Shock Of The Century

How often do you see a 1/500 chance (with one bookmaker, 1/100 generally) beaten?  It happened at Wimbledon in the first round yesterday as 27 year old former world number one, Rafael Nadal was beaten in three straight sets by the Belgian Steve Darcis, the world number 135.  Nadal had just won a record eighth French Open a couple of weeks ago, but was clearly struggling with a leg injury here.  At that sort of price you would hope that there weren't too many punters who had their fingers burnt.

How often do you see a 1/500 chance (with one bookmaker, 1/100 generally) beaten?  It happened at Wimbledon in the first round yesterday as 27 year old former world number one, Rafael Nadal was beaten in three straight sets by the Belgian Steve Darcis, the world number 135.  Nadal had just won a record eighth French Open a couple of weeks ago, but was clearly struggling with a leg injury here.  At that sort of price you would hope that there weren't too many punters who had their fingers burnt.

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon, three on the flat at Beverley, Newbury and Brighton as well as a jumps card at one of our local tracks, Newton Abbot.  The stable has three runners at Newton Abbot, Mr Trilby, Hugo Drax and Standing Ovation but it does look tough for our runners.  Mr Trilby did win an Irish point-to-point but but would need to improve on recent efforts to under rules - he will be partnered by young Sam Welton, one of our conditionals who takes a very handy 10lbs off his back.

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There were lots of local racing people at Exeter crematorium yesterday to say farewell to Philip Scholfield (1958-2013).  Philip was a fine horseman, who had been champion point-to-point rider and was a well known figure on the west country circuit.  He is survived by two sons, Lee and Nick Scholfield and he was very proud of their success.

There was a huge turnout, including local trainers Jeremy Scott and Chris Down (pictured above), Rod Millman, Martin Hill, Grant Cann,Polly Gundry as well as Martin and David.  All seats were filled and there was standing room only at the service, before heading back to Exeter racecourse for refreshments where there were wonderful tributes from messrs Bennetts and a great slide show of Philip's racing career.

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I have often been quite critical of jockeys when they get it wrong, but am only too pleased to heap praise on them when they get right.  Well, I thought that Nicole Nordblad (who is still a 5lbs claimer) rode more senior and experienced jockeys to sleep in the 4.45pm race at Wolverhampton yesterday.  She made all the running and kicked on three furlongs out and stole and insurmountable advantage.  I don't think I would want to back her partner Beauchamp Xerxes again - this victory was all down to the jockey.

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I see that it is Andrew Glassonbury's 27th birthday today.  It says that he rode Gaspara and Acambo, both great stars from the yard.  For her size, Gaspara was an amazing little mare and is still one of my favourite horses - I guess I must be talking through my pocket again!

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I was interested to see that a gentleman wrote into the Racing Post to say that by Saturday he was eagerly awaiting the appearance of fashion expert Brix-Smith.  I am not sure that I would want to go for a drink with him at our local rugby club!