THE first big freeze of this winter has taken its grip over the country and the racing programme has succumbed to the elements in recent days and it will probably continue to do so for the first half of this week with the next jump racing most likely to be at Taunton on Thursday all being well.

Bashful Boy runs on the all-weather at Wolverhampton on Tuesday and Rob Hornby rides. He runs in the 4.15pm staying handicap over two miles, carrying top weight. This race represents a slight drop in grade from his previous races and after finishing runner up to a useful rival last time out at Southwell he deserves to get his head in front, hopefully this week!

We had entries at Leicester on Wednesday but with that meeting already abandoned Taunton on Thursday looks likely to be the first jumps racing of the week. We have entries here, American Sniper and Best Night and also Penn Avenue entered up at Catterick although that fixture looks to be in some doubt.

On Friday, we have entries at both Exeter and Huntingdon and while both meetings are likely to be on, the weather forecast on Friday looks to be wet and windy so we have that to look forward to!

On Saturday we have entries at Warwick and Wetherby and Gericault Roque has an entry in the Classic Chase at the former, a race he finished second in four years ago off a five-pound higher mark. He has only actually had five runs since then and was due to run in the Madarin Chase at Newbury just after Christmas but we felt the ground was a little too quick that day so have kept him back for this. On Sunday we have entries at Fontwell so keep checking the Daily News on the website for all the latest news on the stable runners.

Meanwhile we were delighted to host the South West Pony Racing Authority training day here at Pond House on Sunday. Seventeen children, including my son Jack, all arrived bright and early with their ponies and despite freezing conditions they all had smiles on their faces.

First came equicisor lessons under the tutorage of jockey coach Rodi Greene before some fitness and team building games. A tack check followed by riding in our indoor canter in groups followed.

Our tractor man came in to prepare the gallops but the decision was taken in light of conditions to stay indoors! All the children who came will ride in pony races this year and have to do the training day on the pony they will be riding in the races.

These races take place at point to point meetings across the country and Jack is aiming to have his first ride at Cocklebarrow towards the end of the month. He has to take part in three point to point pony races and a training day in Newmarket before he can do the racecourse series.

He has been a good help in the Christmas holidays, riding out every day 2-3 lots and his pony and he really did not want to go back to school this week! It is an important GCSE year for him and he knows he has to pass all is exams or he may have no pony!

David Pipe was talking to Richard Walsh