A BIG highlight in what was a relatively quiet week was my son Jack winning his first racecourse series pony race at Bangor on Little Chiefy.

This is the first season Jack has been properly riding in pony races and having started at Cocklebarrow in January, he and his pony have progressed and learnt with every run. He has won two point to point pony races, at Charlton Horthorne and Flete Park from six starts and he was placed on the other occasions as well, but this was stepping up to a different level and I am a very proud dad. Jack learns from his mistakes and has taken something from each of his races.

His pony is not an easy ride at home or on the racecourse and he does very well to manage him. Having said that, his pony is talented and tries hard in the race and together they have formed a good partnership. He is better over staying distances and the race at Bangor was over 1m2f.

Little Chiefy planted himself at the start and with some help from the assistant starter Jack managed to jump him off at the rear of the field. Knowing that stamina is his pony’s forte he kicked for home 3f out and the race turned into a bit of a dual between him and what is widely regarded as the best pony in the division having won the final of the series at Aintree last year. That pony’s jockey is also a good young rider but Jack prevailed by a neck at the line.

There is a race for them at Chepstow over 1m3f on Friday 29th May and the track and trip should suit so the plan is to very much go there.

Jack is back down to reality with a bump now with his GCSE exams continuing this week. I think he has four this week before the half term break and his next ride!

We have been quiet on the runner’s front in recent times but with rain forecast this week we will have some runners in the coming days. October Hill runs in the conditional jockey’s handicap hurdle at Ffos Las on Wednesday with Rian Corcoran on board.

On Friday we have entries at Worcester which include Saccary who has finished second on his last three starts and we hope he can go one place better and Show Your Hand who also finished second on his last start in a bumper at Exeter. He has learnt from that experience and is capable of winning a bumper. Both horses also have entries over the weekend at Uttoxeter and Fontwell, so we will try and pick the best races for them.

Similar comments apply for recent French recruits, Grand Claremont and Karnaval Point. Both are multiple winners in France are likely to run where the ground is softest. Keep checking the Daily News on the website for all the latest information about the stable runners.

We also have one entry on the flat at Salisbury on Sunday, Cinammon Coco. While he has not been at his best in two runs over hurdles thus far, he shows ability and has run well in Ireland on the flat so this looks a good opportunity for him to get back on track.

Dave Pipe was talking to Richard Walsh