think he is a nice each way bet as he is still 12/1 with Betfred.  There seems to be a lot of horses shortening in price as we get closer to the Festival next week. The firms tighten up the betting as it gradually becomes clearer as to what horses are going for certain races.  We are also getting to know what the ground conditions are going to be like, although you would still have to say that at this stage it is still a bit of a lottery.  6th Mar '07

Dom D'Orgeval

Not Singing in the Rain!
By Chester Barnes

I have never seen so much rain come down like it did yesterday.  Coming up to the yard this morning all the fields are flooded, some fields that I have never seen before like it in the 25 years since I have been driving up to the yard.  It was a great Saturday for us, Madison Du Berlais won the big chase at Newbury under a great ride from Tom Scudamore.  He is riding with so much confidence at the moment and it is just the right time of year to be in such great form.

We normally knock the handicapper but he seems to have been just about spot on with Nozic and his mark of 153.  His trainer Paul Nicholls said Nozic did not look a 150 plus rated horse but after Saturdays race he certainly does.  Madison Du Berlais won off a rating of 146 by a neck, good handicapping.  It was also good to see It Takes Time run into fourth place and win £4,272 in prize money.  He is 13 years old now but still enjoys working on our gallops and if he can get placed in these type of races it is good to keep him going.

I thought Orcadian was the most impressive winner on Saturday winning by 17 lengths and he seems to run his best races at Newbury.  They are talking about a listed handicap at Aintree for him next, mind you that is only a week before the John Porter race back at his favourite Newbury track.

David has now trained more winners than any other trainer this season with a total of 110 which is one more than Jonjo O'Neill and 15 more than Paul Nicholls - keep it up David! 5th Mar '07

A Great Morning on the Gallops
By Chester Barnes

It was a great day on the gallops this morning.  The sun was out and all the horses' coats looked great.  Pictured below is David casting his eye over the work the horses were doing.  Lots of the Cheltenham Festival runners were put through their paces.  3rd March '07

David watching the horses work

Schooling Practice
By Chester Barnes

We schooled some more horses this morning on a lovely day down here at Pond House with the sun shining.  We had a slight frost overnight but it did not get into the ground.  Tom Scudamore jumped Yes My Lord who runs tomorrow at Newbury.  Remember, this horse fell last time out he ran, so it is good to get them back in the jumping routine and make sure his confidence had not been dented.  Yes My Lord was that quick over the fences I nearly missed him!

Martin was on the gallops as usual this morning casting a careful eye over the horses and is pictured talking to the string as they make their way back down. 2nd Mar '07

                       
                    MCP on the gallops this morning                                  Yes My Lord

Two Chiefs
By Chester Barnes

Pictured below is David in conversation with Jonothan Lower who is on board Well Chief.  I can tell you that he is working well and the yard cannot wait for the Festival to come.

Well Chief

108

We had another two winners in the mud a Folkestone yesterday which takes us joint top with Jonjo O'Neill in the trainers table for the most winners so far this season with 108.   Paul Nicholls is still leading the trainers championship by a wide margin and is over £800,000 in front of us in prize money terms but it has been a great first season for David.  Christdalo was our first winner of the day yesterday and barely came out of a canter as she notched up her second win of the season under Timmy Murphy.  It was a similar story for Nike Walker who was also winning for the second time this season and ran home a comfortable winner of the concluding race on the card under Andrew Glassonbury. Nike Walker has come out of his race really well and we plan to run him again at Newbury tomorrow.  1st March '07

Handicapping
By Chester Barnes

Nike Walker wins a race and the handicapper puts him up 28 pounds and I am not sure that the handicapper is being fair.  In my opinion he is forcing trainers to run their horses quickly with penalties.  I cannot remember a winner going up 2 stone for just one win, would Nike Walker have won last time out at Market Rasen with this much more weight on his back?  I am not so sure.  He put up Prime Bere 23 pounds for one win and then she got beat next time out.  Mind you, when they can't win off their new handicap marks he is not very quick in putting them down many pounds.  I cannot ever remember horses being dropped 28 or 23 pounds for running poorly.  Normally they go down just a couple of pounds.

What about Lucifer Bleu on Saturday?  His new handicap mark looks harsh to me as well, after being raised 24 pounds for his Wincanton win.  He was the blot in the handicap at Kempton the other day but what happened?  The handicapper will probably say the trip was too far, the race has come too quickly, the ground was wrong or he did not run his race.  He will have all the excuses ready but he will not admit he has put the horse up too much in the weights.

We did more schooling at Pond House yesterday and pictured below is Very Cool leading some youngsters up over the hurdles.  28th Feb '07

Very Cool

"Loss of Chase Track Will Save Jumps"
By Chester Barnes

This seems like a funny headline to me, they are going to use the chase track and famous drop fences for the last time at Haydock on 7th April. They are going to have the chase races on the hurdle course and use portable fences which will allow the chase course to be turned into a spring and autumn flat course.  The thing about Haydock has always been the drop fences and the long straight, they say it will be a lot shorter now.  I know that racing is a business and they say that they get bigger crowds watching flat racing but it is such a shame that money seems to rule everything these days.  They say that if they built a new course now they would not put any drop fences in, but what about tradition?  Let us hope that they do not get flat racing back at Aintree, the National would not be the same with portable fences!  What would a portable Beechers or Canal Turn look like? 

They seem to have messed Kempton up with those bits of all-weather surface you race across and they don't seem to get many people watching their flat meetings down their in the winter.  I remember a few years ago when some of the Devon jumps tracks applied to have flat racing and luckily they were not granted a licence due to something about the straight not being long enough.  If this is the case, lets shorten all of the straights!  MCP tells me about all the tracks that have closed down over the years yet more people go to National Hunt racing, I say lets keep the jump tracks open and leave them as they always have been.

We had winner number 106 of the season at Hereford yesterday when Femme D'avril won her first chase and was given a great ride by A P McCoy.  The mare jumped fantastically and was eased down near the finish to score quite comfortably in the end.  She is pictured below coming back into the winners enclosure.  27th Feb '07

Femme D'avril

Exeter in the Mud
By Chester Barnes

The ground at Exeter yesterday was heavy and they took two fences and two hurdles out in every race.  In one race they actually had a walk over in which the one runner had to just canter past the winning post to collect all the prize money (£6971.80).  It must have been a very good day for the owner and this is a very unusual occurrence in racing.  The yard got back on winning form again yesterday when Le Beau Bai won the Bumper race.  That makes it two out of two for our four year old and Tom Scudamore gave the gelding an intelligent ride.  He set a slow pace in front and then quickened 10 lengths clear in the home straight, in fact eventually winning by 20 lengths and without the horse hardly knowing that he had had a race. 26th Feb '07

Le Beau Bai & Tom Scu following their win

Racing Post Chase - Jockey Update
By Chester Barnes

In view of Reveillez being declared a non-runner, AP McCoy will now be riding Puntal.  24th February '07

Racing Post Chase Update
By Chester Barnes

There are five non-runners in the 3.10 pm Racing Post Chase Handicap at Kempton:-

No 1 - Billyvoddan
No 4 - Hoo La Baloo
No 5 - Reveillez
No 10 - Alderburn
No 13 - Lady of Scarvagh

24th February '07

Kempton Racing
By Chester Barnes

Today at Kempton Park it is big race day - the Racing Post Chase.  Bonanza Boy won this race in 1991 when ridden by Peter Scudamore who came from last to first, pictured below.  The stable also won it in 2000 with Gloria Victus ridden by Richard Johnson carrying 11st 10lb where he made all and won very nicely.  Today we have four runners - in weight order they are:-

Celtic Son - 11st 5lb - Timmy Murphy rides this.  The horse is fit and in great form.  This race has always been his target.  He runs well first time out and should handle the track, the distance and the going.  He looks a much stronger horse this year.

Puntal - 10st 13lb - ridden by Tom Malone claiming 3lb.  He ran a great race last time at Wincanton finishing 2nd to Maletton but unfortunately the handicapper has raised him 6lb for that but Tom Malone takes a valuable 3lb off.  Jockey and horse are in good form and Puntal's main aim has always been the Grand National at Aintree.

Iznogoud - 10st 1lb - Rodi Greene rides.  Third last time out over course and distance and was dropped 1lb.  He was second in this race in 2005 when he was rated 13lbs higher but we would probably prefer better ground.

Lucifer Bleu - 9st 11lb - Andrew Glassonbury rides and takes a valuable 5lbs off so hopefully he will carry a weight of 9st 9lb.  He's in cracking form and won his last two races at Hereford and Wincanton and was raised a colossal 24lb for his Wincanton win so theoretically he would have to carry in this handicap 11st 7lb so he does look a handicap good thing - let's hope he proves it. 

In the 4.45 pm race Windsor Boy runs.  He disappointed last time over fences at Ascot but now reverts to hurdles over 2m 5f and is carrying 10lb less than his chase rating.  AP McCoy rides and make sure you have a wager on this one. 

I hope everyone has a good day at Kempton.  24th February '07

The Wizard
By Chester Barnes

There's a funny picture on the front of the Racing Post today.  It shows Lucifer Bleu jumping into what looks like a big fire.  I hope that's not what I will be doing later on today.  On page 3 their top reporter, James Willoughby, says, 'Has the yard's form book wizard, Chester Barnes, lost his touch?'  It is extremely doubtful.  Mind you, my wife thinks I am a wizard because she says I am always disappearing!  When I think of the Racing Post Chase, I can still remember Peter Scudamore winning on Bonanza Boy.  He was tailed off and myself and Martin thought he was going to pull him up but Scu kept on at him and he ran on strongly to win going away.  It's a funny old game.  24th February '07 

Bonanza Boy

Bibury Court
By Martin Pipe

Flew today to Bibury Court to see a very dear friend, Mary Collier, who has lovely hair and looks marvellous.  Mary's mother used to live in a lovely bungalow at the top of our gallops - where I got married.  My parents then used to live there and it is where our retired Head Lad lives now.   Her mother then moved to the cottage at the top of our drive so we used to see them all regularly and Mary's husband, the local MP, owned our stables and everything around here.

Now Bibury is run by her grandson, Robert Johnston, and Carol & I had an exceptional lunch there today, and I can thoroughly recommend Bibury.  It is well situated for Cheltenham and lots of people stay there so there is a terrific atmosphere. 

Only tonight, Friday, there is a wine tasting event and I believe Willie Carson and Richard and Mandy Pitman are going - unfortunately I had to come back to work!

See www.biburycourt.com or ring 01285 740337.  Mention Martin Pipe and I am sure you will be well looked after.  23rd February '07

     
Bibury Court                                                             Bibury Court Grounds

Will It Ever Stop?
By Chester Barnes

We have had so much rain down here.  I drove up from Torquay past Exeter Racecourse and there were fields there flooded which I have never seen flooded before.  It must be a nightmare for the Clerk of the Course.  I hope Kempton is on, but it's quite near to Sandown which was called off earlier today.  Mind you, Kempton seems to be a different type of ground to Sandown.  You can probably tell I want Kempton on.  I heard that Chepstow and Exeter will be doubtful.  I just wonder what trainers did before all-weather gallops were invented.  You certainly could not gallop up our turf this morning.  Morecombe and Wise were right ... 'bring me sunshine' !!  23rd Feb '07

Youngsters Galloping
By Chester Barnes

Pictured below are a couple of our youngsters working up the gallops.  They are both out of the mare Laurel Diver, which makes them a half brother and sister to our former smart hurdler Mr Cool.  The filly is by Kayf Tara and the gelding is by Sir Harry Lewis so they have the right pedigree's for the national hunt game. 22nd Feb '07

Youngsters out of the mare Laurel Diver

Lucifer Bleu and Little Brick
By Chester Barnes

Regular pilot Sarah Buckley rode out Lucifer Bleu this morning.  He looks in good form and also looks thrown in at the weights for the Racing Post Chase on Saturday.  He has been put up 24 pounds for his win at Wincanton to a mark of 145.  He runs on Saturday off a mark of 124.  I'll leave the rest to you.  Little Brick, another Wincanton winner, also worked with Andrew Glassonbury on board.  Both horses look in good form.  21st February '07

  
Lucifer Bleu & Sarah Buckley    

Little Brick & Andrew Glassonbury

Nike Walker
By Chester Barnes

Nike Walker was a good winner at Market Rasen yesterday, winning like he had Nike runners on!  He bolted up for Tom Scu and he is owned by the Pipe Monkees, though it is lucky for them that he is not a monkey!  I am not sure however about the owners, only joking William!

Nike Walker Following his Win

We schooled some of our Taunton runners yesterday and as you can see below they jumped alright.  Fingers crossed that they run well today.  20th Feb '07

Dada Cup & Beau Nash

100 Up!
By Chester Barnes

It was a great weekend for the stable as we had five winners.  Three at Wincanton, one at Ascot and one at Fontwell yesterday took us to a total of 103 for the season.  The Wincanton winner Little Brick has shortened up for the Grand National and is 20/1 with Boyle Sport but as low as 12/1 with Blue Square.  He jumped nicely around Wincanton and looks safe enough which is what you need at Aintree.  Owner Thomas Barr had a double because Osana also won at Wincanton in the novices' hurdle giving weight away and it looked a very good performance to me.  I thought Andrew Glassonbury gave both Osana and Lucifer Bleu good front running rides.  He reminded me of old Scu at his best and now that is a compliment for Andrew.

It was good to see David Johnson having a winner at Ascot with Marcel.  Our owner in fact sponsored the big race there on Saturday and it was nice to see the horse really enjoy himself and run out a comfortable winner.  Yesterday at Fontwell it was good to see Charlie Wallis win again on Helen Wood.  I don't think I have ever seen a horse going so well turning into the straight at Fontwell.  The filly was running away with Charlie, in fact Charlie knew he did not need his whip and then threw it away!  He will take some stick about this in the yard this today.

The staff are holding David to his promise of a party because he has reached the 100 winners for the season. All in all it was a very good weekend for the yard. 19th Feb '07

Charlie Wallis

Busy Day
By Chester Barnes

It is one of the busiest days of the season for David today as we have 13 runners at three meetings, Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton.  When Martin was training he would never have 13 runners, it would always be 12 or 14 as he is very superstitious but David is not.  The lorries set off early this morning and David fed up before he left to go to Wincanton where he appeared on the Morning line for Channel Four.  David is racing at Ascot today while MCP and myself are going to Wincanton and Jonothan Lower is is off to Haydock.  We do have some good chances in trying to reach the 100 winner mark for the season today so we will keep our fingers crossed.

Paradi won well yesterday at Sandown, battling on gamely for Timmy Murphy.  He went off a good price and he was a tip on our text service.  We also had another winner yesterday on the flat with a first time out horse who won at Wolverhampton.  Text Pipe to 84010 from your mobile to receive my tips today (texts cost £1.50). 17th Feb '07

Morning Line
By Chester Barnes

David is on the morning line tomorrow from Wincanton where Channel Four are broadcasting.  We have a few runners at Ascot, Wincanton and Haydock so we have a busy day ahead.  I know A P McCoy is flying from Ascot to Wincanton and is giving Ruby Walsh a lift in his helicopter (though it is not AP's, it belongs to J P McManus).  AP does not have much time between races so let's hope everything goes to plan and he takes all his intended mounts.  If the race courses get the rain we are currently having at Pond House it could cause some problems as it is absolutely pouring down at the moment.  Let's hope they all miss it as we want racing to go ahead.

David is on 97 winners for the season and we are planning a big party for when he reaches the 100 mark.  Even if he is not having a party, once the staff have read this there will be no going back!  I think 100 winners in your first season deserves a party!

Milan Deux Mille ran ok yesterday finishing third after winning four races on the trot and going up 40 pounds in the handicap.  He is due to go up another three pounds from this weekend but he ran a very creditable race considering he has had  five quick runs.  I am sure he will now have a little break before running again.  Femme D'avril finished second on her chasing debut at Chepstow yesterday.  She looked all over the winner up the straight but she just failed to get up on the line.  She jumped well and handled the ground and so should be placed to win over fences. 16th Feb '07

Milan Deux Mille
By Chester Barnes

What a buy Milan Deux Mille was for owners Fergus and Judith Wilson.  The horse goes for his fifth win on the bounce today at Chepstow.  When he won at Newbury in January he ran off a mark of 102 and his following wins have come off 109, 124 and 128.  Today he races off 142, so you can see that he has gone up 40 pounds for those four wins.  The handicapper forces you to run with penalties as he is so severe in putting up horses when they win.

Young Tom Malone has really done well on the five year old gelding because he is not an easy ride.  Last time out at Kempton, a right handed track, he jumped out to the left and lost many lengths at each of his fences.  In the end, Tom did well to get Milan Deux Mille to win after losing so much ground the whole way round.  Chepstow is a left handed course so it will suit him a lot better today and he could follow up.

Going back to handicapping again, what about our filly Prime Bere who won a donkey race at Kempton last time out.  The handicapper put her up from a mark of 80 to 103, a rise of 23 pounds for one win which does not seem fair to me.  If she gets beaten next time she runs I can be quite sure that the handicapper will not drop her much.  Maybe a pound or two, but would she have won that Kempton race off a 23 pound higher mark, that is the question?
15th Feb '07

National Weights
By Chester Barnes

Puntal has run twice in the Grand National and has run well both times.  He looks nicely weighted and he has been prepared with this race in mind, lets hope he gets in.  I see that a punter has had £10,000 each way on Little Brick at 100/1 and if he should win that means they will collect £1.25 million!  Ladbrokes have shortened the odds to 50/1 while Coral have him priced at 25/1.  Celtic Son is working nicely at home and David will probably run this one at the Cheltenham Festival before talking to owner David Johnson about his plans for the national.  I think that these days in the national with the fences seemingly smaller and softer than before you get less fallers and more finishing the race and the class horses seem to win.  It is a great race and now the countdown to Aintree can begin.  14th Feb '07

Puntal before the 2006 National

Winners Keep Flowing
By Chester Barnes

We had another two winners at Plumpton yesterday which puts David on the 97 mark for the season.  This is some achievement in his first season training.  I thought Desert Air jumped well out of the ground which was heavy and looked dreadful on TV.  I think this horse will be even better on goodish ground.  Our bumper horse Choumakeur handled condition very well and ran out a very easy winner.  He looks a nice hurdling/chasing prospect for the future.

Gallop Day

We have already galloped about 70 horses this morning and Raslan looked to be working well upsides The Sportsman.  Jonothan Lower rode Pauillac who has a very big stride and looks very well.  Gaspara and Kavatcha worked together in some quicker work.  Also on the gallops second lot was Our Vic upsides Tamarinbleu and they both looked in good form.  Pictured below is the string returning from the gallops led by Our Vic and Eddie Buckley and Puntal and Sarah Buckley. 13th Feb '07

The string returning from morning gallops

Well Chief
By Chester Barnes

It was a brilliant performance from Well Chief at Newbury on Saturday.  He travelled well and always looked like picking up Ashley Brook once he turned into the straight.  I thought he handled the ground very well and it was a very good time, just slow by 3.20 seconds.  Just take a look at how much slower the other races were.  He is now in fact as short as 6/4 with a lot of firms for the Queen Mother Champion Chase.  Owner David Johnson watched the race from JP McManus' place in Barbados.  His son Stephen represented DJ at Newbury, and below is a good picture of David, Well Chief, Frankie Sotheran, Stephen Johnson and Timmy Murphy.

Well Chief who was second to Moscow Flyer in the 2005 Champion Chase earnt himself a RPR of 179 that day, which they say is the third best rating in the last 15 years.  I think Well Chief was nearly back to that rating on Saturday. 12th Feb '07

Well Chief in the Winners Enclosure

Malone Double
By Chester Barnes

Tom Malone rode a double at Kempton yesterday.  Prime Bere was a steering job and won with any amount in hand.  David will have to find another race quickly for her.   If she runs soon she will get away with no penalty as this was a conditional jockeys' race.  I think that the Handicapper might be quite severe when he re-handicaps her.

Tom's other ride, Milan Deux Mille, jumped violently out to the left.  Not ideal on a right handed track.  I thought our 5-y-o did well to win in the end.  That's four wins on the bounce for our gelding.  Tom has won on him all four times.  He must need to go left handed in future.  The previous three wins at Newbury, Warwick and Catterick are all left handed tracks.  I still think he could win again.  10th January '07

1, 2, 3 at Taunton
By Chester Barnes

David trained his first ever 1, 2, 3 in a race at Taunton yesterday.  Wise Owl just held on from Ocean Pride with Dada Cup back in third.  The owners of all three horses filled up the winners enclosure.  It looked like Wise Owl just idled in front and David should be able to place the other two to win races.  I think Wise Owl will prove to be a lot better than he as shown so far, especially on better ground.

In the next race I think if Nobody Tells Me had jumped the last two fences he would have won, but he to may also be better on better ground.  The jocks tell me it was as testing ground as they could remember at the track and the times of the races prove that.  Two of the races were over 40 seconds slower than standard and the rest of the races were also on the slow side.  I don't think the ground was good to soft (good in places) which was put up by the officials. 9th Feb '07

                                                    
                    Andrew Glassonbury, Tony McCoy, Tom Scudamore                            Winning Connections & Wise Owl

Well Chief
By Chester Barnes

This is a sight that all jump racing fans will be pleased to see.  Well Chief schooling over hurdles the other day just to get his feet off the ground.  Mind you, he didn't half attack his hurdles.  We then schooled him upsides Lunar Crystal over fences and he was brilliant.  8th Feb '07

Well Chief & Jonothan Lower

Cold Mornings
By Chester Barnes

We had a real frosty morning and in the past we could not have schooled at any time yesterday.  I spoke to Bob Davies this morning and he tells me it got down to -10 at Ludlow.  Does it even get that cold in the Antarctic?  We are only 10 miles from Taunton and this morning seemed a lot milder with no ground frost.  We want Taunton on tomorrow I think.  We have got some good horses running.  7th February '07

Frosty morning on the gallops

Hexham
By Chester Barnes

High class hurdler Dom D'orgeval won his second chase at Hexham yesterday.  It was a slowly run race on very testing ground but he jumped the fences in a good fashion and it was another good learning exercise for him before he hopefully goes to the Cheltenham Festival.  The second in the race, L'Antartique is a 133 rated hurdler and looks a ready made chase winner waiting to happen.

Our other horse who made the trip to Hexham was Cadoulitique but unfortunately he had to be withdrawn and was a non-runner.  He was found to be lame after treading on a screw in his stable at the course.  There was no way he could run and the owners were very disappointed but the Hexham course was very quick to react.  The director phoned David and offered to pay all travelling expenses for the horse which is very good of them.  I was disappointed because I expected Cadoulitique to win.  Looking at the race I think he would have won, but these things do happen.

Racing today has been abandoned at both jumps meetings, Sedgefield and Market Rasen due to frost.  6th Feb '07

Dom D'orgeval Following His Win

Winter Sun
By Chester Barnes

Do they take fences out in France and Ireland when the sun is too low?  I cannot remember in the past when so many fences have been taken out like they have been recently.  I do remember about 20 years ago when Ron Atkins said he was blinded by the sun reflecting in the water jump.  Mind you, Ron did have all the excuses, I actually think he invented most of them!  However he was a very good jockey and could tell you everything about the horses he had just ridden.  I don't know if anyone will remember but Ron always rode with a by RA on his skull cap.

The horses from the yard continue in good form with Whispered Secret running a big race, finishing runner up to Taranis in the big hurdle at Sandown on Saturday and Don't Ask Me winning at Fontwell yesterday.  We hope that the run continues today as we have two runners who have made the long journey to Hexham.  Dom D'Orgeval is looking to follow up his Fakenham success while Cadoulitique is having is first run for the yard after finishing second in France last time out.  Fingers crossed they should both run well.  5th Feb '07

David's 50th Chase Winner
By Chester Barnes

What a day!  David had yet another treble as a trainer.  Milan Deux Mille won his third race on the trot, and I mean trot.  He defied a big rise in weights to win by 3 1/2 lengths.  Tom Malone (3) gave our 5-y-o a positive ride.  It touched 4/1 and returned 7/2 - what a price.  And it was David's 50th Chase winner.  AP rode a double for us at Chepstow.  He won on Gaspara beating the odds-on favourite Classic Fiddle.  Once Gaspara won, you knew our other runner Laustra Bad would run well as the two had form together in France.  The owner of Gaspara tells me it is for sale.  Hope you are receiving our text tips direct to your mobile, you have now had five winners in three days.  Texts costs £1.50.  You just have to text PIPE to 84010 on your mobile phone.  3rd February '07

Milan Deux Mille back in the Winners Enclosure

Leading Chase Trainer
By Chester Barnes

The stable continues in good form.  David has now trained 86 winners.  What is amazing is that he heads the table in Chase winners with 49, and Jonjo has 44.  In the days before David, we would be mainly considered trainers of hurdlers.  Mind you, we did have plenty of Chase winners - Miinnehoma, Bonanza Boy, Carvills Hill, Omerta and Well Chief, just to name a few of them, but we always had more Hurdle winners than Chase winners.  Is the trend changing?  So far 49 Chase winners, 37 Hurdle winners.  Also David is second in the Winners List with 86 winners.  That also must be a record for a first season trainer.  Let's hope the good run continues.

The Grand National entries are down by 29 - mind you, it looks a better quality of horses entered.  David has got six entries.

I see the 100 Greatest Rides is down to the last ten.  AP is in the final ten for his ride on Pridwell when he beat Istabraq in the Aintree Hurdle.  Pridwell was a real character, and AP was at his brilliant best.  I thought Mark Perratt on Run For Free when he got left at the start in the Scottish Grand National was some ride.  I was at the start and he did not do a particularly good job to get Run For Free off.  Lucky he won or I would have got a rollocking from Martin!  2nd February '07

Ride of the Season
By Chester Barnes

My headlines might be a little over the top but I think our seven pound claiming amateur jockey Charlie Wallis carried out his riding instructions to the letter.  David had Charlie in the house yesterday morning watching videos of how to ride Leicester.  Charlie did everything David told him and no one, not even A P McCoy could have ridden Helen Wood any better.  Our mare is owned by Tony and Elizabeth King who had a horse with us years ago called My Cup of Tea who won seven races (Tetley was his stable name!)  Tony said that as soon as David started training  he would have a horse with him so I am pleased that Helen Wood won.  There was a big sign on the office door this morning saying, Charlie is my darling!

Charlie Wallis & Helen Wood following their win

Below pictured is Over the Creek having his final schooling session before he runs at Towcester this afternoon.
1st Feb '07

Over the Creek

Good Schooling Session
By Chester Barnes

Andrew Glassonbury schooled Beau Nash over hurdles this morning.  The 4-y-o gelding jumped very well. 
31st January '07

Andrew Glassonbury & Beau Nash

Taunton Winner
By Chester Barnes

Kavatcha won the Bumper at Taunton yesterday.  Our 4-y-o gelding won the last race in game fashion.  I like the attitude of the 4-y-o.  He saw off lots of challengers and it was a good ride from Tom Scudamore.  The owner of the winner, Martin Pipe, tells me Kavatcha's for sale.  He looks to have a bright future and worth buying.  Give the yard a call if you are interested on 01884 840715. 

I thought Nacadour ran a good race too, only beaten 2 1/2 lengths.  He looks a ready made winner over hurdles, maybe a bit further.  He is also owned by Martin.  31st January '07

Smiles all around after Kavatcha's win.

Morning Gallops
By Chester Barnes

We galloped plenty of horses this morning and Jonothan Lower, Tom Scudamore and travelling head lad Craig Wylie can be seen coming back down the gallops.  Tom was on board Sergheyev a new recruit from Ireland who won a Bumper at Leopardstown.  Jonothan is riding Dom D'Orgeval who won his chasing debut last time out at Fakenham and Craig is riding an un-raced French youngster. 30th Jan '07

Young French Recruit, Sergheyev & Dom D'Orgeval

Rodi's Big Hug
By Chester Barnes

It was a real pleasure to see Rodi Greene jump off his horse, Whispered Secret, after winning at Cheltenham on Saturday.  Rodi and Whispered Secret had given everything and Rodi was on a long losing run of 62 and was so thrilled that his mount had run a great race and given his all, that he just wanted to jump off and give him a big hug - he deserved it - he checked his horse was fine and rode him back to a great welcome from admiring fans.  Rodi really loves his horses and clearly it was an emotional moment and he showed it!

Whispered Secret ran a fantastic race and just held on from the fast finishing New Alco.  It was his first win for fifteen months when he won at the course before.  The picture below is of the happy connections following his victory. 29th January '07

Whispered Secret, Rodi Greene & winning connections

Charlie's Winner
By Chester Barnes

Pictured below is Charlie Wallis who rode his sixth winner, Selassie, at the Tiverton Foxhounds Point-to-Point Steeplechases at Chipley Park, Milverton, on Sunday.  29th January '07

Charlie Wallis

Hardy Result
By Chester Barnes

With Hardy Eustace winning the big hurdle race in Ireland, it was a good battling performance.  He beat Brave Inca by three lengths.  It's amazing that the 10 year old can still win these high class hurdle races.  Mind you, he did win our Champion Hurdle twice in 2004 and 2005.  The win of Hardy Eustace must have put a smile on Philip Hobbs face.  Detroit City beat the Irish challenger a length at Cheltenham last month.  Hobbs now takes his star hurdler to Sandown for the Agfa Hurdle. 

I thought the most interesting winner on Saturday was Kevin Bishop's 'Ashley Brook'.  He absolutely bolted up in the 2m1f handicap hurdle.  He now goes back over fences for his next run.  What is interesting is that the trainer says Ashley Brook was not 100% before Saturday's win.  What will he be like when the trainer gets him fit!

What about the low sun and they had to take four fences out in the home straight at Cheltenham on Saturday.  I don't think I can remember them doing this before.  Mind you, you would be unlucky if you have a good jumper of those fences.  It turned out to be more like a flat race.  Some idiot in the betting shop said it was because of global warming.  He had to blame someone when he tore up his betting slip!  29th January '07

Cheltenham
By Chester Barnes

We drove upsides Our Vic and An Accordion when they did their final piece of work yesterday before they run at Cheltenham this afternoon.  Both seemed in sparkling form.  Timmy Murphy was down earlier in the week popping Our Vic over a few fences and he was good.  It looks a cracking card at Cheltenham today, in fact it looks like a mini Festival.

The Festival hotpot for everyone is Black Jack Ketchum who takes on Inglis Drever today.  Our runner, Lough Derg ran a cracker last time out in the Long Walk hurdle at Ascot and finished second to Mighty Man.  He probably has got place prospects again and it is good prize money with £60,000 up for grabs.

A P McCoy rides a high class flat performer called Mountain.  He must be something special as trainer Jonjo O'Neill has thrown him in at the deep end.  I did tell you he has schooled well earlier on and is fancied to win the Triumph Hurdle.  If he should win today he will really shorten up in price for the big one.  I know AP really likes Mountain, let us hope the trainer has not given him too big a mountain to climb.  27th Jan '07

An Accordion (nearside) & Our Vic

Schooling Session
By Chester Barnes

We had Timmy Murphy down for a schooling session yesterday.  It must have been the coldest morning of the winter so far and you can see the steam coming off the horses at the top of the gallop.  Timmy schooled Our Vic, Miss Academy and Over the Creek and they all looked good.  In form jockey Tom Malone schooled Happy Shopper and he jumped brilliantly.  26th Jan '07

The Horses Steaming Following their Morning Gallop

Future Star?!
By Chester Barnes

Pictured below is an un-named colt by Alflora out of the mare Lady Cricket.  What a racehorse Lady cricket was and if the colt is anything like his mum he could be alright.  So far he has done everything we have asked of him and I am really looking forward to this one running.  25th Jan '07

By Alflora

Notes
By Chester Barnes

I see that Hereford is following Cheltenham's example and is covering the track to try and beat the cold snap.  We are lucky so far down in the west country, all we seem to be getting at the moment is rain, not even frost.  I know my lad had got to fourteen years of age before he actually saw any snow and that was up on Dartmoor.  As someone once said to me, you don't know you have been born living in the west country!

I see that in today's Racing Post, Mountain has schooled well for A P McCoy.  Remember this one was eighth in the Derby to Sir Percy, only beaten six lengths.  I told you all about Mountain last week, I suppose it is better late than never Racing Post!

I also see that Richard Dunwoody is number 54 in the 100 greatest rides for winning the Murphy's on Challenger Du Luc.  This horse had a lot of ability but had to be nursed, especially on the run-in.  Mind you, I bet David would like a few more dodge-pots like Challenger Du Luc! 24th Jan '07

Exciting Weekend Ahead
By Chester Barnes

What an exciting weekend of racing we have to look forward to, so let us keep our fingers crossed that the weather does not cause any problems.  There is a fantastic card at Cheltenham with a lot of top horses entered that are in the running for some of the big races at the Festival in March.  The Finesse hurdle for the young hurdlers sees a number of leading Triumph candidates entered including our horse Pauillac who has done nothing wrong in two starts in England since joining the yard from France.  He is not a definite runner at the moment, as David quoted in today's Racing Post but it will be decided later in the week.  It should be a fascinating race to look forward to.

The big race of the day at Cheltenham is the Letheby & Christopher Chase in which Our Vic has been installed as the 9-4 favourite.  As you would expect, it is a high class field of entries but our horse goes well fresh and seems in good form with himself.  The Cleeve hurdle is another top class contest on the card and a good trial for the Stayers hurdle.  Black Jack Ketchum heads the field followed by Inglis Drever and Mighty Man.  We have entered Lough Derg who ran a great race last time out at Ascot finishing runner up to Mighty Man.  All the races on the card are high class and other horses we have entered include Vodka Bleu, Little Brick, An Accordion, Whispered Secret and Polinamix to name a few, but running plans will be sorted out closer to the time.

There is also a good supporting meeting at Southwell on Saturday which includes the Great Yorkshire chase for which we have a couple of entries, It Takes time and Whispered Secret..  We are keeping our fingers crossed the the weather does not spoil the fantastic racing we have to look forward to.  23rd Jan '07

Cold Spell
By Chester Barnes

I see Cheltenham are taking no chances over the weather and have covered the whole of the track to make sure the the meeting this weekend goes ahead.  It is amazing that they have covered 50 acres of the racecourse which is some area to cover.  It is fantastic that they are doing this because we could see some big stars out at the meeting and it would be a great shame if the meeting was lost because of the weather.  Cheltenham Festival favourite Black Jack Ketchum is an intended runner in the Cleeve hurdle and his regular jockey A P McCoy is hoping to be back riding on Wednesday after giving up his rides over the weekend because of a sore neck.  It must be pretty sore for AP not to ride, however it does not look like he will miss any rides as racing at Ayr and Leicester has been abandoned.  It does make you realise, all this wet weather, how would trainers manage without all-weather gallops?  At Pond House we have a big indoor canter and our gallops are fantastic and are genuinely all-weather and are always in use.  22nd Jan '07

Acambo
By Chester Barnes

I watched Acambo work this morning and our grey looks in good form.  I see he his favourite for the Totesport Trophy and the Tote go 6/1.  He has got 10st 13lb which is a mark of 146 and I think he can win off this mark.  They are talking about a crack at the Champion Hurdle so he would need to win off 146 to even think of Champion Hurdle races.  Remember, Martin won this race with Make a Stand who then went on to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.  Mind you, Make A Stand was the best jumper of hurdles I have ever seen.  He used to prick his ears when he saw a flight of hurdles and really quicken into them.  If Acambo jumps like him he would make short work of the opposition in the Totesport Trophy and it is a race I am already looking forward to.  20th Jan '07

Acambo

New Horse Arrives
By Chester Barnes

Irish Bumper winner Sergheyev arrived at the yard yesterday after winning at Leopardstown just a few days ago.  He is a 12/1 chance for the Cheltenham Bumper but owner David Johnson already has one of the favourites for that race, Seven Is My Number.  Sergheyev came from owner/trainer Eddie Hales who also sold Mr Johnson Vodka Bleu a few years ago.  He tells us this one is better than Vodka Bleu so we have an exciting horse to look forward to as Vodka has won 8 races and has been a fantastic horse for us.  Let's hope that Eddie Hales is correct.

They tell me Jonjo O'Neill has a horse called Mountain that was a very good flat performer and has schooled very well over hurdles.  Let's hope Mountain reaches his peak!

One of our amateur jockey's has his first ever ride in a Point to Point at Black Forest Lodge near Exeter on Sunday.  If you are in the area look out for Jon Bromley!  He schooled Lunar Crystal over fences in the week and he looks ok.  Good luck Jon.  19th Jan '07

Sergheyev

Milan Deux Mille
By Chester Barnes

Milan Deux Mille absolutely bolted up yesterday at Newbury.  Tom Malone gave him a good ride but what was surprising was that he settled so well.  In previous races he had been pulling so hard and giving himself no chance of getting home.  It was the first winner that David has trained for owner Fergus Wilson which is great as well.  I wonder how much the handicapper will put the five year old up for his 14 length win?  Maybe David will have to run him quickly with a penalty?  18th Jan '07

Milan Deux Mille Following Victory at Newbury

Dodgy Weather
By Chester Barnes

I spoke to the clerk of the course at Newbury this morning at 7.30am who said they have heavy ground but did not have a lot of overnight rain.  He tells me they are going to omit a couple of fences and hurdles but let's hope the forecast rain does not get to Newbury as this may cause the meeting to be abandoned.  The clerk of the course is in a no win situation because if they call it off and it does not rain you will get some annoyed trainers.  On the other hand, if they have to abandoned the meeting later on most of the runners will be at the track or travelling.  If this happens then the poor owners still have to pay travel expenses.  Sometimes people moan about the clerk of the courses but I think on the whole they do a very good job.

We schooled a few at home this morning and Tom Scu popped Or Apple's over a couple of plain fences and he jumped well.  He has his first run for us today at Newbury after winning his last couple starts in France.  It is hard to work out the form of the races in the provinces but he does work well at home. 17th Jan '06

Dom D'orgeval
By Chester Barnes

I thought Dom D'orgeval won nicely first time out over fences at Fakenham yesterday.  The tight, left handed course would probably not have been ideal for our galloping stayer but as the race went on he got in to a nice rhythm with his jumping which looked sound enough.  I see that some of the firms have cut him to 10/1 for the Royal Sun Alliance chase at the Festival in March which seems like a bit of an over-reaction to me.  David says he will probably have one more run for experience before then.  I think Cheltenham will suit him but 10/1 looks a very short price after just one chase win.

I see that John West has put up Aussie jockey Jamie Evans for one of the 100 greatest rides on Big Strand at the Cheltenham Festival.  Jamie is a real character and I could tell you a few stories about our former jockey!  He was a typical Aussie with so much belief in his own ability and was not afraid to tell you how good he was!  He was a very likeable lad and he did give the horse a great ride and is now back home in Australia.  16th Jan '07

Lesters
By Chester Barnes

They tell me Tom Malone did Ok in hosting the Lesters on Saturday.  I like A P McCoy's quote about Tom, Pipey will be very upset McCoy began, "he thought if you were any good at this he might be able to get rid of you"!  I do like the picture in the Racing Post as well of Tom with former Emmerdale star Claire King.  I am not sure where Tom is looking but it is eyes down to a full house!  I believe Lester Piggott did not attend as he is still getting over the heart problems he has over Christmas.

We have runners at Fakenham today.  I went there a few years ago with Martin.  I was driving and he said it was just the other side of Newmarket, I can tell you it is a good way past there!  Mind you, we did have a winner so it made the journey home slightly better!  I hope you all phoned the lines on Sunday as we had winners at 9/2, 9/2 and 4/7 so you should have a nice little profit.  Also the text tips are going well, so sign up and get the best bets of the day. 15th Jan '07

Well Chief Progress
By Chester Barnes

Well Chief did a good piece of work with Over the Creek and Little Brick yesterday.  Jonothan Lower rode Well Chief as he is his regular work rider and rides him every day.  Jon tells me he is working well.  I put the clock on the three of them up the gallops and they did a 53 up our all-weather which is a pretty decent time.  Little Brick and Over the Creek also look well and are working great.  I am looking forward to these three class horses running.  13th Jan '07

Well Chief Leading the String to the Gallops

Double at Hereford
By Chester Barnes

We had a good double at Hereford yesterday.  Joaaci won the 3m2f novice's hurdle, he is a lovely big horse who stays well and loves heavy ground.  If the grounds stays heavy I could see him winning a decent long distance handicap hurdle.  Remember he carried 11st 12lb yesterday.  Buena Vista won his second chase and although he only just prevailed I thought it was a decent performance as he hated the ground.  You normally get good ground at the Festival in March at Cheltenham, so at about 16/1 with most of the firms, I would not put anyone off having a small interest for the Arkle.  Remember he can jump and he will be a lot better on quicker.  Let us not forget what a great ride it was from A P McCoy yesterday.

Tom Malone was also amongst the winners again on Milton Des Bieffes.  I thought Tom gave this one a positive ride as the seven year old has won over three miles, so the trip may well have been on the short side for him.  Tom kicked on early enough to make it a real test of stamina in the heavy ground so got the tactics spot on.  They now have the  option to step the gelding up in trip if they want which could also bring further improvement.  I bet owner Nick Shutts is pleased he bought this one as he has had two quick wins now.  12th Jan '07

Windy Weather
By Chester Barnes

I hope everyone has not been blown away this morning after a rough night!  It is very windy at Pond House but thankfully no damage has been done.  We were slightly concerned whether racing would take place at Hereford or not today but they say all the wings are still standing and the wind is actually forecast to drop by mid day so we can look forward to some good racing.  Our lorry set off fairly early this morning with our two runners both of whom should run well.  Joaaci is looking to follow up his recent course win over hurdle while Buena Vista tries to maintain his good start to his chasing career in what looks a good novice's chase.  Fingers crossed for a good run from both horses.

Raslan was a good winner at Wincanton yesterday in the juvenile race while stable mate Learning the Blue also ran very promisingly on his British debut back in third.  Raslan only does as much in a race as he has to so there could be further improvement in him as he has got better with run over hurdles. 11th Jan '07

Chat Room
By Chester Barnes

I like the Chat Room in the Racing Post.  Lester Piggott is no criminal - tax evasion is a national pastime.  I can imagine the old school Newmarket lot sitting round in their plus 4 and cravats and chewing the fat over.  The thing is however, a lot of people agree with them, it should be Sir Lester Piggott.

Happy Birthday

One of our owners is 53 today, Malcolm Jones.  He used to be the joint owner of Pridwell and Moira his wife is seldom seen away from the golf course.  Poor Malcolm, he has to graft while Moira looks for her ball in the rough!  Happy Birthday Malcolm. 10th Jan'07

Good Day at Taunton
By Chester Barnes

MCP had a winner at Taunton yesterday, Gaspara who won the 1.20pm race by 8 lengths.  A P McCoy always says it is harder to win in these colours than any others which shows you how good the filly must be!  By the way I am told she is for sale if anybody is interested.

It was also good to se Marcel winning and coming back into form.  He won plenty of races over hurdles but has struggled a bit since.  He ran well when winning at Plumpton and yesterday he battled on gamely especially as he was giving the runner up 11 pounds who was in fact a well fancied Paul Nicholls runner, the five year old Spidam.  I thought it was a very good performance by Marcel..

David went to Ludlow yesterday and Laustra Bad only just got beaten at 33/1 in the first when he was given a good ride from Tom Scudamore.  The one runner that disappointed me a bit yesterday was Turnberry Bay who I thought would win.  Maybe he did not see the 2m5f trip out and I see the Racing Post say he probably would have won at 2 miles but we will have to wait and see next time. 9th Jan '07

                                           
                                                  Gaspara                                                                       Marcel

Plumpton
By Chester Barnes

I watched Plumpton yesterday and I cannot see how Dance With Wolves got up to win the 2.40pm race.  I backed the horse and I did throw my dummy out of the pram as coming to the last he looked to have no chance but some how in the end he won by 1½ lengths.  He certainly likes heavy ground and the uphill finish at Plumpton.  I see that a punter took 110 about Dance With wolves in running and at one time that looked bad value, mind you he did collect in the end.

Tom Tom

These Tom Tom navigation aids seem to be all the craze at the moment although I do wonder what we did before them?!  David got one for Christmas I only hope he can work out how to use it and make it to Ludlow today!  Mind you he can always just look at the pretty pictures on the map!  Good luck. 8th Jan '07

Sporting Weekend
By Chester Barnes

It is a shame the weather has forced the abandonment of Chepstow today but let us keep our fingers crossed that Sandown goes ahead as this meeting could also be in doubt if they have much more rain.  We have five runners at Sandown and they set off at 7am this morning to get to the track in plenty of time.  Exciting young horse Pauillac runs in the juvenile race and he will like the ground so let us keep our fingers crossed for a good run.  Our other four runners have all got chances as well so we hope racing goes ahead.  It is a cracking card with races on Channel Four including the Tolworth hurdle which will be great to watch so I am praying for the rain to stay away for a while.

We have runners on Sunday this weekend, three at Plumpton including last time out winners Buena Vista and Thirty Five Black.  Iris Bleu makes up the trio and we also hope they don't have too much rain there in case it puts this meeting in doubt.  With the FA Cup on this weekend it is fantastic for sports fans and I will know where I shall be spending most of my time!

As usual all the busy work carries on at home whether there is racing on the track or not.  Pictured below is some of our horses schooling over our fences and they all jumped well. 6th Jan '06

Jumping Fences

Horses Fit and Well
By Chester Barnes

It is amazing that when the horses start running well that it seems everything in the yard runs well.  Yesterday we had two winners and several placed horses.  Helen Wood was second at 50/1 and Reidwil was second at 33/1.  The two winners Saratogane and An Accordion jumped well and won with a fair bit in hand.  The Fontwell fences can be a bit tricky, especially those down hill ones on the far side of the course and our novice jumped them well.  He does look to have a bright future.

£440,000
By Chester Barnes

Lets hope Purple Reign jumps alright today.  They paid £440,000 for the four year old, but mind you money does not make them jump!  Nicky Richards will have a few nervous minutes when the horse has his debut over obstacles later.  I think I would close my eyes at every hurdle and just pray, but lets hope that the man on board, Tony Dobbin does not do that!

It is also good to see that Lester Piggott has left hospital after undergoing tests for a suspected heart problem.  When I had my heart attacks in 1994 Lester got in contact with me which I thought was really good of him.  I agree with what the papers say, Lester should be given back his honour, in fact he should be knighted. 5th Jan '06

Busy Day
By Chester Barnes

We have eleven runners today at Fontwell and Lingfield.  Lingfield did pass an early morning inspection, mind you it will be bottomless at this track today.  Both lorries were loading up at 6am this morning as it takes quite a long time to get to both courses and the boys tell me the drive to Lingfield is not the best.  They have to go on that giant car park, the M25, so you have to allow extra time to get there.  David has got a busy day and had to give riding instructions to seven different jockeys, as well as do entries and declarations and make sure all is well in the yard before going racing.  Who said a trainers life was easy!

I was talking on-line yesterday about Haddon Frost and he had his first winner aboard his boss' (Richard Hannon) horse at Lingfield.  Haddon is only 16 and it was only his third ride, mind you his father is a good teacher and he was a former top jockey, Jimmy.  Haddon used to ride out for us in his summer holidays and he is a nice lad and I am sure he will make a top jockey.  He certainly looked tidy in a finish yesterday.  He has had plenty of experience in pony racing in England and Ireland.  Jimmy must be proud and MCP and David phoned his mum and dad yesterday to congratulate the whole family.  4th Jan '06

Mike Up Your Nose
By Chester Barnes

The big debate at the moment is about sticking a microphone up the jockeys nose when they have just gone past the winning post.  I personally think that the owner and trainer should be the first to hear what the jockeys have got to say.  After all, it is the owner that pays the bills.  Surely Channel Four can wait until after the jockey has weighed in before asking the questions, as most of them are stupid anyway.  If I was a jockey I would be inclined to be sarcastic.  We can only hope that there is not an accident because of a microphone being waved under the noses of horses and jockeys and some one gets hurt.  2nd Jan '06

Tom Malone
By Chester Barnes

After putting a photo of Tom Malone on the website the other day after finishing second at Taunton and saying that it would not be long before he rode his first winner since returning after five months out due to a shoulder injury, he rode a winner!  Tom gave Milton Des Bieffes a great ride at Warwick yesterday and won by 1¼ lengths.  He is pictured below with MCP after winning a pound off him following a bet that he would finish in front of Pepperoni Pete at Taunton last week on Just Supposin.  Tom did finish in front and today he was paid in five 20p pieces!  MCP was going to pay him in 100 pennies but he could not stick them all on the card!  Also, yesterday Mrs Pipe was cooking a nice joint of beef and she bet a pound each way on Milton Des Bieffes, I hope the bookmaker pays up!

I see that Jump jockeys are now going to be paid £131.52 a ride, which is a £5 rise on last year.  I think some of the jockeys I back should be getting less riding fees, though that is me talking through my pocket! 1st Jan '06

Tom Malone receiving his winnings from MCP!