Dell Delivers At Newbury

What a great win for Dell' Arca at Newbury on Saturday!  I did say that he was potentially well-treated on the flat from a mark of 76 and so it proved, remember he had won over hurdles from a mark of 142 last month.  The winning distance was 1½ lengths although I think he was value for a bit more than that.  It was a lady amateur riders' race and he was given an accomplished ride from Miss Siobhan Doolan.  What an amazing horse he has been for the yard.

Talking of Newbury, I see that race goers took to social media to vent their frustrations after the sound system cut-out during the after racing gig by Rudimental.  One said, "Pay all that money to go to the races just to see Rudimental and they play two songs and finish an hour early.  Absolutely disgraceful."  Another fan said he was "sitting in waiting for a refund".  I would have thought with all the technical crew at the course and on the road with the band they would have been able to sort the problem out...sadly it does racing no good at all - perhaps somebody could let Newbury have 50p for the meter?!

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with flat cards from Thirsk, Leicester and Windsor supported by a jumps fixture from Bangor.  There are no runners from Pond House, although stable jockeys Tom Scudamore and David Noonan have both picked up an outside ride at Bangor, let's hope the 'one ride theory' pays off for them.

I see that it is Timmy Murphy's 44th birthday today.  Timmy, who rode Comply Or Die to victory for us in the Grand National back in 2008 has now retired from race riding, although I did see him at a recent visit to Richard Hannon's, riding out, looking fit and well.  Many happy returns Timmy.

*****

I saw two terrible football matches over the weekend.  My beloved West Ham look to have signed a whole load of moderate players during the transfer window, while Manchester United just look to have a load of moderate players full stop.  To make matters worse, Manchester City look brilliant!  Mourinho could be right when he says that he needs four new defenders.  It is a good job they have the best goalkeeper in the world in De Gea.  A recent poll suggested that 88% of people think that Mourinho has lost the dressing room - they could be right.

I will be watching the Liverpool versus Crystal Palace match tonight at 8pm on Sky Sports.  Liverpool look by far the most likely winners, although at 4/9 I might just keep my powder dry, especially as I did my money on the football over the weekend!

*****

Yesterday I cracked a joke...so I can't use it again!

Tweet