Druide's Debut

There are six meetings taking place this afternoon with flat cards from York, Sandown, Goodwood and Chepstow as well as jumps fixtures from Aintree and Newton Abbot.  David has one runner today; Druide Premier (pictured at the head of the string, above) who contests the amateur and conditional jockeys' bumper at Newton Abbot at 5.30pm.  Our five year old is a full-brother to the stable's top class hurdler/chaser Dynaste and a half-brother to winning stablemate Dauphine Ereine.  If he turns out anywhere near as good as Dynaste I think David (and his owners will be very happy indeed).  Anyway, this is the first step along the road and he will learn plenty from this first experience of a racecourse.  Stan Sheppard is in the saddle and is good value for his 3lbs claim.  Meanwhile both Tom Scudamore and David Noonan have picked up outside rides and look to have some chances.

I know the problems and niggles you get with racehorses, so what an achievement for Whitecrest to win her 13th race yesterday at Nottingham on her 127th start.  Just to get a horse to race that many times is an achievement in itself, but to still be winning is fantastic.

I keep on about wanting more claiming or selling races and it would appear that I am on to something!  There is a six furlong seller for two year old's at York this afternoon and it has attracted 20 runners.  The minimum claiming price is £18,000 - that is why it has attracted so many runners.  It is a race that Martin won many years ago with a little horse called Chinaider.  It just goes to show that trainers will support this sort of race so why aren't there more of them?  Of course, I think there should be more over longer distances which would also interest the jumps trainers.  These races can only generate revenue for the courses, so what is the problem?

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The US Open golf is underway and what a course Shinnecock Hills looks to be.  If you miss the fairways there you are in desperate trouble.  Rory McIlroy shot a ten over par round of 80, while the average golfer would struggle to break 100.  In fact, if you missed the fairway you would struggle to find your ball again, that is how difficult the rough looks.  Ian Poulter, who shares the lead on -1 said, "it feels like you are pulling teeth every single hole you play".  The rest of the week should be interesting.

As expected, Russia beat Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening match of the World Cup and the 4/9 looked a big price, but it was hardly essential viewing.  Today's match looks a more entertaining affair with Portugal and Spain playing at 7pm on BBC1 and there should be a few goals.  I will be backing Uruguay at 8/13 and Morocco at 13/10.

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My grandad doesn't like fried chicken, but my nandos!

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