JUMPS racing has returned from its summer mini-break and so while things have remained quiet on the racecourse they are busy for the team at home. The horses have returned from their summer holidays and are all back cantering on the gallops and getting fitter.

Ocean Heights ran at Stratford on Monday afternoon and later this week we have Old Bridge and Kintaro entered at Worcester and Newton Abbot, so keep checking

Rian Corcoran is now officially a professional jockey after completing his conditional jockey’s course at Newmarket at the end of last month. He will ride as a conditional claiming a very useful ten pounds initially, so fingers crossed for a successful winter.

Gemma and Jack played in a stable staff golf competition at Wincanton racecourse organised by NARS last week. Gemma won and got a nice trophy! Jack Pipe was not given much wiggle room off 18 but played well and scored 30 points in his first ever golf competition.

The racing fixtures that were originally scheduled to take place on Wednesday 10th September at Lingfeld, Carlisle, Uttoxeter and Kempton will not take place as British Racing goes on strike for the first time in Modern history. This is a one-off step for the sport to show strength of feeling at the Government’s proposals to raise tax on horse race betting ahead of the Budget, and it is anticipated a decision will be made in the autumn.

Meet some more of our horses: Jaipaletemps (FR) - Ran his best race to date at Worcester in June when second but did not quite stay 2m4f at the same track on his next outing. He has just returned from a short holiday and is handicapped to run well when he is back on the track.

Jurancon (FR) - A high class individual who has not finished out of the first two in eight runs for the yard. He is one to follow this winter and likely to start over hurdles but is a lovely chasing prospect as well.

Keep Star (FR)- A relatively lightly raced five year old from France, who is full brother to Dindin. We look forward to learning more about him as we increase his work.

Kingston Queen - Winner of two bumpers last season including a valuable listed mare’s bumper at Market Rasen. She probably bettered that form again when finishing a close third in the Grade 2 mare’s bumper at Aintree, proving she is one of the best in the country in this division. We cannot wait to see her over hurdles this winter and she is a very exciting prospect.

King Turgeon (FR )- Had a terrific season last year and exceeded our expectations by far. He has summered well and just returned from a wind operation. He will be aimed at the Grand Sefton chase again and maybe the Becher chase after this with the Grand National in the back of our minds long term. He seems to prefer a sound surface and we can’t wait to see him back over the National fences again.

Lady Balko (FR) -A likeable mare who had a fantastic first season over fences, winning three times, and I hope there is more to come this winter in staying races. She has a great attitude, is very tough and consistent and a pleasure to train.

Dave Pipe was talking to Richard Walsh.