One Uttoxeter Runner

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with flat cards from Pontefract, Wolverhampton and Brighton as well as a jumps fixture from Uttoxeter.  It's going to be a late night for some of the Pond House team as we have one runner at Uttoxeter; Chato (pictured above) who runs in the 2m7½f handicap hurdle.  He makes his debut for the stable today having been purchased from the Doncaster sales in May.  He was a winner of a bumper here in 2016 and finished third over timber at Wincanton on his latest start.  The step-up in trip could suit and he would have each-way claims under Tom Scudamore.

I see that champion jockey Richard Johnson was criticising the temperatures in the jockey's weighing room at Worcester yesterday, saying that it was "cooler out in the sun than it is in here".  Sounds like there was no need for a sauna there yesterday!  I wonder how much weight jockeys lose during the race in conditions like we have been experiencing?

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If England prevail against Croatia tomorrow and make the final of the World Cup (I should say when rather than if!) most of the tracks will change the titles of their starting times.  The final kicks off at 4pm so the cards will want to be finished by then - that means an early start for most of them, but let's not get ahead of ourselves!  Talking of the World Cup, France take on Belgium tonight in the first semi-final at 7pm and I will be having a wager on the French to give me an interest.

The papers are full of stories about Irish Open golf runner-up Ryan Fox who is son of All Black rugby legend Grant.  Well, Ryan played at my local club Churston just 10 days ago.  I have never seen anyone hit the ball as far.  He looked a little unlucky not to win the Irish event with Scotland's Russell Knox making two long putts to win the tournament.  Ryan's second place was enough to get him into the Open at Carnoustie and he could be worth a little interest at a big price.

Back when Andy Murray was fighting his losing battle to get fit in time for Wimbledon I asked how long it would be before he had signed a contract to commentate for the BBC.  Well, he will be on television today at tomorrow.  Meanwhile, Rafa Nadal looks to be in excellent nick and looks sure to take plenty of beating.

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I used to be addicted to swimming, although I am pleased to say that I have been dry for the last twelve months!  Keep smiling...

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