Horses for Sale

   Tuxedo Junction (GB) 


Exciting dual purpose prospect,
click here for details!

 

    Fighter Allen (FR)  


Exciting new horse with proven form, 
click here for details!

 

 

There are three meetings taking place this afternoon, all on the flat with the action coming from at Yarmouth, Musselburgh and Windsor.  Unsurprisingly there are no runners from Pond House today.  With the tail-end of Hurricane Ophelia due to hit these shores later today, let's hope that everyone keeps safe and well and there is not too much damage caused.

There is some terrible news today as I was greatly saddened to hear that former trainer Pat Haslam has passed away at the age of 69.  He was a very astute trainer and back in my younger days, if there was money for any of his horses, it was rarely left in the bookies satchels!  He gave AP McCoy plenty of winners early in his career and used to have a great rivalry with Martin during the early parts of each season.  He will be very much missed and our thoughts are with his friends and family.

Talking of trainers, I see that it is Aidan O'Brien's 48th birthday today.  What a performance from US Navy Flag to win the Dewhurst at Newmarket on Saturday in really taking fashion - with the trainers birthday today I bet there was some party at Ballydoyle over the weekend.

While we are on the subject of birthdays, it was jockey Sam Twiston-Davies' birthday yesterday and he celebrated with a double at Chepstow - probably the best present he could have asked for.  Sam is just 25 but seems to have been around for ages.

The Racing Post's ever popular stable tour series kicks-off today with Irish trainer Gordon Elliott.  Gordon worked at Pond House a while back and was a very capable amateur jockey in his younger days.  Talking of the stable tours, don't forget that David's feature will be in this week's paper - probably Wednesday, so keep your eyes peeled!

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I saw a lot of football over the weekend (Mrs Barnes was understandably thrilled!) and I thought that Chelsea looked terrible, while Arsenal were not far behind them!  Meanwhile Manchester City looked different class on Saturday and look like a good bet to win the Premiership to me.  Unfortunately West Ham striker Andy Carrol is injured again after hurting his elbow, although I'm sure his head is quite right!  Can you tell which team I support?!

Boxer George Groves was impressive in beating Jamie Cox on Saturday night and he's now winding Chris Eubank Jnr about their fight this coming winter.  That should certainly be a good one.

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Thought for the day...honesty is always the best policy - as long as you agree with the boss!

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