Weekend Jottings

Today there is only one meeting to look forward to in this country and that comes from Sedgefield. Nevertheless there is some excellent action at Leopardstown which features the Irish Champion Hurdle and a magnificent seventh clash between Hurricane Fly and Jezki. I was talking to A P McCoy yesterday and he fancies his chances of beating Hurricane Fly - it should be a race to savour.

There was an interesting piece in yesterday's Racing Post about Channel 4's racing coverage and former producer Andrew Franklin wasn't pulling any punches.  He said, "there's no chemistry among the presenters" - whatever your views on John McCririck may be, there was certainly a spark when he and John Francome were presenting their shows.  As far as I am concerned it has all become too technical with too many buttons being pressed.  Let's go back to basics and start talking in a language that might engage the casual viewer and encourage them to become a regular spectator.

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It's amazing what people will do for money!  It looks as though a fight between Amir Khan and his mate Manny Pacquiao is now on the cards despite them both saying they would never fight each other.  It sounds as though a big money offer has been put on the table, although Pacquiao has the small matter of fighting Floyd Mayweather for £300 million first!  If only I had been braver...saying that, I didn't much like getting hit with a ping pong ball nevermind a boxing glove!

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I was saddened to see Roger Federer put out of the Australian Open tennis at such an early stage on Friday.  He was beaten by the world number 46 in a match that he should have won in his sleep.  Federer is now 33 years old and must be coming towards the end of his incredible career - I just hope that he knows when the time is right to call it a day.

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I will be glued to the television today to see Bristol City take on my beloved West Ham in the FA Cup.  Fortunately the match is televised because tickets are like gold dust.  In fact, I reckon you have more chance of Tom Scu buying a round of drinks than being able to obtain tickets to the match!