Diamond Standard!

I thought that Conor O'Farrell gave Diamond's Return a cracking hold-up ride at Uttoxeter yesterday afternoon.  Diamond's Return looked to have plenty to do for much of the race but his young jockey remained as cool as ice and produced him with a beautifully timed run at the last hurdle to win cosily by 2 1/2 lengths.  The step up to three miles seemed to suit the gelding well and I hear that he could turn out again at Bangor tomorrow under a penalty.  His effort yesterday looked like a copybook Richard Hughes or Timmy Murphy waiting ride...it really was that good.

There are just four flat cards this afternoon at Doncaster, Epsom, Chepstow and Wolverhampton.  It is jump jockey's Derby day at Epsom and Tom Scudamore takes a ride for his brother Michael, mind you he is one of the outsiders at odds of around 33/1.  A P McCoy has a ride for his boss J P McManus on a horse called Hilali...it will certainly make for interesting viewing, especially as it will be A P's first ride around the famous Epsom Downs.

There was a thrilling finish to the Leger Legends race at Doncaster yesterday as Willie Supple snatched victory from Gaye Kelleway in the final strides aboard Dana's Present.  Brother Gerry was back at Pond House looking on and wondering why his brother had won so far (the winning distances were a nose and a dead-heat)!  Luke Harvey hasn't lost any of his old style...and it's not meant as a compliment!  Actually I was called-up for questioning whether some of yesterday's competitors could be considered legends, but the reader concerned does have a valid point.  Yesterday's jockeys have all raised considerable amounts of money for charitable causes, so they should all deserve the title of legend.  I'm sorry if any offense was caused...I was only having a bit of fun at Harvey's expense (and no, it wasn't a member of Luke's family who contacted me!).

I see that reporter Eddie 'The Shoe' Freemantle had an eventful time trying to get into Doncaster races yesterday.  The hack had an apple and half a bar of chocolate confiscated by an over-zealous member of staff because of their no food policy.  Freemantle went to social networking site Twitter to complain that it 'wasn't exactly a three course meal'...Eddie's a big lad and it would have been little more than a snack to him!  Perhaps he tipped the gateman a loser?!

*****

I have to agree with Gary Lineker after England's dire performance against Ukraine on Tuesday evening even though England manager Roy Hodgson says that the former star-striker is out of order.  I think Hodgson lives in the past...it is about time we had a young manager who is still in touch with the game.  Maybe Walkers have the answer?!

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I would have thought that Amir Khan would want to steer clear of Floyd Mayweather.  He must be fighting him for the money - I reckon Khan has something of a glas chin, and what's more, it's not even cut glass!  Steer clear Amir!