Close Third At Cheltenham

The good news is that the jumps meetings at both Ayr and Huntingdon go ahead after passing early morning inspections.  There are also two fixtures on the all-weather to look forward to at Southwell and Wolverhampton.  The stable has no runners this afternoon.  Even so, let's hope that the weather is a bit better than yesterday - I don't think the rain let up until mid afternoon.  I was watching the action from Cheltenham and I was glad I wasn't there - it looked horrible.  I thought that our only runner of the day, Close House ran okay in the Grade Two Dipper novices' chase when third behind two very smart rivals and he should be capable of winning soon over fences.

The performance of the day at Cheltenham definitely came from Annie Power as she easily dismissed Zarkandar in the 2m4 1/2f hurdle, extending her unbeaten run to nine.  Ruby Walsh will have a tricky time deciding what to ride come the Cheltenham Festival in March.  With likely hot favourites in the shape of Hurricane Fly and Quevega, you would forgive him for wanting Annie Power to take on Big Buck's in the World Hurdle - she certainly doesn't seem to be short on stamina.

Over at Fakenham I was puzzled by the claim of Mrs J B Pye, who picked up the fourth home from the claiming hurdle for £4,000.  I have watched the race again and still wonder why she would want the six year old Persian Herald.  I suppose he might win a seller at around two miles...it just struck me as an unusual buy.

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I see Dutchman Van Gough, sorry Van Gerwen (he is no oil painting!) won the World darts final last night at the Alexandra Palace from Scotsman Peter Wright.  Van Gerwen picked up £250,000 for his efforts - I was obviously participating in the wrong sport during my ping pong days!

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Wimbledon champion and Sports Personality of the Year Andy Murray crashed out of the Qatar Open yesterday.  The Scotsman was leading by a set and 3-0 but German Florian (two bob) Mayer won eleven of the last fourteen games to win.  It hasn't been a good few months for British sport of any kind!

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I was very surprised to see Manchester United lose 1-0 at home to Spurs.  It's United's worst home record for over fifty years and David Moyes needs to make some new signings urgently.  I don't envy him right now.

Talking of unenviable positions, I cannot imagine what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was thinking when he accepted the position of Cardiff City manager...it can only end in tears.