Runner At Stratford

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with a jumps card from Southwell and flat fixtures from Hamilton, Brighton and Chepstow.  David has one runner today as Texard (pictured above) contests the 2m1f handicap chase at Stratford at 6.50pm.  He was a brave winner at Uttoxeter on Sunday and turns out here under a 7lbs penalty.  This looks a competitive contest with a couple of last time out winners in the line-up, but a repeat of his latest effort would give him every chance once again.  Tom Scudamore is in the saddle.

Do Ya Feel Lucky fared best of our runners at Southwell yesterday, finishing runner-up in the mares' handicap hurdle under a penalty.  This was another solid effort and she looks capable of winning again.  Ben Lilly finished fourth in the 3m novices' handicap hurdle, but the race developed into something of a sprint, which did not play to his strengths.

*****

England completed a decisive victory over New Zealand in the final cricket test yesterday, winning by seven wickets and in the process winning the series 3-0.  The new attacking approach to five day cricket may not be to traditionalists tastes, but it certainly seems to be working at present and could perhaps broaden the appeal of the longer format to a wider audience.

It was a good day for the Brits on the first day of Wimbledon with Emma Raducanu, Andy Murray and Cameron Norrie all winning through to the next round.  She may have lost her match, but British lady Jodie Burrage won the hearts of the crowd yesterday when stopping to assist a ball boy who was taken unwell.  She gave him a drink and sugary snacks whilst waiting for medical attention to arrive.  It does however beg the question, why was there not a medic closer to hand?

Ladies number one seed Iga Swiatek is in action on the centre court today, as is Rafa Nadal and Serena Williams.

*****

I'm reading a horror story in braille. Something bad is going to happen, I can just feel it.