Towcester On But Exeter Off

The bad news is that following 31mm of rain overnight, Exeter have taken the sensible step of abandoning their meeting this afternoon.  The good news is that (somewhat against the odds) Towcester have been given the go ahead to race today meaning that we do at least have some jump racing to look forward to, as well as two all-weather flat cards at Lingfield and Kempton.  Consequently we only have one runner over the sticks, Shaking Hands (pictured above) who will now be partnered by Tom Scudamore instead of Tom Bellamy - fortunately Shaking Hands is a doughty stayer and they will need to be this afternoon...Towcester is a really testing track and the ground is going to be very heavy - stamina really will be at a premium today.  We also have a rare runner on the all-weather at Kempton this evening as Purple 'N Gold makes his debut for the yard in the 1m4f handicap under Simon Pearce.

Clive Cox'sGroup 3 winning flat horse Poet made a winning hurdling debut at Newbury yesterday afternoon.  He was rated 110 on the level, so it was hardly surprising that he should win his maiden over hurdles but he looks like a very promising recruit and is already being quoted as a 25/1 chance for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Sadly the news is dominated by more talk of corruption and race fixing allegations.  Whatever sport you are in, personally I think that if you are found guilty, you should be warned off for life - it's the only way to keep corrupt sportsmen out, not only that, it also serves as a warning to others.

*****

What an amazing comeback from Chelsea to beat Leeds 5-1 having trailed 1-0 at half time, it truly was a great second half performance.  In fairness to them, the players do seem to be getting behind new manager Rafa Benitez.  Impressively the five goals were scored by five different players and even Fernando Torres managed to get in on the action, although he did leave it until the 84th minute!  As I write this I am looking at a picture Rafa with MCP and myself at the Grand National meeting a few years ago.  Rafa was out of a job then but don't feel too sorry for him, he didn't exactly look destitute!

*****

I was amazed to see a personal numberplate for sale this morning for £95,000 - who in their right mind would want PEN15 on their car?  I can think of one or two people that it would be suitable for, but I don't think they would have it on their voluntarily!