7 Runners This Afternoon

I thought that Great Mates performed creditably at Ludlow yesterday when making his debut for the yard.  He was only beaten 5 1/4 lengths and faced a very difficult task in trying to concede 10lbs to the winner Mauritino.  Mauritino looks well ahead of the handicapper and should be followed especially if turning out again under a penalty at Exeter this afternoon.  On that basis, a little race should come the way of Great Mates before too long.

We have six runners at Exeter this afternoon, Shallow Bay, Ladyvie, Bathwick Scanno, Surfboard, Soulard and TIgger and another at Worcester, Southerness.  They all appear to have chances so we will be hoping for the best.  Interestingly, a couple of them will be ridden by two of the young amateurs that work in the yard and they are both having their first rides for us.  Young Tom Bellamy is son of Towcester clerk of the course Robert Bellamy and he partners Bathwick Scanno in the novices' handicap hurdle, while Mikey Ennis takes the mount aboard Ladyvie in the same race.

You will see below a picture of Southernesss as he completes his preparation ahead of this afternoon's handicap hurdle at Worcester - he will be ridden this afternoon as usual by Chris Honour.

Above: Southerness on the Pond House gallops

*****

Looking through the birthday list in the Racing Post today, I noticed that it was David Pipe's birthday.  Apparently David is 76 today...I know that he is getting older (aren't we all?!) but I wouldn't have put him at that age - even though his son Jack already has more hair!  Of course, I am only joking...it is in fact former Jockey Club director of public affair, David Pipe's birthday!  Regardless, many happy returns to David Pipe.