On the Flat

   The horses enjoying the sunshine

David has one runner, Diamond's Return on the flat at Chepstow this afternoon.  Our nine year old won a few hurdles races last season but his making his debut on the flat.  He is the oldest in the maiden race but he should give account of himself with Martin Harley in the saddle.  Today there are five meeting, three on the flat at Musselburgh, Chepstow and Lingfield, plus two jumps cards at Fontwell and Bangor.  We have had a few days of dry, sunny weather which is lovely but the jumps tracks are now having to water.  I would think there will be a lot of non runners due to the ground firming up and I think another reason why jumpng needs a break during the summer!  A jumper that should win again is Pyjama Game.  The seven year old won by 14 lengths at Sedgefield off a mark of 87at Sedgefield yesterday.  He should run again before the handicapper has ihis say as a big rise in the weights is expected.  One to watch out for.

Jason Maguire need to keep kicking them home before AP gets back riding.  Jason is six in front at the moment!  Let's hope for his sake Donald McCain has got plenty of ammunition for his stable jockey!

Well done to Middleham Park Racing who had there 500th winner yesterday when Codger won at Redcar.  That is a lot of winners!  Remember they have two horses at Pond House, Junior and Qalinas and being one of the members is a great way to get involved in racehorse ownership if you have not been involved before so take a look at there website http://www.middlehamparkracing.net/

Jose Mourinho back at Chelsea in the summer.  I don't know this for sure but he has shortened up in the betting and that is usually a very good guide as it is normally correct.  It is a shame however that Rafa Benitez gets Chelsea into the Europa League final after beating Basle last night and is then set to lose his job!  Football is a funny old game!

I see the American firm Stubhub have signed a three year deal with Epsom racecourse which covers tickets for racing and music events at the track.  They also look after Sandown and Kempton.

Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons.  (Woody Allen)