Belgian National Runner

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with all the action coming on the level from Epsom, Ripon, Musselburgh and Bath.  Whilst David doesn't have any runners on these shores, he does have one at Waregem in Belgium at 3.33pm...not a lot of people know that!  It is the valuable Grand Steeplechase des Flandres or the Belgian Grand National as it is otherwise known.  It is a 2m7f handicap chase run on a sharp right-handed track over some large fences including an Irish bank and a water jump that goes across the Gaverbcek River in front of the stands.  David runs top weight Van Gogh du Granit in the race and he was last seen finishing a good third in the Summer Plate.  Regular rider David Noonan is in the saddle and he looks set for an exciting ride.  I can see the pair going very well with a clear round.

It is hard to believe that any racecourse would not be interested in being televised by terrestrial stations, but it would seem that Ascot have a dilemma on their hands.  The Berkshire track is currently in talks with ITV regarding future coverage and failure to agree a deal will mean a significant loss in publicity and the knock-on effect with sponsorship.  Obviously sponsors want their products on the television and if Ascot is not on ITV this will surely fall.  I hope the powers that be make an informed decision.  Ascot belongs on the television, but the track is not bigger than the sport.

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My beloved West Ham take on Newport away in the EFL Cup tonight and it is on Sky at 7.45pm...Mrs Barnes will be pleased!  West Ham are 2/5 but as is usually the case in these competitions, you don't know what sort of team the manager will turn out.  I am going to have a short-priced treble on the mighty Hammers with Crystal Palace and Watford.

Andy Murray won his first singles match since his hip surgery.  Mind you, it was only a challenger level, the first match of that type he has played in since 2005.  He won 6-0, 6-1 but I can't say I have ever heard of his opponent.  Today should be tougher as he plays the world number 115!

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Why did the man at the orange juice factory lose his job?  Because he couldn't concentrate!  Have a great day...

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