Horses for Sale

   Tuxedo Junction (GB) 


Exciting dual purpose prospect,
click here for details!

 

    Fighter Allen (FR)  


Exciting new horse with proven form, 
click here for details!

 

 

There are just two meetings taking place this afternoon with both fixtures coming over the sticks at Carlisle and Southwell.  David has two runners today at Southwell courtesy of Umbrigado and Great Tempo.  Umbrigado contests the 1m7½f maiden hurdle at 1.10pm.  Our four year old looked like a very smart prospect when running out a ready winner of a Uttoxeter bumper on his first start for the stable.  We know he can jump having finished runner-up in an Irish point-to-point and he has schooled well at home ahead of this hurdling debut.  A big run is expected under Tom Scudamore.  Our other runner is Great Tempo in the 2m4½f amateur riders' handicap hurdle at 3.20pm.  He has finished placed a couple of times this season and I reckon that David has found a decent opportunity for him under promising amateur Fergus Gillard who takes a handy 7lbs off his back.

Top northern jockey Brian Hughes has picked up six rides at Carlisle this afternoon and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him among the winners.

I see that Cheltenham are proposing pre-race veterinary examinations in all races at the Festival.  They already do it in Ireland and with the welfare of the horse in mind, it can only be a good thing.  They will also be reducing the field size limit for the Grand Annual - the two mile handicap chase that brings the curtain down on the fixture.  Among other recommendations are to alter the conditions of the Martin Pipe conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle so only the most experienced riders are utilised.  I am not sure I agree with this one - it is hard for some of the lesser known conditionals to get rides at the Festival and some publicity and this race presented them with a great shop window to advertise their talents.

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The big football match of the day is between Liverpool and Manchester United at 4pm.  Southampton play Arsenal, whilst Brighton take on Chelsea.  I think I will risk a little double on Chelsea at 1/2 and Arsenal at 20/21.  Liverpool are 4/7 to beat United, so maybe I could be tempted into a treble!  An afternoon in front of the telly for me...Mrs Barnes will be pleased!

I see that former England footballer Stuart Pearce is going to North Korea on holiday with the visit conducted via guided tours.  Interactions with locals and photography is restricted by state assistants and our foreign office advises against all but essential travel there.  I wonder what can be so important?  It doesn't sound like a dream holiday destination to me!

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I read a good book last week.  It was called "My Life With Dracula" by Drew Blood!  Have a great weekend...

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