Latest From The Gallops

This afternoon there are four meetings taking place, with three on the flat at Lingfield, Nottingham and Kempton as well as a jumps card at Haydock.  Surprisingly, the lion's share of the prize money is at the jumps meeting - mind you, it is still a fair way behind our counterparts over in Ireland at Punchestown this afternoon.

This afternoon there are four meetings taking place, with three on the flat at Lingfield, Nottingham and Kempton as well as a jumps card at Haydock.  Surprisingly, the lion's share of the prize money is at the jumps meeting - mind you, it is still a fair way behind our counterparts over in Ireland at Punchestown this afternoon.

A P McCoy was once again at his finest yesterday at Taunton as he lifted hot favourite Molotof in the novices' chase.  I firmly believe that no other jockey would have won aboard the five year old gelding and he certainly would not be one that I was rushing to back next time.  He didn't jump at all well on his chase debut and could well come unstuck when he faces better opposition.

I'm still not convinced about these twilight fixtures - there were only three bookmakers at Wolverhampton yesterday (and probably only a handful more punters!).  I wouldn't be at all surprised if there were more people at the circus across the road...perhaps if the jockeys had been stood up on their saddles, or doing handstands the track might have had a better attendance?!  Having said all of that, these meeting seem to be for the benefit of the betting offices anyway.

*****

Above: Barney Cool on the Pond House gallops

Over on the gallops I was able to get a photograph of bumper winner Barney Cool as he completed his work.  He is a nice homebred gelding who is related to a whole host of good horses that have been at Pond House down the years including Mr Cool, Miss Cool and Very Cool.  Barney Cool will be seen on course over hurdles shortly and has entries at Wetherby and Kempton.

*****

On the football front, I would have thought that the QPR and Southampton managers are on the edge at present, especially the Southampton manager after they lost 3-0 to Leeds last night.  Both clubs are struggling and the chairmen will be wanting to see results improving quickly...remember Harry is waiting in the wings, and he only lives a few miles away from Southampton!

If you like goals, you were treated to an incredible match last night between Arsenal and Reading.  What a comeback from the Gunners who were 4-1 down at half time to win 7-5!  It sounds more like a tennis score!

*****

Thought for the day...why is it when you go into a pound shop the cashier scans all of the items?!