Man Second At Bangor

Unfortunately we drew a blank with our two runners yesterday although they both performed creditably in defeat at Bangor.  While Purple 'N Gold could only finish last of three in the novices' hurdle he was still in with a chance when clattering through the last two hurdles.  When you consider the winner, Franciscan was a useful flat horse that was rated 12lbs superior to us on the level and our fellow had to concede 6lbs to him, he has probably run a decent enough race.  They were certainly motoring turning in and his normally fluent jumping was not up to it's usual standard on this occasion - even so, he looks more than capable of winning again over hurdles before too long.

Bathwick Man (pictured above) was beaten only a head in the 2m4f handicap hurdle under Kieron Edgar.  Our eight year old had been a little disappointing this season but he had consequently slipped back to a feasible handicap mark and this was more like it.  A drop in the weights was just what was required and hopefully the handicapper won't be too harsh on him for this.

Today there are four meetings taking place this afternoon, three on the level at Ripon, Epsom and Southwell as well as a jumps fixture at Sedgefield.  The stable has no runners today.

There is a great picture on the front of the Racing Post this morning of the crowds at Cartmel yesterday for their Bank Holiday fixture.  They reckon there were around 20,000 people in attendance, which considering the size of the track is quite an achievement.  I would recommend a visit to anyone - there is always a great party atmosphere, although you should always give yourself plenty of extra time to leave...the roads around the track are always gridlocked.

*****

As many of you are probably aware by now, a group of us are currently in Tuscanny enjoying a bit of relaxation time.  By relaxation, I mean having a few glasses of wine and watching the football!  I have to admit though, I wasn't particularly entertained by the match between Manchester United and Chelsea last night - it finished in a 0-0 draw with both teams seemingly cancelling each other out.  They are obviously the teams to beat this season, but it didn't make for much of a spectacle and I would hope for more fireworks from them as the season progresses.

Martin and I started our comeback in our snooker tournament against David and Simon yesterday and we are now only trailing 2-1.  As I write this, Martin isn't up yet...I guess he must be resting in preparation to complete the comeback today!