First Winner of 2026

         Itseemslikeit Winner at Ffos Las

It was a rather wet and soggy day's racing at both Ffos Las and Taunton yesterday but we didn't mind too much with all the horses running well and our first winner of the New Year!  Pachacuti was the first of our quartet of runners and he returned to form with a good second in his hurdle race, galloping all the way to the line with only one rival too good.  He seemed to enjoy the return to the smaller obstacles and hopefully he can back this good effort up next time and return to winning ways.  Itseemslikeit was up next and he revelled in conditions and put in a fine staying performance to win nicely again from a seven pound higher mark than his win at Uttoxeter.  The further he goes the better he goes and he got into a lovely rhythm throughout the race and when Jack asked him for more, he duly obliged!  He jumped very well and despite getting into the last a little tight he soon regained momentum and won with his ears pricked.  I am sure the handicapper will have his say after this win but I think there is plenty more to come.  He is very lightly raced and now two from two over fences.  He will stay further and I can't wait to see him in some of those regional nationals.

Meanwhile at Taunton, the rain combined with their watering the previous day had just turned the ground a little softer than ideal for both of our runners.  American Sniper ran his usual honest race to be fourth but jockey Rian Corcoran felt he did not really enjoy conditions.  Best Night returned to form and finished second in the mares handicap hurdle, her best run since winning at Newton Abbot back in September.  She handled the ground but would have preferred better and Rian thought she enjoyed the track and galloped all the way to the line.  I am sure we will look for a similar sort of race for her going forwards.

The good news is that Storm Goretti did not affect us and the local area as much as other parts of the country and racing goes ahead at Exeter.  It is the only surviving jumps meetings and we have two runners at our local track.  Eton Mes runs in the novices hurdle at 1.32pm and Jack Tudor rides.  He has finished fourth in both of his hurdle starts to date so far, including at the track last time when the conditions were really bad.  It is a competitive event once again and we are about 33/1 in the betting.  He needs this one more run for his handicap mark but I hope he is a good each way bet to finish in the first four once again.  Royal Mer runs in the 3.32pm handicap chase over two miles with Jack board.  He has just had the one run so far this season when he finished second at Wincanton and I think he can run very well today.  The official ground description means the going is probably not as soft as he would like but after 30mm of rain there yesterday I would be surprised if there is any good in it!  He has never run at the track but it should suit and I am hopeful of a big run.  He is currently 13/2 fourth best in the betting.

There are two all-weather flat meetings at Newcastle and Wolverhampton with the latter being the first in the series of a 'Friday Night Live' new initiative.  This is to try to encourage younger people into racing with free entry for 18-25 year olds and it will be broadcast live on ITV.  In Ireland they have a great card at Naas, rescheduled from the weekend and they race on the flat at Dundalk.

Last night the match between Arsenal and Liverpool finished 0-0.  I watched the second half and it was a bit dull but a point for Arsenal secures them a six point lead at the top of the table.  Attention now turns to the FA Cup this weekend and Wrexham have a big game against Nottingham Forrest this evening which kicks of at 7.30pm.

BINFLUENCER

Person who puts the right bin out on the right day, letting everyone else on the street know which bin to take out!

Have a great Friday!