Rathlin Runs In Pardubice

Following the abandonment of Newton Abbot earlier in the week due to waterlogging, there is only one meeting left on these shores this afternoon.  That is a flat card from Goodwood, but there is a good card over at the Curragh which hosts three Listed contests, whilst the yard will be eagerly awaiting news of Rathlin Rose (pictured above) who contests the Velka Pardubicka in the Czech Republic this afternoon at 3.40pm (British time).  He will be ridden by James Best who has ridden in the race before and schooled Rathlin Rose at home.  Let's hope that he takes to the fences and comes home safe and sound.  The race will be shown on RacingTV.

Yesterday was a great day for legendary jockey Lester Piggott when he unveiled a life-size statue of himself in the parade ring.  Lester won the Cesarewitch a remarkable ten times during his illustrious career so it was a fitting to perform the unveiling.  I bet there will be plenty of people having their picture taken with this statue over the coming years.

Earlier in the week Sir Anthony McCoy opened Peter O'Sullevan House in Newmarket.  It is the third rehabilitation and fitness centre to be opened and will be an invaluable tool for the racing industry.  The guest list was a real who's who of racing royalty with Lester Piggott, Ryan Moore and Frankie Dettori there to see AP perform the opening ceremony.  I have been to the centre in Lambourn and that is an incredible place - you would have thought that the government would help to fund it.  Last time I was there I bumped into former champion flat jockey Joe Mercer and it was great to chat with him.

*****

Scotland take on San Marino in the football Euopean Cup Qualifiers tonight.  Mind you, they are prohibitive odds at 1/50!  Wales look to face a more difficult task as they play Croatia with the Welsh 21/10 chances.

I did enjoy the story about golfer Tyrrell Hatton who was put off his tee shot when a toilet door slammed.  Can you believe that it was his fiancee Emily Braisher who accidentally let the door of a portaloo near the tee slam?!  She looked very flushed when she realised what she had done!  She had previously caddied for him at the recent par three competition.

*****

If you have lost every bet you have ever made, congratulations!  You are now qualified to work on Wall Street!

Tweet