Weekend Jottings

There are just two meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Ludlow and Plumpton.  That doesn't seem to be very good race planning to me, but what do I know?  If you want flat action, then there is a decent card at Leopardstown in Ireland where they have a seven runner Derby Trial in which Aidan O'Brien is responsible for four of them.  There are no runners from Pond House today, although Tom Scudamore and David Noonan have both picked up outside rides at Plumpton.

I was reading the Sun newspaper tribute to Freddie Starr on Friday and was quite surprised to see they reported that Freddie owned Grand National winner Party Politics rather than Miinnehoma.  Now, I am aware that everybody makes mistakes but they have proof readers to iron those out but this was a simple factual error.  It just goes to show, you can't believe everything you read in the papers!

Wincanton have had to abandon their forthcoming meeting as the ground dries out.  Fortunately the BHA have acted fast and a replacement fixture is to be held at Ffos Las, whilst there is another later in the week at Ludlow.  When you see that state of the ground at the likes of Chester last week, it is hard to imagine any meeting having to be abandoned due to firm ground.

If you are a young girl or man there is a good opportunity to ride in Jersey for the summer advertised in the Racing Post.  I spent many happy times in Jersey playing table tennis at the Pontins holiday camp at Plemont Bay.  Shane Richie was events manager at the time...I could tell you a few stories about Shane!

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There is plenty of football action this weekend with Liverpool taking on Wolves, whilst Manchester City are away to Brighton.  Both of the top two teams should win, although I will be backing Burnley to beat Arsenal at 28/13.  I will also have a little bet on Crystal Palace to beat Bournemouth at 10/11 and Leicester to beat Chelsea at 29/20.

I see that Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is ready to quit the role unless he gets the money required for new players this summer.  I can't see Spurs giving him the sort of cash he needs so it will be interesting to see how this develops.  Given the job he has done with Spurs, it won't take long for him to find another top job.

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I made my computer password 'Yes' because Mrs Barnes apparently doesn't know that word!  Have a great weekend...

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