Newmarket Deluge!

There is some cracking action taking place on these shores today with the second day of the July Cup from Newmarket being the obvious highlight.  It is supported by cards from York, Ascot, Chester and Chepstow.  There are Group One and Two races taking place at Headquarters this afternoon although the fields are threatening to be decimated following 27mm of overnight rain which has left the ground officially described as soft.  It will certainly be testing for these flat horses and it is sure to throw up some strange results.

Talking of Newmarket, what a great performance from Cavalryman yesterday to win the Group 2 Prince of Wales Stakes.  I wouldn't have thought there would be that many eight year olds landing Group races and he looks like he could be headed for the Goodwood Cup next.  Bookmakers looked like the victors on day one with only one favourite obliging - I did say that the weather would play it's part.

I see that it is one of our former owner's birthdays this afternoon.  Frank Farrant had some wonderful horses with us down the years including Cesarewitch winner Heros Fatal, Northumberland Plate winner Tamarpour as well as high class hurdler/chasers Valfinet (pictured above) and Liadett to name but a few.  I bet Alison is cooking up a great meal for her husband.  I wonder if Alison actually knows where the kitchen is?...only joking!  Anyway, many happy returns Frank - we hope you have a lovely day.

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I see that England cricket captain Alastair Cook's woes continued yesterday as he was out for only five runs against India.  It is probably time that the skipper was rested and played instead for his county Essex where he should be able to spend a bit more time out in the middle getting his confidence back.  Our best hope for a result in the first Test match already looks to be a draw.

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It was a good day for Rory McIlroy yesterday in the first round of the Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen yesterday.  McIlroy drove the ball 436 yards at one of the holes - I definitely need a driver like his!  He had seven birdies and set a new course record of 64.

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Bertie the Leopard Tortoise recorded a new world record yesterday when comleting an 18 yard sprint in little over 19 seconds, in the process taking 24 seconds off the old record which had stood for 37 years.  It sounds as though he would have beaten some of MCP's staff in the old days...note, I did say Martin and not David!

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