Last Day Of Ascot

There are seven meetings taking place this afternoon with flat cards from Royal Ascot, Ayr, Haydock, Lingfield, Newmarket and Redcar as well as a jumps card from Perth.  It is a quiet day for the stable with no runners today and that comment applies to the stable jockeys too.  Meanwhile, over at Ascot it looks as though Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby could be the man to follow at the Royal meeting.  Space Blues, Masar and Blue Point all look to have leading claims which augurs well for jockey James Doyle.

Yesterday was billed as the day Ballydoyle fought back at Royal Ascot but it didn't quite work out like that with only one of their three hot favourites obliging.  The bookmakers were definitely on top after getting a pasting by Dettori's four-timer the day before.  There was also a surprise winner of the Coronations Stakes when the French trained 20/1 chance Watch Me swept past the field.  She was well-beaten by the other French filly Castle Lady in the French Guineas last time at Longchamp but turned the form around in no uncertain terms.

It was good to see Gary Wilstshire at Royal Ascot yesterday.  I have know Gary for many years and I still recall when he laid all of Frankie's seven winners in 1996 and promptly went skint.  He is a great character and it was good to see him back in the betting ring again.

I was thrilled for Hayley Turner who looked absolutely elated to ride a winner at the meeting following her un-retirement.  She won the Sandringham aboard Thanks Be to become only the second lady to win at Royal Ascot.  The other was Gay Kelleway 32 years ago.  Well done Hayley!

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England were beaten by Sri Lanka in the world cup cricket yesterday with Malinga Slinger taking 4 wickets.  He certainly looks like he throws the ball to me (could he have a more appropriate name?!).  As usual, I think the press have built up the England side too much.

I can see why our Premier League sides keep buying overseas players.  Our under 21 team were slaughtered by Romania 4-2.  I would be looking to recruit some of the Romanians for the future.

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The only time Mrs Barnes runs her fingers through my hair is when she cleans the shower drain!  Have a great weekend...

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