'We'd expect to be banging winners in' - relief as Honeyball ends 38-day drought

Tuesday: Exeter

Anthony Honeyball ended a spell in the doldrums with his 40th runner as Blackjack Magic provided the yard with a potential turning point for the rest of the season.

The Dorset trainer usually thrives in the winter months but he had endured a difficult spell dating back to December 3 and a bug is among potential reasons for the drought.

The trainer also used a quiet spell to administer vaccination jabs and since then he believes it has just been a case of "misfiring".

Honeyball's last runner before Tuesday, Smart Casual, travelled well for a long way at Ffos Las which gave the trainer confidence about the health of his string.

That was further boosted by an easy win for Blackjack Magic in the 3m novice handicap chase under Aidan Coleman.

"It's good to get the monkey off our back," he said. "We've been a bit quiet, it's been a combination of loads of factors which had been stopping them. Their blood tests have been saying don't panic and they seem to be well. Then it's just been a case of misfiring.

"Winning like that on this ground showed how healthy he, at least, is. It's good to get that first win in the bank."

Blackjack Magic: enjoyed a first win over fences at ExeterCredit: Edward Whitaker

The trainer admits the timing of his dip in form during key months of the jumps season is not ideal.

"If this happened through the summer then it'd be normal but it's come at this time of year where we've put all our eggs in one basket to be ready to be firing," he added.

"We got to do our vaccinations early because they were running crap so at least we've got them out the way. We'd expect to be banging out a decent couple of winners but it's just been a case of pressing pause. Now it's the time to make hay."

Rolling back the years

David Pipe and wife Leanne are away on honeymoon, almost a year and a half after getting married, which meant the trainer’s legendary father Martin represented the Pond House team.

With Pipe jnr enjoying the Maldives, the 15-time champion trainer was on hand to witness Barrier Peaks win the 2m5½f handicap hurdle.

In a further nod to the past, it was a Scudamore in the saddle. Tom was on board and is the son of Pipe's former stable jockey Peter.

"David has gone on holiday to the Maldives so I'm here," said Pipe. "He got married a while ago but there was Covid on so they've had to wait a bit!"

Martin Pipe: picking out Anglers Crag in the racecard, but wishing he had said Barrier PeaksCredit: Edward Whitaker

Pipe was also on duty to share his expertise with pupils at Christow Primary School, attending as part of the Racing to School programme.

He added: "I met the schoolkids and had my picture taken with them. They asked me if I thought we'd win a race, I said yes but told them the wrong one.

"I said the second race [with Anglers Crag] and we won the third. It's great to see the youngsters here and enjoying themselves."

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