I HAVE recently returned from a family holiday in Spain and we had a great week with my parents and Gemma joining us as well. We had glorious sunshine throughout and while the kids spent most of the time in the pool, we managed to fit in a little round of golf, played some padel accompanied by plenty of eating, drinking and resting! The rain had started on our return and long may that continue!

Bashful Boy was our only runner while I was away and he ran with credit again to be placed at Musselburgh. He travelled into the race strongly and was going best two furlongs out but he did not find as much when asked for his effort as I hoped. The Cesarewitch trial at Newmarket on 20th September is likely to be his next race.

Things are quiet on the racecourse in the coming days until we have Old Bridge entered on Friday in races at Bangor and Worcester. His main target is the ARC summer series handicap hurdle final at Worcester towards the end of the month.

This weekend we are looking forward to welcoming members of the David Pipe Racing Club to Pond House. We have over 100 people booked to attend and there is room for more should you wish to join the club and come along on Saturday and join the fun! Get in touch with the office [email protected]

Meet some more of our horses:

Navarau (FR) - Purchased as a two-year-old store in France last year, all the initial work has been done by Ed Partrdige and Lizzy Kelly. Joined us in the spring where we did a bit with them before turning him out to grass. A lovely athletic, ‘forward going’ type he goes nicely on the gallops and jumps well.

Neon Moon (IRE) - has been a wonderful horse for his owners and us for many years. He comes back every season, wins a race or two and is very consistent. Goes well fresh and prefers a sound surface. Eligible for veterans races later in the season.

No Walkover (IRE) -He is a gorgeous big four-year-old who was bought privately after he finished second in an Irish point to point in February. We did a bit with him before turning him away for his summer holidays. He is likely to start in a bumper before going novice hurdling.

Norr’s Cross (IRE) - Failed to complete in two Irish point to points early in his career but only just lost out by the narrowest of margins in his first run in a bumper showing a great attitude. Standing at over 17hh it will be great to get him out to start over hurdles this winter and he could be a name to follow.

Ocean Heights -Twice a winner on the flat again this summer at Doncaster and Haydock. Ran well in a couple of races after to be placed before a couple of lesser efforts. He likes Kempton and is handicapped to run well again when he returns.

Old Bridge (IRE) - Yet to win over hurdles but has been placed and capable of winning. Ran his best race to date, stepped up in trip over 2m4f at Uttoxeter to be second and backed that up with another good effort at Worcester most recently.

Dave Pipe’s column as told to Richard Walsh