Arrogate Turned Over

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with flat action from Ayr, Windsor and Beverley, while if you are a fan of the jumps you are going to have to travel a long way north as the only National Hunt fixture is from Cartmel.  There are no runners from the Pond House team today.  There was a thrilling finish to the Group 2 contest at Maisons-Laffitte yesterday with the first three home all British trained.  There was a steward's inquiry regarding the fourth home who was trained in France - I was surprised they did not kick the first three out...they seem to have some funny rules over there and they often seem to favour the home-trained runners!

There was a real shock in America yesterday as the world's top rated horse, Arrogate beat only one home in the Grade 2 handicap at Del Mar.  He was a 1/20 shot to land this and has now drifted from 1/2 to 15/8 to land the Breeder's Cup Classic.  I remember we once had a 1/8 chance beaten at Ludlow, but I won't dwell on that (28 years later!)...

Many happy returns to Mark Perrett who is 55 today.  Mark rode plenty of good horses for Martin during his career including the likes of Sweet Glow, Balasani and Run For Free...now there was a character (I'm talking about Run For Free!).  Happy birthday Mark, we hope you have a great day.

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Jordan Spieth was the winner of the Open golf at Royal Birkdale even though he didn't seem to be playing that well.  He made three unbelievable birdies and and eagle in four holes which included some of the finest putting you will ever see.  Three of his puts were from 20 feet away.  He has now won three Majors, while nearly man Matt Kuchar was second.  Our main hope Rory McIlroy finished on five under and played well with the exception of one round.  Personally, I always enjoy watching the man engrave the trophy even before the last putt has gone in - now there is a leap of faith.

I had better mention that England won the women's World Cup cricket yesterday as they beat India by 9 runs in a thrilling final at Lords.  There was a sell-out 26,500 crowd to see the host nation lift the trophy.  Well done ladies.  Anya Shrubsole was the star of the match taking 6 for 46, a great bowling performance.

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I haven't spoken to Mrs Barnes for nearly three weeks now...I don't want to interrupt her!  Have a nice day...

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