Four Runners, Two Meetings

Weekend Millionair (photo by Bill Selwyn)

David has runners at both of the days jumps fixtures at Ffos Las and Market Rasen.  Standing Ovation makes his hurdling debut at the Welsh track in the 1.25pm race with Timmy Murphy in the saddle.  He was fourth on his only bumper runs last season and has also been placed in a point to point.  He has summered well and it will be interesting to see how he gets on this afternoon.  Weekend Millionair also runs at Ffos Las.  He was a nice winner at Wincanton last time out, he is very consistent and we are hoping he can follow up this afternoon with Tom Scu back on board.  David also sends two runners to Market Rasen.  My Brother Sylvest has his second run over fences with Conor O'Farrell on top.  He was a good third behind a useful sort on his chasing debut at Kempton last time and as long as they don't get too much rain then we hope he can build on the promise shown.  Basil Fawlty also has his second start for Pond House in the final race of the day, the conditional jockey's handicap hurdle.  Kieron Edgar rides and he looks to have a fair opportunity in this five runner contest.  Check back here tomorrow for all of the news of the weekend runners.

Prize Money.  Owner Paul Barber won the Fred Rimell chase at Wincanton in 1993 and won £4007.  He won the same race this season and pick up £3054 in prize moeny.  So 19 years later he gets £53 less, that is progress in our sport!  I wonder how much it cost to get to the track 19 years ago?!  One thing for sure is that the only thing that has gone down in that time is the prize money!

AP is approaching the 3500 wiiners mark in his career.  MCP always winds the champ up by saying that he will never beat his record of 4182 winners.  I don;t think he needs winding up, he only needs another 682.  That works out to about another four season at the rate he is booting home the winners at the moment!  I just hope hope he continues riding for as long has he can, he is a joy to watch.        

We are approaching Christmas, as you may know!  The Racing Post is full of christmas gifts to buy if you are stuck for any ideas.  I also see it says you can have your rocking horse restored.  I have one in the loft but I think I am probably too big for it now!  You can get Alpaca socks.  I don't think I have ever seen an Alpaca with socks on.  I bet he is cold without them...boom boom!