Latest From The Gallops

Sadly it looks as though our Indian summer has come to an end as we had had a bit of rain when I stepped outside this morning.  Fortunately I have accumulated a number of photographs from the gallops over the last few days to share with you.  First up we have Ladyvie who has finished in the frame on her two starts in chases since arriving in this country.  She holds an entry at Exeter on Thursday in a 2m5 1/2f novices' handicap hurdle.  We also have a picture of Southerness and Soulard who are also entered at the Devon track in the 2m3f handicap hurdle.

Sadly it looks as though our Indian summer has come to an end as we had had a bit of rain when I stepped outside this morning.  Fortunately I have accumulated a number of photographs from the gallops over the last few days to share with you.  First up we have Ladyvie who has finished in the frame on her two starts in chases since arriving in this country.  She holds an entry at Exeter on Thursday in a 2m5 1/2f novices' handicap hurdle.  We also have a picture of Southerness and Soulard who are also entered at the Devon track in the 2m3f handicap hurdle.

  
Above left: Ladyvie and right: Southerness and Soulard on the gallops

*****

Watching the racing on television yesterday, there was one horse in particular that caught my eye - the Roger Charlton trained two year old filly, Mince.  She looks to be well ahead of the handicapper as she won with about a stone in hand at Pontefract yesterday.  The trainer will need to run her again under a penalty before the assessor has his say.  Her current mark of 70 is ridiculously low.

*****

With only a month of the flat season remaining, reigning champion flat jockey is now a 1/3 chance to retain his crown.  He is currently nine winners ahead of Kieren Fallon, who the bookies make an 11/4 shot, while Sylvestre de Sousa is a 25/1 chance despite riding a four-timer yesterday - he will need a few more of those if he is to get competitive again and he looks to have it all to do.

*****

What a great idea from Punchestown racecourse...they have just announced that they will be reducing admission to each of their meetings (with the exception of their Spring Festival meeting) to €10 to attract more racegoers.  Hopefully this initiative will meet with success and encourage other racecourse to do the same thing.  Racing is an expensive hobby (especially if you are taking the whole family) and it is about time that it was made more affordable and came into line with likes of football for instance.

*****

Could Tiger Woods be returning to form?  He has been playing really well in practice lately, posting a course record 62 at the Medalist Club in Florida last Friday.  He carded seven birdies on the back nine (he has carded plenty of birdies recently!) - now he needs to put four rounds together.  It would be great to see him mixing it with the young guys on the scene now such as Rory McIlroy.  Golf needs Tiger in top form - all sports needs it's stars and he is definitely one of them.