Sporting Sunday

         Richard Hughes & Mamlook
            Chester Cup Winners

Today we have just two meetings, a flat card at Ayr and a jumps meeting at Market Rasen.  Tom Scu goes to Market Rasen for a couple of rides.  I love reading Richard Hughes' column in the Racing Post.  You may have heard me say last time I went to Lambourn we went to Richard Hughes' yard and I really enjoyed listening to his stories.  He says it is luck that jockeys are not like footballers.  Can you imagine a footballer falling off a horse, he would probably roll right over the winning line if he even got that far!  This week at the World Cup I have never seen so much acting!  I would think perhaps that's what they teach in South American schools?!

It was very sad to hear of the passing of former Champion trainer John Dunlop yesterday, aged 78.  He was a very fine trainer and MCP claimed a few horses off of him over the years.  Sea Island was one of the best in the early nineties and she won more than 10 races at Pond House, she was a very good mare.  He was also a lovely person and and a true gentleman who always got on well with Martin and I.  Our condolences and best wishes go to all of his family.

I see that 11 year old aspiring jockey Seb Griffin is beginning a 200 mile walk to raise money for the Injured Jockeys Fund.  He is starting from Robin Hoods Bay, South of Whitney and will finish on the Irish Sea at St Bees Head.  Seb is a member of the Chiddingford Pony Club and trains at the British Racing School in Newmarket.  You can donate to Seb via his coast to coast fundraising page.

It is the British Grand Prix at Silverstone today.   I still would like to go and watch a Grand Prix live one day for the atmosphere but I am sure you actually see more on the TV.  I would think that Lewis Hamilton should win the big race again, he always seems to win!  In most sports if you win something three times you get to keep the cup.  I wonder if he will keep the car?!

In cricket, England play India in the T20 decider so I shall enjoy watching these two sporting events today while the Tennis and Football take a break!  Have a good day everyone.