BASHFUL Boy was our only runner during the past week; he ran at Goodwood on Friday and ran a cracker in the staying handicap over 2m4f. He was the outsider of the field but off a featherweight, he finished fourth to get a bit of each way money. The application of the visor has really perked him up and we will probably enter him in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket again in October.

We currently have no entries in the coming day with jumps racing still on its mini-break but the Daily News section on the website will have all the latest stable information.

While it may be quiet for us on the racecourse at the moment, things are busy at the yard at home with all the ‘winter horses’ now back in. The majority have been doing roadwork for a bit now but most of them will be due to start cantering in the coming days and it is always an exciting time, if you can call it that, for all the work riders on board! Some of our horses are ahead of others in their regime so plenty are already cantering in their daily routine.

I am saddened to report that Geoff Lane passed away on 30th July, 2025, at his home with his wife Maz and family by his side following a short illness. Geoff was a much-loved family friend firstly but also one of the best and most respected veterinary surgeons in the World and worked with Pond House for many years, specialising in wind surgery and was operating for us as recently as April of this year at the age of 79. He will be very sadly missed.

Now let’s meet some more of our Pond House team: Eton Mes (IRE) - A gorgeous big four year old who has just had the two starts in bumpers so far. He finished third at Exeter on his debut. He has summered well and is a very nice prospect for novice hurdling on slow ground this winter.

First Lord de Cuet (FR )- An honourable veteran who is part of the family at Pond House and shows all his old enthusiasm at home. Even though he is in the twilight of his career he is likely run again before Christmas and if he doesn’t sparkle he will be found a lovely retirement home.

Gericault Roque (FR)- Very lightly raced he made a good comeback from a long absence to be third at Windsor last season. He has some high-class form in the book, including second at the Cheltenham Festival and in the classic chase at Warwick and third in the Coral Gold Cup Chase at Newbury and we are all looking forward to him running in the big three mile plus handicap chases this season.

Givehimthehonour (IRE) - Is a seven year old who won an Irish point-to-point but is yet to win under rules despite looking good and being placed several times. He has had just the two starts for us and was not at his best but has now had a long break and shows enough at home to think he can be competitive off his current rating.

Dave Pipe column as told to racing columnist Richard Walsh