Ocean at Kempton!

Today we have the one runner on the flat, Ocean Heights at Kempton this evening.  He steps up in distance having run well at the track on his first start in a handicap last time at a big price, finishing third.  I think he will appreciate the extra couple of furlongs today and I don’t see why he won’t run well again.  Tyler Heard rides for the first time claiming a handy three pounds.  Our jockey has not long returned from riding in the States where he has ridden 23 winner this year from 175 rides, riding quite a bit at Keeneland and Horseshoe Indianapolis amongst others.  Now back in Britain and based with trainer Phil McEntee he is looking to get back going again over here.  Originally based with Richard Hannon he has had 78 career winners and hopefully he can add to that tally this evening.  He has four rides on a bumper nine race card at Kempton and I am sure he will do a good job aboard Ocean Heights in the lucky last.

After two blank days of no jumps racing, hopefully there will be some action today from both Ludlow and Haydock.  Jack Tudor and David Noonan are both in action at Ludlow this afternoon.  There is also flat racing at Lingfield today and they start early with their first race at 11.30am.  In Ireland they just race on the all-weather at Dundalk.

I was interested to read that former top jockey Davy Russell will be donning his dancing shoes in 2024 as he is booked to be a contestant in Ireland’s Dancing with the Stars.  He is following in the footsteps of Nina Carberry who won the show back in 2022.  While I have to admit I don’t recognise many of the people he will be competing against, I see he is 12/1 in the betting to win the show, with former Miss World Rosanna Davison the 6/1 favourite.  I have no idea if Davy can dance but I have a sneaking suspicion he may be alright!  I know he can sing well and I don’t think he is the type of person who would do something like this if he wasn’t at least a little bit good!  Time will tell but episodes will be aired in January at 6.30pm on Sundays on RTE.

For those of you who may have been worried, David and Gerry have made it back from London safely.  While lots of trains were cancelled due to the weather I have a feeling they may have accidentally missed a train to extend their trip in the capital!  Back to the grindstone for them both today!

Last night in the football, the England Women 6 - 0 Scotland.

Wolves 1 - 0 Burnley, Luton 3 - 4 Arsenal.

There are lots of Premiership matches this evening, six in fact with four matches kicking off at 7.30pm and then at 8.15pm Aston Villa play Man City and the game I am most interest in is Manchester United at home to Chelsea.  Both teams are in a similar positon, not really playing well despite and lot of investment and so it is an important game for both sides.

I’ve adopted a pet termite and I’m calling him Clint.

Clint Eatswood!  Have a great day!