More Meetings Lost

Today there are three meetings taking place, although sadly none of them are over the jumps following the abandonments of Leicester and Hexham.  Indeed, all of the action is on the all-weather from Lingfield, Wolverhampton and Kempton.  Forgive me if I do not get overexcited!  The good news is that Taunton is looking likely to go ahead tomorrow where they host the rescheduled Peterborough Chase.  The temperatures in the west country have been really mild, so let's hope that continues, unlike in Shropshire where the temperature dipped to -13ºc - that was colder than Moscow!

ITV racing presenter Ed Chamberlin has said that racing needs to modernise to appeal to a new generation of enthusiasts, something that I have been banging on about for some time now.  I have been going racing for many years and there seems to be fewer people attending the races than there were 40 years ago.  My son likes to have a bet although he doesn't like going to the track as he says there is too long between races.  If you are in the bookies you are bombarded with action with horses, dogs, virtual racing, number draws and that is before you even get to those awful roulette machines.

As far as I am concerned we need to get the youngsters to the track and if that takes a pop concert, then so be it.  I would also like to do something about these two or three runner fields - they are of no benefit to anyone and certainly will not help to attract an audience.  The people at the top of the sport need to move with the times.

Many happy returns to former champion jockey John Francome who is 65 today.  John can claim his pension today, although he doesn't really need to - he lives in a fantastic house in Lambourn and has trainer Clive Cox in his back garden.  John also makes a fair cup of tea - even Martin drank one and he only drinks Carol's brews!  Nowadays John is extremely active as an ambassador for the Injured Jockey's Fund.  We hope you have a fantastic day!

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There is plenty of football on tonight, although the matches do not look to be the most competitive.  I suppose you could do an acca on Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Spurs.  My team, West Ham are at home to Arsenal and are 9/2 shots - I did back them at 6's to beat Chelsea so I might have a little wager and watch them on BT Sport - you know what they say about a fool and his money!

The third Ashes test match starts tomorrow at the Waca.  It seems that the cricketers of today are just as good at getting drunk and getting into trouble as the footballers.  Ben Buckett was fined £1,500 and given a final warning.  That sounds like an expensive round of drinks!  It looks like another win for the Aussies is on the cards.

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My dad, who had been working on the roads all his life had been stealing from his job.  I didn't believe him, but when I got home all the signs were there!

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