Easing Ground

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with flat action from Salisbury and Chelmsford City, whilst over the jumps there is action from Ffos Las and Warwick.  We were due to have three runners at Ffos Las today, although following heavy rain over the last few days at the Welsh track, including 29mm yesterday, the ground has become softer than ideal for our entries and so they have been withdrawn.  We will be back tomorrow with four runners at Fontwell.

We mentioned yesterday about the sad passing of leading French rider Adam Kondrat at the age of just 53 and it reminded us of the time he paid us a visit at Pond House back in the early 1990's.  He had the obligatory ride on our mechanical horse (pictured above) and in the background you will see a very young looking David Pipe.  Not only was Adam a very talented jockey, he was a thoroughly nice man as well and our thoughts are with his family.

I see that Serpentine, Aidan O'Brien's Epsom Derby winner has been supplemented for this weekend's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at a cost of €72,000.  His participation will make him one of five intended runners for the Ballydoyle operation.  I can't see them shelling out that sort of money unless a big run was anticipated, although the going which is 'very soft' is something of an unknown for him.  You will have to forgive me being guarded about his prospects after I refused to back him for my wife at Epsom, only to watch him romp home at odds of 25/1!

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There were easy victories for both of the Manchester teams in the fourth round of the EFL Cup last night, whilst Everton dispatched of West Ham 4-1.  There is more action tonight with the pick of the matches looking to be Liverpool versus Arsenal.  Liverpool were impressive in beating the Gunners last weekend in the Premier League, so it looks like Arsenal have an uphill climb on their hands.

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Did you hear that FedEx and UPS are planning a merger?  From now on they will be know as Fed Up!

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