Unfortunately ...

... Geoffrey sustained a strained crucial ligament to his hind leg in his race at Uttoxeter . He himself is fine - just needs as month or two box rest . However - at the age of nine - his racing career is over . Now he can now look forward to - hopefully - a long and happy retirement along with his 'daft'brother George.
And I thought he was jumping and travelling really well when he blundered down the back straight on the final circuit . He might have got injured before that fence - but we will never know .
DP sounded devastated when he phoned on Sunday morning . It's a tough job phoning owners with bad news . He feels it's an end of an era . It may be - but first thoughts must always be with the horses . I'm just really relieved that The Brothers have survived there racing and now have a fantastic home to retire to . CU

Day 3 ...

... and like the weather - I've gone cold ! Why is it that it's easier to pick winners when the sun is out ?
Maybe I've just got my thoughts on Saturday .
Still - well done Mullins and the Irish . In the hay day of Grands Crus and Auteuil - I was being dined out by the French Gallop - and Willie Mullins was on my table . With all the champagne and wine that flowed - I got rather inebriated - and started calling Willie Walley . Willie kept correcting me - 'it's Willie Richard - Willie'.
My Cheltenham feels that it's over - as I'm now back home in preparation for Saturday . So - like my reader - I'll be slouched in my armchair and watching on the 'box' and routing for Cue Card . Come to think of it - George use to beat Cue Card - didn't he ?
Not worth thinking about it ! CU .... at Uttoxeter
Sent from my iPhone

Day 2 ...

... and more fantastic racing - with the weather to boot ! Have to say - the re-construction of Cheltenham - with the viewing areas and walkways - makes going to the Festival a far more comfortable and enjoyable experience . Much more than say at Ascot - so well done !
And there was a really buoyant atmosphere in the Pipey wigwam - I sense of relief that Pond House had had a winner . I suppose looking back to when Martin was ruling the roost - and what we all look back on as the 'glory days' - it is so difficult for David to really now get the ammunition to take on the Mullins's and Nicholls's . Well done to Sir Bry and Lady Caroline for their support . Much appreciated by everyone.
And I've had a few good days punting ! Always helps when the stable has a winner - and I had a couple yesterday - Mite Bite and Causes of Causes . But take your hat of to Nicole who had 50-1 third on Valentino in the Q M !
Geoffrey is now declared for Saturday - so a busy week . Might have to take a holiday ! CU
Sent from my iPhone


Sent from my iPhone

Great ride

Once again - for the second year running - Un Temps Pour Tout got the Pond House team of to a flyer ! Carrying top weight - it was an excellent effort - with Tom Scu giving him every assistance . It would fair to say that jockeyship was the difference - with the eventual second always going the better .
And then it was downhill from there ! Moon Racer was always jumping right and you can't do that in the Champion Hurdle .
Today seems a quite affair with only one runner - Poker Player . But that might be a tip in it's self !
CU later
Sent from my iPhone

Uttoxeter

Just to let my reader know that Geoffrey is on course for The Midlands National this Saturday . He's also had an entry for the Irish National on Easter Monday at Fairyhouse . Add to that entries for Scottish National and something at the Punchestown festival - it's probably not worth me ever coming home ! Still - at this point they are still entries - and a lot of water to flow under the bridge until then .
And just to let you also know that I will be doing a Cheltenham 'la blog' - hopefully reporting on a Champion Hurdle winner with MOON DANCER !!
for my racing Pals - Sir Bryan and Lady Caroline .
CU tomorrow
Sent from my iPhone