Red Romp At Southwell

The stable was back among the winners at Southwell yesterday courtesy of the facile success of Red Happy in the 3m novices' hurdle.  His task was made considerably easier by the defection of his most likely market rival, but he put up a good performance nonetheless, coasting home to win by 41 lengths under Tom Scudamore.  A winner seven times over fences, this was his first win over hurdles, although he looks equally adept over the smaller obstacles and looks more than capable of winning something similar under a penalty.  This was his fifth success for us since purchasing him from a French claimer and he is yet another good buy from this source.

Dindin ran another good race, although he wasn't quite able to follow-up last week's success at Warwick.  His jumping wasn't quite so slick yesterday which left him a little on the back foot, but he kept trying and was beaten less than two lengths in the end.  He should continue to be competitive and with most of his best form in France with plenty of cut in the ground, he may appreciate a drop of rain.

There are five meetings taking place this afternoon with a jumps card from Bangor, flat fixtures from Nottingham and Catterick and all-weather action from Kempton and Newcastle.  David has two runners at Bangor today, Abaya du Mathan and Iron Heart.  Abaya du Mathan contests the 2m4½f conditional jockeys' handicap chase at 1.55pm.  His overall record is a bit in and out, but he did win from this mark in April and this shorter trip looks more suitable, so he has claims on that basis with Philip Armson taking 3lbs off his back.

Our other runner is Iron Heart who contests the 3.36pm race, a 2m7f handicap hurdle.  He was a good second over 2m4f in June and was unlucky to unseat at the first hurdle on his most recent outing.  This is his first attempt at the trip and he would have each-way claims if staying.  Fergus Gillard is in the saddle and claims 3lbs.

*****

The English Open snooker continues today, although it will do so without the defending champion, Mark Williams, who was well-beaten in the second round yesterday, along with another high-profile name, John Higgins.  The big names in action today include Judd Trump and Mark Selby.

*****

I was walking along yesterday when I was hit around the back of the head by a can of Coke.  It came as a surprise to me, but it could have been worse...I am grateful it was only a soft drink!