Day One Abandoned

Following the abandonment of Cheltenham yesterday afternoon we are left with just two jumps meetings from Newcastle and Southwell.  You could see from the pictures on social media that they had very little chance of racing today with standing water at the bottom of the hill and heavy rain persisting.  Fortunately the forecast isn't so bad and the course drains very quickly.  They inspect this afternoon to see if they can race tomorrow - let's hope that there are no more problems.  In the meantime, there are no runners from Pond House today and messrs Scudamore and Noonan can take the day off.

Cheltenham have managed to save the 2m5f novices' handicap hurdle from today's card as well as the cross country chase.  The former will be the first race on Saturday and the latter will be the first race on Sunday...weather permitting that is.  Ramses de Teillee (pictured above), Eamon An Cnoic and Warthog feature among the intended runners at the meeting tomorrow.

There was a very good reappearance from Douvan in Ireland yesterday when he came back from an absence of 569 days to win Clonmel's Grade 2 chase with the minimum of fuss.  His chief market rival was disappointing but you could not help but be impressed by the winner, especially with the prospect of better to come.  Racing needs it's stars so it is good news for the sport to see him return.

Talking of stars, it is not such good news for Tiger Roll, who connections have confirmed will be out until at least February when he was found to have a bone chip in a joint that needs removing.  Hopefully, the operation will be a success and he will be back in time for another tilt at the Grand National.

*****

Much as anticipated, England thrashed Montenegro 7-0 last night at Wembley to book their place in the latter stages of the Euro 2020 competition.  That is obviously good news, although things will obviously get much tougher for Gareth Southgate's men.

There were nasty scenes in the American Football match last night between Pittsburgh and Cleveland.  With only a few seconds left to play, Myles Garrett of the Browns ripped off Mason Rudolph's helmet and hit him around the head with it.  Fortunately Rudolph was okay, but it was an extremely dangerous thing to do and I would imagine he is now facing a lengthy ban.

*****

I went into my kitchen last night to find that my fridge had exploded...I think something may have gone off in there!

Tweet