Peak On Top At Stratford

It was a good day for the yard at Stratford yesterday with Royal Peak providing a timely winner in the 2m6f novices' handicap hurdle.  This was the first bit of form that our six year old had shown, and I reckon it was a good bit of placing by David as it was a terrible race.  He seemed to win with plenty in hand and there was an inquiry into the improved performance, although that is probably best explained by the poor race, longer trip and faster ground - he was a drifter from 8/1 out to 12/1 so he certainly wasn't backed to break his duck.  Our only other runner on the day Darcey Diva fell at the last when beaten.

It's a busy afternoon of racing action with six meetings taking place - five on the flat at Goodwood, Thirsk, Newmarket, Bath and Musselburgh as well as a jumps card at Bangor.  Don't forget there is also the small matter of the Galway Festival continuing in Ireland.

Talking of Galway, there were certainly some celebrations over in Ireland yesterday when Rebel Fitz and Missunited won for Michael Winters.  Even Attheraces pundit Matt Chapman was in on the celebrations and I bet there were a few sore heads this morning and it will be interesting to see if Matt's hair is sticking up quite as much as usual this morning!

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Following the success of Brown Panther in the Goodwood Cup yesterday, I thought that owner/breeder Michael Owen looked more pleased than when scoring a goal for Liverpool during the heights of his footballing career.  Well done to him...apparently the horse could now be heading out to Australia for a tilt at the Melbourne Cup.

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It's about time that the technology used in cricket matches is sorted out.  Yesteday Usman Khawaja was given out as caught behind when in fact he didn't touch the ball.  Nonetheless Australia did manage to reach 303-3 and could well give England a game.  I am still on for the draw though!

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I enjoyed watching the ladies British Open Golf tournament.  There were certainly some nice outfits on display and I was particularly impressed with Morgan Pressel who shot a round of 66.  Michelle Wie has the strangest putting stroke I have ever seen - surely she must have a bad back?!