WE SADLY lost Hammer Dan at Uttoxeter races last week. He was of running well and travelling strongly when about to round the bend for home Jack Tudor felt him go wrong and pulled him up quickly.

He suffered a leg fracture and there was nothing that could be done for him but we would like to thank the vets and the racecourse for their swift actions in helping him.

Our thoughts are with his owners at this time and Sam who looked after him at home. Every horse plays their part in the community at the yard; he was a real character and we all will sadly miss him.

Things are quiet on the racing front at the beginning of the week but we have entries at Newton Abbot on Friday. Best Night could make her British and hurdling debut in the mares novices hurdle and will carry the colours of the David Pipe Racing Club.

Saccary is our other entry and he has an entry in the 2m1f handicap hurdle. He has some good flat form abroad but is still learning his trade over jumps. There is also a slight worry that the Newton Abbot meeting could be in doubt, depending on how much rain come this week. Between 27th August and 11th September they have had 140mm of rain and they could get another 20-50mm of rain in the coming days. The ground is currently soft and I am sure they are hoping not to get the larger quantity of predicted rain.

Bashful Boy has an entry on the flat at Newmarket on Saturday in the Cesarewitch Trial. He is off a competitive mark on the level at the moment and is capable of putting up another bold show at the weekend. Meet some more of the Pond House Team:

Purple Owl (IRE ) - The winner of an Irish point to point at Tinahely and the runner up that day has won since. We hope he can make his mark over hurdles this winter, probably will not want the ground too soft

Red Wine Supernova (IRE) - Another nice new addition to the yard. A big, strong filly, she has summered well, goes nicely, and shows a likeable attitude at home on the gallops. Likely to start in bumpers before going novice hurdling. One Share remaining!

River Run Free (IRE) - A lovely old-fashioned chasing type who duly won his first two starts over the larger obstacles last season, showing a good attitude in the process. His wins came over 2m4f but three miles will be no problem and would not want the ground any quicker than good.

Royal Mer (FR) - He was always going to find last season tough from a rating of 123 (30 pounds higher than his first winning mark!) but once the handicapper relented a little he ran some nice races to be placed. Will start this season on a workable mark and providing we have some rain he will add to his five chasing career wins this winter.

Saccary (GER) - He showed a good level of form on the flat in France and Germany, winning twice and joined our team after finishing second in a claimer at Compiegne. Ready for handicap hurdles this season and is likely to run on the flat at some point as well.

David Pipe column as told to Richard Walsh