McCoy The Super Sub!

What an amazing week for A P McCoy, first he wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year and now he gets the prized ride on Kauto Star in the King George.  It is a great shame for Noel Fehily, who ruled himself out after suffering a recurrence of his wrist injury.  A P was supposed to ride Albertas Run, so it was very understanding of owner Trevor Hemmings to excuse him to ride the big race favourite - I bet A P will be praying that there is no frost on Saturday night.  Let's hope that Kempton gets the green light as for me, Boxing Day racing is one of the best days of the year.  I can remember when they had the meeting on at our local track Newton Abbot, sadly the inevitable bad weather forced them to sell their fixture to Towcester a few years ago - ironically they have already abandoned this year's meeting!

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From 1st January jockey's are going to get half of their riding fees at the declaration stage and keep the money should the horse become a non-runner, although if the jockey is retained by the trainer, he will not qualify.  The scheme sounds like a good idea and is sure to help those jockeys that don't get many rides.  It is due to be trialled for twelve months.

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Graham Goode retires at the end of the month after forty-four years behind the microphone.  To celebrate his career, A P McCoy presented "GG" with a bottle of champagne yesterday at Southwell races - he has been a good commentator through the years and will be a hard act to follow.

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I have received my copy of the Greyhound Girls calendar for 2011 and I have to say that the girls featured certainly don't look like dogs!  All of the profits go to the Retired Greyhound Trust which is a really good cause, so order yours today at www.greyhoundgirls.co.uk!