2 Runners At Worcester

It is more like winter in Lambourn, where we are staying at present.  It has barely stopped raining over the last 24 hours, although I am told they had just 2mm overnight at Pond House where they seem to have escaped the worst of it.  There are five meetings taking place this afternoon with flat cards from Goodwood, Haydock, Bath and Pontefract as well as a jumps fixture from Worcester.  David has two runners at Worcester; last time out winner Whitley Neill and Orchard Thieves.  The ground has obviously eased the ground a little at Worcester and has altered from good/firm to good (good/soft in places).

Whitley Neill contests the 2m4f National Hunt novices' hurdle at 7.15pm.  He was a winner at Exeter last time by 13 lengths, looking decidedly useful in the process.  A repeat of that performance would see him in with every chance here under Tom Scudamore.  Our other runner, Orchard Thieves finished runner-up in an Irish point-to-point that has worked out nicely since.  He has been ready to go for a little while, but is entitled to improve for the experience and run on his first start for over two years.

David was up at the sales at Doncaster over the last couple of days and I see that he has bought some nice new horses.  They are ranging in valuable, but all look to represent a spot of value.  Some are already sold, so if you are interested in becoming an owner with the Pond House team, do get in touch.  Be quick though, as they are selling already!

While we were in Oaksey House yesterday we bumped into former Classic winning jockey John Reid and Ed Barrett, who worked at Pond House a few years ago.  Ed (pictured above) was seriously injured in a fall point-to-pointing but continues to make progress and is looking very well indeed.  He is very positive and is an inspiration to us all.

I am told that there were a lot more police officers and security guards present at Goodwood's flat meeting yesterday and they were more visible for the 7,000 strong crowd.  Better still, there was no fighting.  Mind you, it was a miserable night weather-wise and not too many people looked to venture outside.

It is Rod Millman's 61st birthday today.  The Racing Post say that he was Sergeant Cecil's trainer, but to me I will always remember him as one of our first jockeys.  Rod was aboard Carrie Ann when she landed a monster gamble in a selling hurdle at Haydock back in Martin's early days as a trainer.  It may only have been a lowly contest, but it was a significant one for British racing.  I still remember driving home and the back seat of the car looked like we had robbed a bank.  Happy days indeed...you can read more about it in Martin's book.  Anyway, I digress...many happy returns Rod, we hope you have a great day!

*****

There was a poor start from England's cricketers against Pakistan.  England were bowled out for 184 after Root won the toss and decided to bat.  The ball was moving about all over the place and only the class of Alistair Cook provided and resistance.  We don't seem to have enough players who are capable of staying at the crease for prolonged periods of time.  Where are Boycott or Barrington?  That certainly makes me sound old.

*****

A man was in court for stealing a bag yesterday.  It took only 5 minutes for the jury to arrive at a decision...it was a brief case!

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