One for Doncaster!

We have one runner today, Stray Bullet at Doncaster, providing the meeting goes ahead – it must pass an 8am inspection this morning called because of the weather forecast and the threat of a yellow weather warning.  If racing is on, Stray Bullet runs in the final race on the card at 4.25pm, a conditional jockeys handicap hurdle over two miles and Tom Buckley rides. He is making his handicap debut and races from the foot of the weights as he gets a big age allowance for being a four year old against his elders.  He is a winner on the flat in France, but has yet to sparkle over hurdles.  I think the ground is probably key to him and hopefully it won’t get too soft as I think he will be much happier on this drier surface than he has encountered on his previous hurdle runs to date.

He wears first time blinkers today and he is about 10/1 in the betting.  He definitely has ability and fingers crossed we see a bit more of what we see at home, on the track today.  Tom Buckley has his first ride for the stable – based with Paul Nicholls, both his mum and dad have both worked at Pond House in the past and so we have known Tom since he was a baby!  He is doing well in the saddle and hopefully he can get a good tune out of the bullet!

Aside from Doncaster there is also jumps racing at Huntingdon this afternoon and as far as I know, no problems are anticipated there but do take your wet weather gear of you are intending to go!  Like a lot of places around the country, I think there is going to be a fair bit of rain about!  There are two all-weather flat meetings at Newcastle and Lingfield and in Ireland they race over jumps at Thurles.  Sean Bowen has his first ride back at Huntingdon today, so it is good he is back following a knee injury which has kept him out all of this year. He rides Roccovango in the 1.40pm race for Olly Murphy.  It looks like he might have it all to do on this one to make a winning comeback (he is about a 10/1 chance) but I am sure he will just delighted to get back with the one ride and then hopefully back to normal in the coming days.  Harry Cobden has been in flying form of late and has closed in to just four winners behind Sean now in the jockeys championship.  Fingers crossed both jockeys now stay fit and healthy, as it will certainly be an interesting race to see who will be champion jockey through the latter part of the season.  My money would be on Harry Cobden but I think it will be very close. 

Some good news for us to share is that Gearoid Harney passed the doctor yesterday and he will be back in action in the saddle at the weekend.  He has been back in the yard riding out for just over a week now but passed his final tests yesterday and can’t wait to be back on the racecourse.

I also must wish the ‘boss’ David a belated happy birthday on here! I forgot to mention it yesterday but I know he had a good day and was out with friends for a meal last night. 

Last night in the football, Nottingham Forest and Bristol City drew 1-1 and after taking it to penalties Nottingham Forest won 5-3.  In the Aston Villa and Chelsea game, Chelsea comprehensively outclassed Villa to win 3-1 in the FA Cup fourth round replays.  There is no football action this evening. 

Scientists have found  that cows produce more milk when the farmer talks to them.

Apparently it’s a case of in one ear and out the udder!

Have a great Thursday!