Smiles Ahead At Wetherby!

The stable enjoyed another nice winner yesterday when Smiles For Miles (pictured above) made the long trip up to Wetherby worthwhile with a convincing success in the 2m6 1/2f handicap chase taking our seasonal tally to 56.  He was following-up last week's facile Chepstow success under a 7lbs penalty and he looks to be rapidly improving.  I wonder what the handicapper will do to him after this as he has already been raised by a stone?  Fortunately as a six year old, he still has plenty time on his side.

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with three jumps cards from Newbury, Taunton and Uttoxeter as well as an all-weather flat fixture from Kempton.  The stable runs A Hairy Koala, Rathlin Rose and Minister Of Mayhem at Taunton, while Vazaro Delafayette takes part at Newbury.  On the face of it all three face tough tasks but Minister Of Mayhem makes his first start for the stable and begins life in handicaps from a mark of 85.  He had some decent form on the level in Ireland and could be interesting.

Unsurprisingly A P McCoy marked his comeback with a winner on his only mount of the day at Fontwell yesterday.  He has a slightly increased workload this afternoon as he has two rides at Newbury.  They are both odds-on favourites and I would be surprised if they do not both win - you do have to feel sorry for the other jockeys!

Talking of jockeys, we are all delighted to hear the news that Guy Disney has been granted his licence to race ride once again.  Guy really is an amazing man - you may recall that he was the officer who was injured in Afghanistan in 2009 - he lost his right leg from the knee down when a rocket propelled grenade struck his vehicle.  After years of stating his case and determination to prove his ability in the saddle is undiminished, he has finally been cleared to race ride and will participate in point-to-points and hopefully the Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown.  We have been in touch with the Disney family ever since the incident in 2009 and when it became apparent that he would be able to compete again, we were thrilled to be able to put him in the direction of great old favourite Swing Bill owned by Judy Halewood.  Having jumped around Aintree on seven occasions with barely a moments worry, I am sure 'Bill' (pictured right with the Disney's and the Pond House team) will be a wonderful partner for his inspirational rider and we wish them all every success.

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There was terribly sad news from Australia as cricketer Phil Hughes passed away during the night at the age of 25 having been hit on the head with a cricket ball.  I wonder if there are any ways these helmets can be made any safer?  I remember years ago they never even used to wear them.  Our thoughts are with the family, while the bowler will also need plenty of support.

I am sure that play acting in football has become worse since overseas players have joined our league.  Personally I would be handing out bans to players who take a dive or fake an injury.  Ross Barkley dived against West Ham at the weekend and the cameras showed that he wasn't even touched!  Also, in the same game James Tomkins was touched on the chest and made a complete drama of it by holding his face...ban them both!

A rare orange pore fungus shaped like a ping pong bat has been found just down the road from me in Paignton, Devon.  It is only the second reported sighting in the UK - funny enough, that is where my old bat went too!