Weekend Jottings

There are just two meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Wincanton and Hereford.  David does not have any runners today but stable jockey Tom Scudamore heads to Wincanton where he has picked up a few outside rides, the best of which looks to be Flaming Charger in the 2.45pm race.

Looking ahead, can you believe that the Grand National is now less than a fortnight away?  Following the defection of Minella Rocco at the latest forfeit stage David's Vieux Lion Rouge is back at the head of the market for the big one.  There looks to be some potentially fascinating clashes taking place at Liverpool with the likes of Apple's Jade and Champion Hurdle winner Buveur d'Air set to take each other on in the Aintree Hurdle. 

I love some of the offers that the bookmakers have been dreaming up to attract new customers.  Money back if you horse falls at the first or last, your money back if your horse finishes second in any race, your money back if your horse falls in any televised race...I have never known the bookmakers to be so generous or helpful.  I wonder why they closed my accounts?!

Eleven year old James Clarkson will run around all 34 of England's jump racing tracks next week and will be covering over 50 miles on foot.  He hopes to run as many as eight courses in a day and all the money raised will go to the Injured Jockeys' Fund - what a great effort from such a young man.  He says that he is getting excited as he will get to see all of the Grand National fences - I hope my selection gets to see of all of the Grand National fences too!

*****

There is a great football match to look forward to in League Two this afternoon with some local interest as Plymouth Argyle travel to Doncaster Rovers.  They are currently first and second in the division so it is an important match.  I am not sure that Plymouth will travel so well so I will be having a little interest on Doncaster at 4/5...sorry Pilgrims!

*****

Mrs Barnes had some chocolate on her chest the other day.  When I asked her why she told me, "It's a Mars Bra!"

Tweet