Problema Tic Up For Cup!

Today there are just three meetings at Windsor, Salisbury and Uttoxeter, but I am pleased to see that for the first time since Wednesday there is some action over the sticks at the latter meeting.  The stable runs Problema Tic in the 3.45pm race, the valuable John Smiths Summer Cup (formerly known as the Summer National) - it is a race we have won in the past and our seven year old should be spot-on after his great win at Perth three weeks ago.  He carries 11-1 and will be partnered again by Tom Scudamore.  As you would expect for the prize money on offer it is a wide open race, attracting all the top trainers including Tony Martin's Irish raider Vitrix Gale.  He is always worth keeping an eye on when he brings them across the Irish Sea.  We also have a runner on the level, where Beyond contests the staying handicap at Salisbury and will be partnered by this season's leading apprentice Thomas Brown.

I see that John McCririck has won the first round of his £3 million damages fight against Channel 4.  It now goes before a full indudstrial tribuneral at a later date.  He says "it's not about the money and if Channel 4 fave me my old job back I would drop my legal action immediately"...I say give him his job back - you can always turn down the sound on your television!

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The BHA have refused to give Great Leighs racecourse any fixtures for 2014.  The track closed in 2009 owing to financial difficulties, although it has been doing well hosting corporate events etc since.  Surely the BHA could have given them a couple of fixtures just to test the water?  As long as the track is safe for horse and jockey I do not see what the problems are.

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Finally, front page news as Helen Flanagan has her tattoo removed!  Every picture I see of her seems to have her in some state of undress - maybe it is the sort of publications I am reading?!  But really, does anyone actually care?  I am talking about the tattoo by the way!  Have a nice weekend.