Weekend Jottings

There are just two meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Carlisle and Ffos Las.  David has two runners at Ffos Las with Max do Brazil and Van Gogh du Granit.  Max do Brazil contests the 2m4f handicap hurdle at 3.35pm.  He has to carry 11-0 and while his profile is a little in and out, he does have some reasonable form in the book and is not without a chance under Tom Scudamore.  Van Gogh du Granit makes his debut for the stable in the 3m handicap chase at 4.10pm - a prolific winner in France, he missed a run in the cross country chase at Cheltenham last week when he missed the cut by one.  The ground at both courses is officially heavy and there are only small fields at Carlisle.  It is a stiff track with an uphill finish and the horses are likely to be walking from the last.  If you are thinking of having a wager, make sure that your selection is a strong stayer.

I see that there was a record attendance at Cheltenham for Gold Cup day this year with 71,816 people at the track.  It does seem to get busier every year and you need somewhere to get away from the hustle and bustle and our hospitality marquee is ideal for that.  In fact, before this year's Festival had even ended people were asking me about next year!  It is always hugely popular and early booking is essential.  It is well organised and the team in the marquee and behind the bar are excellent.  They are not bad judges either, with Joy winning the tipping competition on the first day...she has worked at the last 31 Festivals and has been in our marquee for most of those!

There was a good send off for Noel Fehily after he announced that this year was going to be his last Cheltenham Festival.  His weighing room colleagues formed a Guard Of Honour for him as he came out of the weighing room for his final ride there and clapped him all the way to the paddock.

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It is FA Cup quarter finals day and I fancy Brighton at 6/5 to beat Millwall.  There are also a cup of Premier League matches taking place and Chelsea should be too good for Everton at 20/21, whilst Liverpool should beat Fulham although the Scousers are too short to back at 1/4.

I see that former world darts champion Raymond Van Barneveld could quit the sport in the next fortnight.  He is only 51 years old and it made me wonder why these players retire?  It is is not like it is a young man's game and you have to be super fit.

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How do monsters like their eggs?  Terrifried!  Keep smiling...

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