Gail Harrison Day!

There are just two meetings taking place this afternoon with Exeter and Uttoxeter hosting jumps fixtures.  David has two runners at each meeting; Mister Drifter and You Say What at Exeter and Ilovemints and Virtuel d'Oudon at Uttoxeter.  The first race at Exeter is called the 'Gail Harrison, A Lifetime In Racing handicap hurdle' and commemorates her 34 years at Pond House and her time at the Walwyn's prior to that.  The press gave her the nickname 'Boycott' as nothing used to get past her and I can even recall her riding out in her hair net - that will surprise a few of the current staff.  She was very bossy and put everybody in their place (that won't surprise any of the staff!).  Seriously though, she has done a great job for Martin and David and is richly deserving of this recognition.

Anyway, I digress...David runs Mister Drifter in the 1.25pm race which is a 2m7f handicap hurdle.  He showed promise when a close fourth at Huntingdon on his most recent start and this stiffer track should suit him better.  He probably needs to improve further still, but is only lightly raced.  You Say What runs in the competitive staying handicap chase at 1.55pm - there is some decent money up for grabs and has attracted some useful types.  Tom Scu is aboard both of our Exeter runners.

Over at Uttoxeter Ilovemints makes her debut for the Pond House team in the mares' National Hunt novices' hurdle at 1.15pm on her first start for the Value Racing Club.  She looked very good when winning a bumper last season, she has schooled well at home and certainly has a chance under David Noonan.  David is also aboard Virtuel d'Oudon who contests the staying handicap hurdle at 2.45pm.  He had some form which would give him sound prospects from a couple of season's ago, although he will need to improve on his most recent effort last term.

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There are just a couple of football matches taking place today with Huddersfield playing Manchester City and Southampton versus Everton.  City are 1/5 and are plenty short enough but could be doubled with Southampton at 10/11.

I saw a recent picture of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury - he must be one of the most overweight sportsmen I have ever seen (although don't tell him I said that!).

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What is the difference between a hippo and a zippo?  One is really heavy, the other is a little lighter!

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