Chepstow off

Still - we had a cracking Boxing Day at Kempton Park - with the popular Cue Card winning a thriller in the King George .
It was no surprise that Chepstow was called off - rescheduled for the 9th . However - Geoffrey might now head to Cheltenham on New Years Day - which would be great - as I'm away skiing ( might be the water type ) the following week . CU
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Pond House ...

... visitation . It's always great fun - and a privilege - to visit Pond house - even more so at Xmas ... especially with a winner !
Armed with mistletoe and crates of Gevrey Chambertin ( the wine - not the horse !) Paul - Nobsey and myself caused enough mayhem to last a while - or at least 'till we have another winner . Let's hope it's not another year !
Martin and Carol were in fine form - Carol already booking holidays for the New Year - probably without Martin's knowledge ! And it was great to catch up with Chester who was trying to look busy around the place . He said he had a bit of a health scare a few months back - but he looked fine to me - he's just trying to get his golf handicap readjusted up !
Gail - in the office - gave me a very big kiss ... or was it the other way round ? Anyway - thank you Gail for all the extra tickets you sorted for us this last year . And then there's James . What does James actually do ??
David has entered Geoffrey for Chepstow on Sunday - but with so much rain forecast - there must be a slight doubt it will remain on .
But let's hope so ! Happy Xmas Dear Reader & CU

Handicapper strikes back

I suppose the handicapper always have the last word ! Geoffrey has been raised 9lb - back to where he was - to 145 . Unless he can improve into graded class it will be difficult from now on . We can go back chasing - he's rated 136 - that's the mark he won off on Saturday - or put a claimer on him .
Our hope - of course - is that we may have found the key to him and he will improve - but too early to say that . There's a race for him at Chepstow on Welsh National day - think that's on the 27th - a 0 - 145 handicap over 2m 7f . Hmm - top weight again ! CU

Hallelujah !

Geoffrey gave us an early Xmas present at Lingfield on Saturday .
In all honestly - it wasn't a particularly strong race - but that was not the agenda . Dropped 5lb from his last run at Newbury - he was given a confidence boost - and a confident ride - by Tom Scu .
Unlike his brother - Geoffrey is mentally a bit fragile - a bit of a worrier.
But on Saturday he showed that he does have class . This time last year he won a better race at Newbury - only to loose that gained confidence at Cheltenham next time . We've been struggling ever since to regain that .
We will see what the handicapper makes of it all on Tuesday when the weights get readjusted . DP got hauled in by the stewards after the race - but we didn't think there was a case to answer .
Geoffrey seems to have been around a long time - but he's only 7 -going on 8 - and we feel there is better to come . CU
PS - Thanks to everyone for all their messages of support and congratulations - always good to receive xx

Lingfield

So - Geoffrey goes tomorrow at Lingy - been a while since I've been there - but good fish n chips - and probably that's all we can look forward to !
Seriously though - he's been dropped a few pounds and Tom Scu ( he must be desperate ) takes the ride - but we still have to concede lumps of weight .
Haven't spoken to DP yet - but I'm sure we'll be trying our best - we do need a Xmas winner !! CU
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Entry ...

... for Geoffrey this Sat @ Lingfield - more later - CU

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Newbury

On analysing the race in which Geoffrey came 7th I'm not too sure if I was that disappointed . If you look at the first 3 home - they were all carrying 10-8ish - so giving them over a stone was always going to be a tough ask - and we did beat Tom Scu's mount - who was only carrying 10-4 !
No . We do - though - need a bit of respite from the handicapper . We'll see if that happens when the weights are revised this Tuesday .
Let's hope ! CU

Newbury

Well - here we go again . I wish Geoffrey was as honest as his brother - has the ability but hardly dependable . On the + side - he's back on a flat track - should love the soft going - won here about this time last year & he's got cheek pieces back on . But you wouldn't really know .
CU

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Newbury

So - we're all set for Newbury tomorrow - 13 runners & Connor take the ride . Missed DP's call so not quite sure of our chances - would still think we are weighted a bit too high . I won't be there - but for those of you that are .... have a good day ! CU

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Entry for Geoffrey

Just a quickie to say Geoffrey is an intended runner at Newbury this Friday . He'll love the flat track - and the going - but probably still needs some leniency from the handicapper . More later . CU

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Cheltenham ...

... conclusions . It was a tough ol' time at the weekend ! I did feel a bit for DP - nothing went right - and all the horses looked in need of the race . But that's it in this game - you are either winning big races in Auteuil - or you getting stuffed back home !
Still - amongst all the carnage - it was great fun just to be out racing again and meeting up with all my co-owners . I thought Geoffrey ran ok . It's so difficult off near-on top weight - and there are plenty of better handicapped horses out there . The stable fancied Batavir in the same race - and we beat him giving away weight . I think it's about time we had a little help from the handicapper !
And probably - with that in mind - we intend to run again at Newbury on the Friday of next weeks Hennessy meeting . Let's hope we'll have something to smile about then ! CU

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Blankety blank

A day of near misses on day one at Cheltenham - but I think all the horses from Pond House ran well . It was great to catch up with all my fellow owners and there was a real air of optimism for the new season - let's hope that continues . All we are looking for is that first winner !
Well - I don't think that will come with Geoffrey - though we do think ( hope ) - we just might have found the key to him . Although Tom Scu takes the the ride on the stables other runner - Bativar - Connor O'Farrell rides Geoffrey in his daily work - so knows him well . Anyway - it's good to have a runner on PP Gold Cup day .
All eyes and expectations - though - will be on the Bryan Drew / Johnston Family runner and Gold Cup favorite Kings Palace . As I have found I the past - this is a tough race - though favorites have a good record . He goes well fresh - the distance should be perfect - so
good luck Bryan ! CU
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Here we go !

So - with the PP meeting at Cheltenham starting on Friday it's always an exciting time of the season - full of hope and expectations - all to be blow away by Christmas !
With only Geoffrey to go to 'war' with this season it just might be a quiet one for 'La Blog' . However - sometimes that's just how it goes - a season can hinge on just one race ! And it's great that that Geoff is entered for the 3m + hurdle on the Saturday . Always an exciting day - with or without a runner - and the fact that Kings Palace is 2nd Fav for the PP Gold Cup - will add further interest and spice .
I've followed KP since his first win at Plumpton and consider Bryan and the Johnston family amongst my 'bestest' racing pals . But there are so many - and I'm looking forward to catching up with them all !
If all goes reasonably on Saturday - DP says we will enter Geoff for The Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury on Hennessy day .
Ahh - glory days !
CU

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A satisfactory ...

... performance from Geoffrey . And I haven't said that too often of late !
He had a tough assignment - top weight / wrong track / ground ok but not ideal / headgear removed / but although he got out paced 2 from home ( thought at the time he was going to get himself tailed off !) he did his best jump at the last - overtook two and was only beaten 4 lengths . We just might have something to work on - but I won't be holding my breath !
News on Little Miss Dynamite - she had started in training and I plan to pay a visit to Emmanual's in November . Too early to say whether she will run as a 3 year old but as I stated in an earlier 'la blog' - Emmanual likes her - 'not big' - he says - 'but well proportioned'.
I bet he says that to all the girls ! CU
Ps - Geoffrey is in fine fettle this morning
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Entry for Geoffrey

Geoffrey is entered at Newton Abbot this Friday and - according to DP - will take his chance - though probably more rain would suit .
He is an enigma . So talented at home - so frustrating on the track . However - we're not giving up on him ( ask me again after the race ) and the head gear will be left off . CU
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Disappointing ...

... again . Unfortunately - Geoffrey got off to a terrible start and never recovered .
The whole idea of going to Auteuil in the first place was - hopefully - to get a soft lead . Once he got surrounded by other horses
he seemed to sulk and jumped 'big' . It might be that he now resents the blinkers - but that might be wishful thinking on my behalf . And I don't really want to blame Tom Scu - Geoffrey doesn't make it easy - and against top French horses you have to be on ones metal .
Apart from our race - Auteuil was great - had a lovely few days in Paris - and now head down to Emmanual's Owners Day . So - more to follow - CU
Ps - had a drink with Charlie Swann - great guy

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Geoffrey

Well - all exciting stuff ! Geoffrey arrived safe & well at Auteuil on Wednesday and we travelled up to Moulins the same day - we now catch a train into Paris . Our race is after 4 on Friday - so we'll stay in Paris Thursday &Friday - then an early train back on Saturday - so we can arrive to Emmanual's Owners Day in good time .
DP says that Geoffrey is in good form at home - to which I replied - 'well - he's always in good form at home !'. The distance - 3600m - about 2 1/2m - might be a bit on the short side - but we take our chance . CU
Ps - photo - Nicola taking in a drop of early morning sun at Gare de Moulins

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Geoffrey ...

... had a racecourse gallop on the all weather at Kempton last week . All went according to plan and so now we are aiming him at a race at Auteuil next Friday . I haven't checked up on the type of race it is - and to be honest - it doesn't really matter . I would presume it will be a handicap hurdle around 3500m .
The next day it is Emmanual's owners day - so it should be an interesting weekend . Let's hope Geoffrey can rediscover his confidence and form now back over the brush hurdles and on a track that should be ideal . CU

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Better late ...

... than never !
I suppose I should start by apologising to my reader for going AWOL (absent with out leave - for my Gallic friends ) - but I have had a quiet summer's racing . Not that my trainers have !
Congratulations to DP for his wonderful success at Auteuil with Un Temps Pour Tout in the Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil ( French Campion Hurdle ) and also Ballynagour in the Prix la Barka at the previous meeting . Emmanual Clayeaux also had a winner that same afternoon to complete a wonderful day for them both . I did have an invitation from The France Galop - but unfortunately I had a prior engagement - so could not attend . Ouch !
And I am pleased to report that Little Miss Dynamite is now safely ensconce down at Emmanuel's stables near Moulins - as pictured .
We had a lovely stop over Emmanual's but unfortunately the next morning it absolutely poured - hence the disappointing photos . But she looked well and had put on weight . She starts her training in September and we'll then see if she'll be ready to run as a 3yr old next year . I somehow doubt it .
And as for our 'enigma' Geoffrey - well he has summered very well - is forward in his training and we're aiming him to start his campaign - also at Auteuil - in September . He got a bad knock in his last race at Chepstow - so our plans to take him to Auteuil back in June never materialized .
Emmanual is having his 'Journee Des Proprietaires 'in September and I will be attending that . I will get down to Pond House as soon as I return home - but I think Geoffrey will run before that . Would be nice to go with a winner !!! CU

And again ...

... disappointing ! Luckily this photo was taken before the race ! Geoffrey did come back with a bit of a nasty cut to his hind leg and the ground had unfortunately dried out - but there can't really be any excuses . Tom Scu got him to the front early but once Caruthers headed him into the back straight Geoffrey seemed to loose interest . And once again this jumping left a lot to be desired .
We still haven't given up on taking him to France this summer - get him back over the brush hurdles - but he was a bit lame this morning - so see how he is in a few weeks .
We have had some frustrating horses down the years but I recon Geoffrey tops the lot ! We know he's talented - jumps like a stag at home - has won some very nice races for us - but at the moment he looks regressive on the race track . However - he's still only seven .... and Big Bucks couldn't jump .... could he ? CU

Entry ...

... for Monday at Chepstow . Not one of my most favorite venues but we did have a winner there sometime BC with Breeze Girl . I'm taking in a bit of spring sunshine in Ceret for Easter - so can't attend - but I'm hoping his usual supporters will make the trip .
Speaking to DP last night he feels the galloping track / soft ground will suit ( heard that one before ) . If every thing goes to plan then we may well head to Auteuil this summer - but he will have show a bit more than he did last time at Cheltenham .
And news of Little Miss Dynamite ! She has gone off to Emanuel Clayeaux's down near Moulin to start her training career . She hasn't even been broken in yet - so time is required - but Emmanuel thinks she is nice and has character . Let's hope so .CU
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Another day ...

... another winner . I thought the 'going' at Cheltenham on the 'New' course caught a lot of trainers - horses - and the punter completely out - riding much quicker than envisaged - hence some unexpected horses winning at big prices . It certainly did with a couple of 'ours' . We fancied Montaire in the 2 1/2m chase and though he ran a superb race to get second I think the ground just went against him .
However - one horse that did love the better going was The Package. In the colors of the late David Johnson - and wearing blinkers for the first time he was always traveling like the winner and dually obliged . More emotional scenes in the winners enclosure as DJ's lovely wife Shirley picked up the trophy .
On the social scene I was invited up to Gay Scouller's box above the winners line - very nice . Met Sir Mark Prescott and Dame Judy amongst others . No one knew me 'from Adam' but it was all great fun - all washed down with lots of Champagne . Thanks Gay - hope I didn't let you down too much !!
Yesterday I was invited into the French Gallop marquee . I was sort of hoping for an invite to Auteuil this summer but ... I suppose if Geoffrey had run better . Still - I'm taking positives ( impossible you might think) from that poor run in that we could well head to Auteuil this summer .
And so on to the fourth day and the Gold Cup . Geoffrey beat Many Clouds way back in their novice days and is improving . I'll go with him . Balgarry has been crying out for this trip in the MP race - really good jockey up - so hopes there . It would be great if the stable have a third festival winner of the week - but today looks more than tricky ... probably impossible !! CU
PS - Will blog anything I hear

Off the mark

Nothing demonstrates the polar of emotions in this sport than day 2 of The Cheltenham Festival . One of the big hopes for the week was for Kings Palace in The RSA - and although he ran well for along time he struggled up the hill . (Sir) Bryan Drew - part owner - was philosophical after ( and thanks for the ticket Bryan ) but I think we were all a bit down .
Then in next - Dell'Arca - in the colors of (Lady) Caroline Tisdall took a heavy fall . Unanamite ran ok in The Fred Winter but without getting involved .
So It was all down to Moon Racer in The Bumper - part owned - yea you've guessed it - by 'Sir' Bryan and 'Lady' Caroline . And after a false start Tom Scu never had Moon Racer positioned as he would have liked - but the horse is obvious class and he came through with a strong run to score decisively ! The relief from all the connections was palpable and there was terrific scenes of jubilation in the winners enclosure . Oh - what a difference a day - no - a few hours makes !! CU
Ps - Geoffrey is fine after his non exertions - well - he would be wouldn't he ! DP says we will 'draw a line' through the race and we may - at last - look to France . I thought The Racing Post had it right - 'talented but quirky ' !

More photos

- from yesterday - Denman / Kauto /b.....y Geoffrey /& u know who

Race lost ...

... at the start . I'm not normally a bemoaning owner - lots of them around - especially at Cheltenham - but I thought Tom Scu had Geoffrey in the wrong position at the start . He then got 'pincered' out of it and jumped ( if that's the word to describe his first jump !) in last position . He might've well pulled him up at that point and gone again on Thursday . We know Geoff is 'quirky' and the Cheltenham 'charge to the first' does not suit - but that was disaster ! The same happened two years ago in the Martin Pipe - Geoffrey then came out and won The Fixed Brush Hurdle at Haydock - his biggest 'pot' to date - so I'm not too down - just frustrated .
And what a day for Willie Mullins and the Irish ! I did say that the 'bookies' would never allow his first four favourites to win - they would all be out of business - so no surprise to see Ruby and Annie Power make a terrible blunder at the last and come to grief with the race at their mercy . Still - the stable still won it with their other !
For me the best part of the day was watching George being paraded before racing - along with Big Bucks - Denman and Kauto Star amongst others . He did look fantastic - as they all did . Whether his Brother will be held in such high esteem in his retirement - remains rather doubtful !! CU
Ps - a big day for stable with Kings Palace in the RSA . Always a difficult race . Let's hope he does it .

Here we go

So the madness of The Cheltenham Festival is once again upon us ! Just had a chat with DP and we go for the big handicap tomorrow - which I think was always our preference . George is also being paraded tomorrow - along with - amongst others - Kauto Star and Big Bucks . To see both The Brothers together again will be quite something - though a little bitter sweet .
But back to the race . It'll be ultra competitive - as we know - and they will go very quick . Much will depend on Geoffrey's jumping - and we will probably know our fate by the 2nd . But is well weighted and the ground will suit - odds of 16-1 is about right . CU .... tomorrow !
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Action

Yea - well - sorry for inactivity on 'La Blog' lately - been away making the best of the snow in the Alps and then having some time in Ceret .
And things have been quiet anyway - but now we do have 'action'!
Geoffrey had a 'small tightening' up of his old wind pipes - so needed a month off . Tom Scu just thought - even though he won quite impressively at Newbury - that he was just not 100% in his breathing .
These small ops only have limited effect - and less so the more times you have them . Geoff will always be susceptible in that department .
And so on to possible Spring targets . Well - he has 2 entries for handicaps at Cheltenham . One of them is on the first day - but this looks to be a 'hot' one and might be a bit unrealistic - and he may not even get 'in'. The other is on the Thursday and is a bit easier - if there is such a thing at the Festival ! I don't think Cheltenham suits Geoffrey - and wouldn't mind keeping him fresh for Aintree - but will let DP decide .
One that will definitely be at Cheltenham - though unfortunately not running - is Geoffs daft brother George ! He will be paraded on - I think - the Tuesday . Looking forward to seeing him again . Mixed emotions there but so pleased he is flourishing . He also has an 'entry' for Aintree .
Racing for me has been a bit limited for me so far this new year but I would like to mention a couple of cracking days - firstly at Ascot last Saturday - when the Pond House Team had a double with their only 2 runners - and then completed a hat-trick with Bygones over at Haydock .
And the week before at Newbury - when that same horse won the first of what would turn out to be a big race double within a week .Then Kings Palace ( pictured with jubilant and RELIEVED connections ) defied a blunder at the second last to land the odds to score convincingly . He's our banker for Cheltenham ! CU
Ps - will be doing my daily 'La Blog' for Cheltenham week