Get Smart!

I was surprised to see trainer Bryan Smart criticise jockey Tom Eaves for not looking round to see how far clear he was aboard Lady Paris in the six furlongs handicap at Pontefract.  While it is true that you will be in for a sharp hike in the handicap from the assessor (especially over sprint trips!), I would rather that the jockey put the race to bed rather than risk losing it by dropping his hands.  The handicapper is not stupid and if he sees a horse being eased down through the final furlong he will add extra weight for the distance the horse could potentially have won by - personally I would be adding even more weight to stop jockeys dropping their hands.  It looks like Mr Smart will have to run his filly again under a penalty like all the other trainers do!

*****

I couldn't help but chuckle when I heard the BBC confuse Kieren Fallon and A P McCoy at Mike Tindall and Zara Phillips wedding at the weekend.  As the camera panned past McCoy, the presenter referred to the champion jumps jockey as Kieren Fallon - I am not sure which one of these giants of the turf would be more annoyed!

*****

If I had no sporting ability whatsoever and had made over 20 million dollars for carrying a bag around I would not be moaning too much, unlike the fellow in question.  I am sure there were plenty of other perks of the job as well...it amazes me how some people can still complain - I won't tell you the name of the tea maker that I am talking about!