Action from Thurles

The latest government measures have seen the closure of all betting shops for the foreseeable future as part of them stopping social and leisure activities to slow and hopefully stop the spread of the coronavirus.  Betting shops have been includes alongside cafes, pubs, restaurants, leisure centres, cinemas and museums.  The worry is this closure could last for up to two months but we have to do what is in the best interests of our nation and health and safety must come first.  The government seem to be handling things well and have all sorts of measures to help individuals and businesses.  Paddy Power were actually the first firm to close all 350 of their betting shops in Britain before the government made the announcement.

There is racing action at Thurles in Ireland today.  There action kicks off at 1.40pm with a 16 runner maiden hurdle and Gordon Elliott has a short priced favourite called Fakiera.  ITV racing will be broadcasting from the track which is a first for everyone and it will be nice to have something to watch! At 3.10pm there is a Grade 3 Novice chase which looks interesting.  Jessica Harrington has the favourite Sizing Pottsie but there are several highly rated challengers.  It is a seven race card with plenty of runners to keep us all interested.

If racing from Ireland is not enough to quell your thirst for action then there is international racing in South Africa at Turffontein and Durbanville while in the States there are four meetings on the dirt at Tampa Bay Downs, Gulfstream Park, Santa Anita and Fair Grounds.

Meanwhile back at the yard we are keeping a small team of horses going ready for when the action returns while a lot of the winter horses are being let down in preparation for an early summer holiday.  While it is difficult times I hope we can all stay positive and stay safe.

Have you ever tried eating a clock? It's really time consuming, especially if you go for seconds!