Runners At Bangor Today

There are six meetings taking place this afternoon with flat action from Goodwood, Thirsk, Newmarket, Bath and Musselburgh as well as a jumps card from Bangor while over in Ireland there is yet another excellent mixed card as the Galway Festival continues.  We have two runners this afternoon at Bangor with Western Diva contesting the handicap hurdle over 2m3 1/2f under Tom Scudamore, while Michael Heard partners Moncarno in the 2m7f conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle.

The fourth day of the Glorious Goodwood meeting features a Group 2 race as well as three Group 3 contests with the King George Stakes over five furlongs the highlight - the fact that bookmakers go 5/1 the field shows what a competitive race it is with very little to choose between any of the main protagonists.  Champion jockey Richard Hughes managed to get off the mark for the meeting yesterday afternoon when steering 11/1 chance Gibeon to success.  Even so, it is far from the triumphant farewell that many were hoping for at his final meeting in the saddle.  He has a couple of fairly well-fancied rides this afternoon so let's hope that he can add to his tally.

Street Entertainer finished second again in the novices' chase at Stratford with Flabello last of the three finishers.  The winner, Broughton had been a useful sort on the flat and over timber and the switch to fences has obviously reinvigorated him.  I am sure David will find another opportunity for Street Entertainer before too long.  Meanwhile over on the flat it was not to be for Purple 'N Gold in the Ladies' Derby.  This was a rare disappointing performance from our six year old - perhaps the unusual demands of the Epsom track did not suit?

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What is happening with the cricket?!  Day three of the third Ashes Test gets underway this morning with a result looking likely today.  Australia resume on 168-7 which is just 23 runs ahead of England with only three wickets remaining.  Steven Finn produced an excellent spell of bowling for England yesterday as he took five wickets to leave England within touching distance of a 2-1 series lead.  Who would have thought it before the series started, or indeed after the debacle at Lord's?  Perhaps the Aussie's just aren't as good as they will have you think they are?!

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Did you know that in 1969 Larry Lewis ran the 100 yards dash in 17.8 seconds?  The reason why this was a world record?...he was 101 years old at the time. Why on earth would someone of that age want to do that to themselves?  I struggle to get up from my chair in that time!

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Finally, I meant to congratulate British cyclist Chris Froome who won his second his second Tour de France last weekend.  Which brings me onto Lance Armstrong...as you know I am totally anti-drugs in sport, but I was thinking - if I had done as many drugs as him, I wouldn't even be able to find my bicycle, nevermind win seven Tours!

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