Challenger Finals Day

This afternoon there are five meetings taking place with the action coming from Carlisle and Haydock over the sticks, while there are flat fixtures from Chelmsford City, Kempton and Musselburgh.  It's Challenger series final day at Haydock today and David has one runner as Abracadabra Sivola (pictured above) takes part in the staying chasers' contest at 3.15pm.  There is some very good prize money up for grabs with a prize fund of £50,000 up for grabs, with almost £31,000 of that going to the winner.  A bit like the veteran's races, this represents a good opportunity for horses in this bracket to compete for a good prize.  Abracadabra Sivola gets in at the foot of the weights having won well at Kempton a fortnight ago.  He jumped impeccably that day and a similar performance would see him go well from a 5lbs higher mark under David Noonan.  Unsurprisingly, given the prize money on offer, it is a very competitive race with the bookies going 6/1 the field.

Another relatively new addition is the big money Good Friday meeting at Lingfield.  I was watching the action and noticed that three of the prizes are heading across the Channel to France - two of the conditions races (and almost £100,000 each) were won by Funny Kid and City Light.  I also thought that it was great that the interviewer, Sally Anne Grassick, who was charged with talking to winning connections spoke such good French.  I think she surprised a few of her colleagues and the coverage was a real triumph for Attheraces...well done indeed!  Quite a few of the jockeys headed straight from Lingfield to jump on a plane to Meydan for another good looking card with five Group 1's and a Group 3 on the menu.

It was good to see Jeremy Noseda's Gronkowski win his final start before heading over for the Kentucky Derby.  I bet all the staff are looking forward to that - a trip to the States (and their somewhat warmer climate) is something I am sure they will all enjoy.  He looks a useful type, although he will need to be to win the Kentucky Derby!

I see that one of our old staff, Alastair Lidderdale is 54 years old today.  I still vividly remembering that he was the owner of the worst overcoat I have ever seen!  I think it must have been one of his dads!  Anyway, many happy returns Alastair.

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It is good to have some proper football action back.  I fancy Chelsea at 7/5, Arsenal at 1/3, Manchester City at 7/19, Newcastle at 4/5 and Burnley at 21/10 - I will be putting these in a few multiples.

England are going better against New Zealand in the second cricket test match.  We made 309 in the first innings and the hosts are 192-6 in reply.

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Someone once told me that the camera adds 10lbs...which is why I never pack it in my suitcase!  Have a great weekend...

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