Judi At Uttoxeter

We have only one runner this afternoon at Uttoxeter, Businessmoney Judi in the three mile handicap hurdle - it is her first attempt at this sort of trip but she has won at stiff tracks like Towcester (pictured above) and shapes as though it will suit.  She has been a revelation since arriving at Pond House and has won three times over timber and we will be hoping that she can make it four this afternoon under Tom Scudamore.

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I have a quick piece from Martin...

We had some vets down from Langford University to visit us earlier in the week.  They are looking for horses that shake their heads - it is a nervous condition and one of the vets is currently researching this and thinks that she may have found a cure.  She needs any type of horse that displays these head shaking symptoms - it is also something that can occur in humans so it is of great interest.

I am a trustee of the Langford Unit and in this present financial climate things are very difficult.  We have had a huge donation from Kirsten Rausing for a new building for all animals large and small.  The building is nearing completion and such help is enormously appreciated.  Indeed, any help in the form of contributions are greatly appreciated - it is all for the benefit of the animals and training of veterinary students for the future.  Donations (made out to the Langford Trust) can be sent care of Martin Pipe CBE at Pond House, Nicholashayne, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9QY...for further details of the amazing work that they do you can visit their website at http://www.langfordtrust.org/

Many thanks

Martin Pipe CBE

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Anyway, back to my ramblings...

I was pleased to see that Ruby Walsh eventually saw sense and decided to come over to ride at Wetherby this weekend.  Jump racing needs jockeys of Ruby's standing...it would be like Manchester United playing without Wayne Rooney when he is fit and well.  I bet Paul Nicholls is a happy trainer as we all know that Ruby is a class act as a jockey and a person.

Daryl Jacob, the number two at Ditcheat is reported to have said that a few of the Nicholls' runners have needed a run - I was quite surprise to hear that as I am sure that Paul is more than capable of getting them ready at home.

It seems to be the day for surprising statements...I was very surprised by Nicky Henderson who claimed that former champion hurdler Binocular was "back to his very best".  I am not sure if we will be able to judge that until he participates in a proper race - I hope he is right as the more stars in the game the better, but I do have my doubts.

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I am normally among the first to knock a jockey if he gives a horse a bad ride (especially if I have done my money!), but I don't mind handing out the laurels either!  Yesterday I thought that Timmy Murphy gave American Spin an outstanding ride at Fontwell.  The seven year old wouldn't have known that he had had a race...it would be a good example to show to young jockeys (by the way, I did not back American Spin).

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I never cease to marvel at some of the weird and wonderful bets that the bookies come up with to get you to part with your hard-earned.  The latest that caught my eye was that British ladies tennis players Laura Robson and Heather Watson are 1/5 that neither of them will win a major title.  Miss Robson is only seventeen so you could have another twenty or more years before you are able to collect!  I'm afraid that I can't see either lady winning a major, but I don't want to wait until I am well into my 80's to get my money!