OCEAN Heights made it two wins in a week when following up his win at Doncaster with an all the way success at Haydock on Friday.

Escaping a penalty for the first win because it was an apprentice race, he raced off the same mark and we were technically three pounds ‘well in’ and our jockey was able to claim his full seven pounds on this occasion. This was Jack Dace’s 100th ride and it was great he was able to make it a winning ride; he rode a lovely race from the front, dictating the pace and gradually increasing the tempo up the home straight.

This race was over 1m2f and the previous being over 1m4f but the drop back in trip was no problem and he was pulling away from his rivals towards the line. There are no immediate plans for him to run again that quickly but there are a couple of races coming up at Leicester and Chester next month which could be possibilities.

Last week, Nini Star improved again for experience to finish fourth at Southwell. A couple of our other runners proved a little disappointing but Kepagge can now enjoy a well-earned retirement following his run at Ffos Las last week. Eleven years young, he won five races for us and his owner Sarah Ling from 24 career starts, four over hurdles and a bumper.

He is a lovely big gentleman of a horse and retired sound and in one piece. He will spend the summer at grass with his owner before we look to find him an active home for his retirement.

We are quiet on the runner’s front this week but we do travel to Cartmel with First Lord Du Cuet to run in the hunter chase and Tommy Eyston rides.

Pub Crawl is our only other entry on the flat this week and he holds entries and three different meetings, all Thursday. We will try and pick the best opportunity for him at either Brighton, Carlisle or Chepstow.

For news of the weekend runners please keep an eye on the Daily News section on the website.

Last week, Leanne and I enjoyed a good trip to Doncaster sales and we bought one horse, a great dual-purpose mare called Green Sky by Mastercraftsman. She is a five-year-old bay mare who has won on the flat over 1m1f from just four starts and has a rating of 76. She is yet to win over hurdles but has a rating of 108 and was a close second on her latest start at Ayr last month. She looks value at £28,000 and is settling in well at Pond House. We would consider selling her as a whole or a half share so If you would like more information please do get in touch on 01884 840715 or email [email protected].

The point-to-point season comes to a close this week and it is fantastic that Rian Corcoran is Champion novice point to point rider in the country. He had a winner riding for Shark Hanlon over the weekend in Wales taking him to 24 winners for the season. Royal Defender has an entry at Bratton Down this coming weekend but we will see how much rain they get in the meantime.

Dave Pipe’s column as told to Richard Walsh