Two Runners At Kelso

Unfortunately Leicester have been forced to abandon their card this afternooon owing to waterlogging so the stable is left with two runners up at Kelso, Poole Master and Unique de Cotte.  Although Poole Master's race has only three runners, it looks to be a very competitive affair, especially as our runner was rated the same as Conquisto over timber.  He receives 7lbs this afternoon.  Our other runner, Unique de Cotte is having only his second start in this country having run a nice race at Ffos Las last time - champion jockey A P McCoy is in the saddle this afternoon.  There is also an all-weather meeting taking place at Kempton this evening.

Unfortunately Leicester have been forced to abandon their card this afternooon owing to waterlogging so the stable is left with two runners up at Kelso, Poole Master and Unique de Cotte.  Although Poole Master's race has only three runners, it looks to be a very competitive affair, especially as our runner was rated the same as Conquisto over timber.  He receives 7lbs this afternoon.  Our other runner, Unique de Cotte is having only his second start in this country having run a nice race at Ffos Las last time - champion jockey A P McCoy is in the saddle this afternoon.  There is also an all-weather meeting taking place at Kempton this evening.

I was on the gallops yesterday and managed to get a nice picture of I Shot The Sheriff (left) and Off The Wall (right) in action during exercise.  The pair of them have entries over the coming days.

I was watching the racing on television yesterday and I thought that Southwell looked like a scene from a Christmas card - they had had plenty of snow and the track was white.  Shirley Teasdale won aboard The Lock Master and didn't even need her reins in the final furlong...she certainly seems to have found the key to this one!  One that will certainly be winning if turned out again quickly under a penalty is Dewala - she won by twelve lengths yesterday and should follow-up.  Jockey Charles Bishop was doing the steering yesterday and even though he was well clear, he still rode his mount out all the way to the line.  I know that is what you are supposed to do, but I am surprised he didn't take it a little easier considering the winning margin...I wonder if the trainer had a word in his ear afterwards?

*****

There was a great result for Manchester United last night as they drew with Real Madrid away from home.  The away goal for the Reds could prove to be very important on the return leg at Old Trafford.  Sir Alex Ferguson said goalkeeper David De Gea was star of the match for United and you couldn't argue that he was very good...he is a good shot stopper, although he still flaps at corners and crosses.  There was a great hanging goal from former United star Christiano Ronaldo - he looks to have a long neck to me.  I certainly wish I was that athletic, but sadly I am now at an age where my back goes out more often than I do!