A Blank Friday!

It is a blank day for us runners wise but there are two jumps meetings at Ascot and Uttoxeter.  There are two all-weather meetings at Southwell and Wolverhampton and in Ireland they have a flat meeting at Dundalk.  Yesterday at Exeter unfortunately Sidi Ismael made a bad mistake at one of the fences and pulled up.  Jack thought he wasn’t moving right after the error so wisely pulled him up and he returned with a nasty little cut where he knocked into himself.  Thankfully he doesn’t seem too bad this morning and he can hopefully have a change of luck on his next outing.

Confirmations were made yesterday for the Welsh National and we have two left in the race, Only The Bold and Iceo Madrik.  Leading fancy for the race Monbeg Genius was not confirmed for the race after a setback.  22 horses remain in contention for the big race next Wednesday 27^th December, with Super Survivor the new 9-2 favourite for Jamie Snowden.  Only The Bold is about a 25/1 to chance in the betting while Iceo Madrik is a bigger price at 66/1.

On Wednesday evening 44 members of staff and partners etc went to our local Villa Verde in Wellington for a Christmas meal.  We had pre-ordered our three courses and the food was wonderful.  The drinks flowed and a good night was had by all.  It was fairly sensible compared to some years but we are getting a little older and it was the perfect evening.  There were a few sore heads this morning but it was nice for us all to get together and share a few stories!

Last night in the football the premiership match was Crystal Palace home to Brighton which was a fair game finishing with a 1-1 result. 

Tonight there is one Premier League match, Aston Villa are at home to Sheffield United at 8pm.  Manchester City are in action in the Club World Championships final, playing Fluminense at 6pm, a Brazilian team for those of you wondering – I had to Google it!

I just got a photo from a speeding camera through the post.

I sent it right back – way too expensive and really bad quality!

Happy Friday!