Arc Absentees

It's a great shame that the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe seems to be cutting up.  The race that effectively decides the best middle distance performer in Europe has been denied two of it's leading fancies as last year's winner Danedream is grounded in Cologne where an outbreak of swamp fever at the training centre means that she cannot travel, while the John Gosden trained Nathaniel was taken out when his blood was found to be wrong.  He drifted quite badly in the markets yesterday so someone clearly knew there was a problem before he was declared a non-runner.  On a positive note though, Camelot who narrowly failed to win an historic Triple Crown could well bid to atone for that defeat on Sunday - it should still be a great race and I will definitely be tuning in.

It's a great shame that the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe seems to be cutting up.  The race that effectively decides the best middle distance performer in Europe has been denied two of it's leading fancies as last year's winner Danedream is grounded in Cologne where an outbreak of swamp fever at the training centre means that she cannot travel, while the John Gosden trained Nathaniel was taken out when his blood was found to be wrong.  He drifted quite badly in the markets yesterday so someone clearly knew there was a problem before he was declared a non-runner.  On a positive note though, Camelot who narrowly failed to win an historic Triple Crown could well bid to atone for that defeat on Sunday - it should still be a great race and I will definitely be tuning in.

Today there is no jump racing so we have four meetings on the flat to look forward to at Salisbury, Newcastle, Nottingham and Kempton.  The ground is bound to be pretty testing at the turf meetings so remember, if you are looking to have a bet - make sure that your selection handles soft ground.

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Above left: (l-r) Kings Palace and Bladoun, and right: (l-r) Dynaste and Broadway Buffalo

I have some more pictures to share with you from the gallops...first up I have a photograph of our unraced four year old Kings Palace in action on the gallops with Bladoun (placed in three bumpers last season).  He is beautifully bred by NH sire of the moment, King's Theatre and we have an exciting opportunity for someone to purchase a 50% share in him.  You can find more details about him on our horses for sale page, as well as a video of him in action on the gallops by clicking the following link: Kings Palace For Sale

Meanwhile, I also managed to get a picture of high class hurdler Dynaste in action alongside bumper winner Broadway Buffalo.  Dynaste looks like an exciting novice chasing prospect for the season ahead.

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Have you ever backed a horse that managed to get loose before the race and then proceed to ruin any chance it may have had by galloping around the track riderless?  I have and I find it absolutely incredible that you cannot cancel your bet...if owners have paid to take their horses a long way, they will want their runner to takes it's chance but it is not always in the interest of the punters.

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I should have taken the tip yesterday when two top jockeys travelled all the way to Sedgefield for just one ride each.  A P McCoy and Timmy Murphy both won on their sole mounts but I suppose at least A P's winner was in the first race so he could make a quick escape.  Having said that though, I bet his percentage of the prize money barely covered his petrol bill.

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It was good to see Celtic finally win a football match in Europe as they beat Russian side Sporting Moscow 3-2.  It was an exciting match as they scored the winner in the 90th minute.  Interestingly, Celtic manager is calling for England to pick Gary Cooper for the national side.  Whatever next?...a Scot picking the England team?!