Joshua Terrific At Taunton

The good form of the stable continued with the success of Nobel Joshua (pictured above) in the 3m handicap hurdle at Taunton yesterday afternoon.  Given a good ride from conditional rider Fergus Gillard, he was always handy and tried to nick it on the home bend.  He had just been joined but was finding plenty when left clear two from home and the race was never really in doubt after that.  He has proven to be another shrewd purchase by David with the likes of Nobel Joshua, To Fly Free and a certain Main Fact all costing a mere £6,000!  Nordic Combined also ran a very good race in the 2m3f handicap hurdle, looking the most likely winner for much of the way before hanging his chance away approaching the last.  He is a talented individual but has a few quirks.  Even so, this was a personal best effort and he should continue to give a good account going forward.

There are four meetings to look forward to this afternoon with jumps action from Doncaster and Newbury, supported by all-weather flat fixtures from Chelmsford and Southwell.  David has one runner today as evergreen veteran Dell' Arca contests the 3m handicap hurdle at Newbury at 3.35pm.  A winner last time over course and distance, he is back up in the weights now, but is by no means out of things and he has sound each-way prospects.  The ground should suit and winning rider Fergus Gillard takes 5lbs off his back.

Incidentally, Fergus rode his 20th winner earlier in the week meaning that his claims is reduced from 7lbs to 5lbs.  Yesterday was his last day of claiming 7lbs which I am sure he will be pleased about - he is a tall lad at 6 foot and not having to waste for the additional 2lbs will surely make things a bit easier for him.

With only four weeks until Christmas day, it really is about time I started thinking about buying some gifts!  If like me, you are struggling for ideas, what about a subscription to the David Pipe Racing Club.  Membership is only £100 for 12 months and gives the racing enthusiast in your family the thrill of racehorse ownership without the expense.  Click here to find out more.

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Crystal Palace and Newcastle face-off in a mid-table Premier League match tonight at8pm.  Both sides are coming off disappointing performances and it would be no surprise if this finished in stalemate.

Judd Trump and Mark Allen were the latest big names to cruise through to the second round of the UK snooker championships in Milton Keynes yesterday, but it was Matthew Selt who hit the headlines by scoring five centuries en route to a 6-0 success.  He is now one of just three players to achieve this in a best of eleven match.

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 Did you hear about the explosion in the French cheese factory?  There was nothing left but de-brie!

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