Gillard Remains On Fact

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps action from Wincanton and Catterick and all-weather flat fixtures from Newcastle and Wolverhampton.  There are no runners from the Pond House team today, although David Noonan and Fergus Gillard have both picked up outside rides at Wincanton, whilst Tom Scudamore has gone all the way to Catterick for one ride for his brother.  It's a round trip of some 600 miles, so let's hope that it goes well, otherwise it is going to be a long journey home.

Talking of jockeys, I can confirm that Fergus Gillard (pictured above) will maintain his partnership with the incredible Main Fact in the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.  18 year old Gillard has struck up a formidable partnership with the son of Blame, winning on their last four starts, including the valuable Burton Union handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter and of course that amazing success in Haydock's Stayers' handicap hurdle last time.  It is a golden opportunity for Fergus to exhibit his skills on the big stage - he won't be able to claim his riders' allowance in the big race so it is a very sporting decision by his owners.

We were saddened to hear of the passing of great friend and owner Mickey Madden at the age of 73 on Saturday.  Mickey was a lovely man who owned the excellent race mare Travel Mystery at the stable many years ago with MCP.  They enjoyed many happy days together, with Travel Mystery winning the 1989 Imperial Cup at Sandown under Peter Scudamore before finishing second in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival the following week.    She went on to win the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes at Newmarket under Ray Cochrane (pictured below) before finishing runner-up in the Chester Cup and eventually retiring to stud as a broodmare.  We stayed in touch with Mickey and he joined us in our hospitality marquee at the Cheltenham Festival as recently as last year.  He will be very much missed.

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There are a couple of Premiership football matches to look forward to this evening with Wolves hosting Chelsea, whilst Manchester City are at home to West Brom.  The Wolves match could be quite tight, although City should prove far too good for West Brom.

There was a big shock in the snooker yesterday as defending champion Neil Robertson was knocked out in the first round of the World Grand Prix 4-2 by Robert Milkins.  They call Milkins "The Milkman" (can't think why!) and he certainly delivered on this occasion!

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What did the stamp say to the Christmas card? Stick with me and we’ll go places!

Why is it getting harder to buy Advent calendars? Their days are numbered!

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