Good Luck Clare!

There are six meetings taking place this afternoon with flat cards from Sandown, Doncaster, Chelmsford, Haydock and Beverley as well as a jumps fixture from our local track at Newton Abbot.  We have two runners at Newton Abbot; It's Obvious and Iniciar.  It's Obvious contests the 3m2f handicap chase at 4.30pm and he will have to improve on recent efforts to figure in the finish.  Even so, his third at Taunton on soft ground reads well in this context so it is not beyond the realms of possibility, although he has to prove he can handle this faster surface.  Our other runner is Iniciar who takes part in the charity flat race for stable staff over 1m4f at 5.30pm - he is talented but quirky (that could be Iniciar or Clare Wyatt who is in the saddle!) and a big run is expected.  She has been doing a great job of fund raising with over £1,500 already in donations for Racing Welfare which is a fantastic cause.  You can donate to Clare by visiting her Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/clarewyattjockeydebut

Many thanks to everyone that has supported Clare - there have been donations from many of the yard staff including Emma, Rosie, Mandy, Sam, Vickie, James, Bexs, Craig, Bob, Gemma E, Andrew, Gemma H, Debbie, Kevin, Martin, Vicki, Oliver, Julie, Ali, Gail, Ashley, David, Chester, Tom Scu, David Pipe & MCP.  Meanwhile, there have been generous online contributions from friends and owners - I know that Clare has been bowled over by the support.  Racing Welfare is a fabulous charity that helps people not only currently employed in the racing industry, but also those that have worked in the sport in the past.

It is travelling head lad Bob Hodge's birthday today.  The Post says that he is 49 today, although he looks much older!  Mind you, he does support Celtic so it is only to be expected!  It is also snappy dresser Stuart Mercer's birthday - Stuart, who is a very young looking 76 has been an owner at Pond House for many years and has often said he would have got less for murder!  Stuart, a Manchester United fan will love that they are trying to sign Ronaldo for £98 million with a wage of £500,000 per week!

There is a good article today in the Racing Post about flat jockey Oisin Murphy.  I have only met him the once, while we were in Lambourn recently and he made a very good impression on us, especially Carol!  Carol has been having terrible trouble with her shoulder since taking a nasty fall and Oisin offered to cut up her food for her.  He also referred to me as 'Mr Barnes' so he has clearly been brought up the right way.

The women's seedings at Wimbledon are all over the place after defending champion Garbine Murguruza lost to Belgian Alison Van Uytvanek, the world number 47.  Only two of the top eight ladies' seeds remain after just two rounds so it is looking there for the taking for world number one Simona Halep...although Serena Williams is still lurking.

Last night I watched three films with Mrs Barnes back to back...fortunately I was the one facing the television!  Have a nice day...

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