THE HORSES continue to run well and it is a little frustrating not to have had a winner in recent days but with the continuing dry weather, several horses are now out of training.

I always get worried at this time of year; courses do a great job of watering but it is just not the same as natural help from above and as the ground begins to tighten up I do not want to risk unnecessary problems.

Harry Junior ran well to be a close third at Wincanton; perhaps the course was a little on the sharp side for him but he battled all the way to the line. Mancero ran his best race to date over hurdles to finish a never nearer fourth. He would have been third in another couple of strides and as long as he builds on this next time then he will win a race or two!

Jaipaletemps ran another solid race at Chepstow to be fourth. Stepped up in class and without Rian’s claim it was a much more difficult assignment for him but he ran his usual honest race and was only beaten eight lengths as the field finished in betting order. He sustained quite a nasty cut on his leg which cannot have helped but thankfully a brushing boot caught the worst of the blow and he is okay.

Neon Moon didn’t run as well as we had hoped and Cinammon Coco ran better for the first bit of his race but stopped very quickly once again. Back to the drawing board with him, he has a few issues and hopefully we can help him with these as the raw ability is definitely there. Green Sky ran her best race to date over hurdles to be a very close fourth at Newton Abbot.

Kingston Queen travelled to Fairyhouse for the Grade 1 Mares novices hurdle on Sunday but sadly she did not run to expectations. She should have been capable of picking up some prize money at the very least but maybe the trip away did not suit. She seems fine after the race which is the main thing and she will be back in her own stable by Monday evening.

Our next runners are unlikely to be until the weekend but again that will be ground dependant, so keep checking the Daily News on the website for all the latest information.

Congratulations to our conditional Rian Corcoran who rode his 20th winner of the season at Market Rasen on Sunday. He has had a terrific first season as a professional and rides with maturity beyond his years. This means his claim reduces to five pounds and we look forward to supporting his quest to become champion conditional jockey next season.

Meanwhile, a few weeks ago my mum suggested a yard Easter bonnet making competition. I said that no-one would do it but she said they would for a decent prize and she was right!

Mum invited Amanda Barrie and Hilary Bonner to judge and I was amazed by the quality of bonnets. It was a hard task for the judges and congratulations to Bex Mason who won, Mel Dixon who finished in second place and Sophie Pipe who was third.

Dave Pipe was talking to Richard Walsh