Dane Goes For National Glory!

It's a big day for the yard today as the stable has one of the favourites for the valuable Kerry National at Listowel today - the race is a three mile handicap chase with a first prize of €96,400.  Our runner is the ten year old Premier Dane who is in the form of his life having won all three of his starts since joining us at Pond House.  He posted a personal best effort when winning Newton Abbot's valuable hurdle on soft ground last time prompting the handicapper to give him a career high hurdles mark of 145 - he competes in today's chase from a mark of 129 so hopefully is nicely wieghted on 10-10.  I wonder if the sponsors will be dishing any of their goods away to the stable staff...I am sure it would be much appreciated (Guinness are the sponsors!).

There is an interesting article in the Racing Post today about trainer Dandy Nicholls.  Dandy is a real character and I have had some good laughs with him over the years, particularly at the Newmarket Sales.  I was once sitting at a big table at the bar of the Newmarket Sales when Dandy came in and shouted over if I would like a drink.  I accepted his kind offer, as did the other eleven people in my party sat at the table!  The bill came to about £35...you should have seen his face, he was like a bulldog chewing a wasp!

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There was a great football match last night between Real Madrid and Manchester City in the Champions League.  Having led 2-1 with five minutes to go, you wouldn't believe that Real could possibly win 3-2 with Ronaldo scoring in the 90th minute.  The manager, Jose Mourinho celebration was well worth seeing as he slid out onto the pitch on his knees dressed in his suit!  In other European action Arsenal beat Marseille 2-1 and they look to be improving with every game.

There is some good action tonight as Manchester United take on Galatasaray and this should prove to be a formality for United.  Meanwhile Chelsea take on Juventus and are a best priced 6/5 to win that match...sounds like it could be worth a cheeky double!