Weekend Jottings

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with flat cards from Musselburgh, Bath and Haydock and an all-weather flat card from Chelmsford City.  Unfortunately the quality does seem to pail into insignificance compared to the international action on offer overseas.  It is Arc Trials Day at Longchamp where they have five Group races including the Prix Neil, whilst over in Ireland the Curragh has four Group 1's and a Group 2 on their card.

It was the Pond House Owners' Day at the yard yesterday afternoon and around 100 members joined the team to look forward to the 2021/22 jumps season ahead.  As well as having the chance to have a look around the yard, those assembled were able to watch some of the horses in action on the Wexford sand gallop, in the swimming pool and the loose school and watch in admiration at some of the stables' leading performers before enjoying lunch in the marquee.  I am pleased to report that the weather was kind and everyone had a great time.

With the racing club day ahead and the National Racehorse Week visit taking place tomorrow, it has certainly been a hectic time for the Pond House team.

*****

How good was Emma Raducanu last night in the final of the US Open tennis?  Women's tennis has come such a long way and I was amazed by the velocity with which the two teenagers were hitting their shots.  Raducanu made $2.5 million for winning last night and early estimates suggest she could be looking at $100 million in endorsements.  Whatever happens, so looks set for life!  Hopefully she can stay injury free throughout her career.

There is just one football match taking place today with Leeds hosting Liverpool at Elland Road.  The home side look to have a job on their hands to get the better of Liverpool, who have made a decent start to the campaign.  Kick off is at 4.30pm.

It's a great weekend of sport from my perspective with the Italian Grand Prix taking place at Monza, whilst later the American Football weekend matches kick-off with my beloved Minnesota Vikings travelling to Cincinnati to play the Bengals.  I would be disappointed if they could not get a result, but as a fan of the Vikes, I live in a constant state of disappointment.  The pick of the games could be last year's Superbowl runners'-up, the Kansas City Chiefs against a resurgent Cleveland Browns side.

*****

I just saw a really sad looking RAC man. I thought to myself that lad’s heading for a breakdown.