Quiet Thursday

No jumps racing scheduled today and the flat meetings are at Ayr, Yarmouth, Pontefract and all-weather action at Chelmsford. In Ireland, they race on the flat at Naas. No runners today, we look to return to action tomorrow at Newton Abbot. 

Fewer races were run over jumps this summer, but the field sizes were recorded as being at their healthiest level in 15 years, during the months of June, July and August. It was an idea put forward to create more competitive racing all round with 300 jumps races and a total of 20 meetings were removed and the summer break extending to 19 days.  

Plenty of talk spiralled from Kempton's meeting and Richard Hughes' runner Ballarat Bertie, as he was declared a non-runner at the meeting on Monday as his owner was stuck in traffic and would not make it in time for the race. Plenty of speculation unfolded on social media regarding this and whether or not this should be allowed, but the BHA confirmed that it is in the rules of racing to be allowed. It's a tricky subject really but in result to the horse being withdrawn, Ballarat Bertie will not be allowed to run for seven days in Britain. 

Last night in the Football, Man City's Champions League campaign opened in frustrating fashion as they drew 0-0 with opponents Inter Milan. However for Celtic, it was a more successful start as won 5-1 in impressive style. The action continues tonight with Arsenal taking on Atalanta at 8pm. 

What's a firefly's favourite dance?

The glitterbug!

Happy Thursday!