Quiet Monday

There are just four flat meetings today at Chepstow, Wolverhampton, Windsor and Thirsk.  It was not so good for the stable runners over the weekend where Junior did not want to play at Royal Ascot on Saturday. Jockey Ryan Moore could not get him in front and he was never really going.  He is now on his summer holidays.  At Worcester yesterday, My Brother Sylvest, returning from a break seemed to jump a bit right and did not appear to get the 2m4f trip.  David does not have any runners today but we will have some at Newton Abbot tomorrow evening so check back here tomorrow for more news.

It is lucky that we now have plastic railings on all the racecourses - just ask Paul Hanagan!  He came off Ektiham when the horse slipped on the bend at Royal Ascot on Saturday.  He was thrown through the rails and landed awkwardly.  He gave up the rest of his rides for the day and went to hospital for x-rays but thankfully nothing is broken and he was very lucky.  It was a very sad race as well as the winner, Thomas Chippendale collapsed and died after crossing the winning line.  Poor Lady Cecil has certainly been through the rollercoaster of emotions recently and we would like to send our best wishes to all those involved with Thomas Chippendale.

I think we will probably get rain this week as it is the start of Wimbledon!  Andy Murray is our only chance of winning anything but I think he has a hard draw.  If you like betting odds on then Serena Williams is 5/2 on and looks like she only needs to turn up!  Maybe they should make it like a handicap and you could give players a start if they are playing against someone who is bigger and heavier?!

In the cricket final yesterday England lost to India.  Mind you, the Ian Bell stumping did not look right.  To me he looked in but the third umpire Patel Gandi gave him out.  Kevin Pietersen hit 177 not out for Surrey in the County Championship.  He looks over his injury and I think lets get him back in the National side quick!