Taunton Off

Another day, another abandonment.  Following the cancellation of this afternoon's jumps card at Taunton's jump we are left with just three meetings taking place today; with 'jumpers bumpers' meetings at Lingfield and Newcastle as well as an all-weather flat fixture from Southwell.  I have to be honest, I am not too sure of the value of two cards full of National Hunt flat races, but they seem to be well enough subscribed, so I am obviously in the minority.  There are no runners from the Pond House team today.

At least Taunton called their meeting off in good time.  I respect the courses for trying to give their fixtures every chance of going ahead, but it is better to get a decisive early call if possible.  Ffos Las left it far too late yesterday afternoon.  Indeed, their card was only officially abandoned 13 minutes before the first race so just about everybody will have arrived at the track, including ourselves.  It is over a 300 mile round trip for us.  Of course, the welfare of horse and jockey must come first, although a decisive call in the morning will have saved a lot of money and plenty of man hours.  Who foots the bill for it all?  The owner of course.  During times like these, where Covid is already limiting their enjoyment of the sport, they deserve better.

Let's hope that Chepstow are able to provide some good news today.  They inspect at 2.30pm ahead of their rescheduled Welsh National fixture tomorrow.  One thing is for sure, if the meeting gets the green light, the going will be very testing.

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There are a couple of third round FA Cup matches to look forward to tonight with Aston Villa versus Liverpool and Wolves against Crystal Palace tonight at 7.45pm.  Villa versus Liverpool is in significant doubt after a 'significant' outbreak of Covid-19 at Aston Villa.

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My mate is always polite and courteous when he builds anything, he’s a civil engineer!

I went to the zoo the other day, and saw a baguette in a cage.  I thought, hmm, bread in captivity!

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