Latest From The Gallops

The headlines in the racing papers today are unsurprisingly dominated by the memorial service yesterday of legendary trainer Sir Henry Cecil.  MCP was one of more than a thousand people who travelled to Ely Cathedral to join in the celebration of his life.  I was particularly amused to read of Lord Teddy Grimthorpe's recollections of the great man, 'millions loved him without ever having the great fortune of meeting him'.  I was one of the lucky ones that did get to meet Henry - I stayed for a weekend at Warren Place and it was a weekend I will never forget.

The headlines in the racing papers today are unsurprisingly dominated by the memorial service yesterday of legendary trainer Sir Henry Cecil.  MCP was one of more than a thousand people who travelled to Ely Cathedral to join in the celebration of his life.  I was particularly amused to read of Lord Teddy Grimthorpe's recollections of the great man, 'millions loved him without ever having the great fortune of meeting him'.  I was one of the lucky ones that did get to meet Henry - I stayed for a weekend at Warren Place and it was a weekend I will never forget.

This afternoon there are four meetings, three on the level at Yarmouth, Thirsk and Chepstow as well as a jumps card at Stratford.  There is a mixed flat and jumps card at Listowel and once again the prize money in Ireland far surpasses anything on offer on these shores.

It is good to see jump jockey Robert Thornton back in action after a long spell on the sidelines through injury with a broken arm.  He was hurt back in March and will probably take a bit of time to return to full match fitness - he is breaking himself in gently with one ride at Stratford this afternoon.

Although the temperatures have taken a bit of a dive, it was nonetheless a nice clear day yesterday and I was able to bring you this lovely shot of recent ex-French recruit Dell'Arca in action on the gallops.  Dell'Arca was a winner on the level in France and boasts some very decent form over hurdles at Auteuil and is an exciting novice hurdler to look out for in the season ahead.

Above: Dell'Arca on the Pond House gallops

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I see that snooker player Stephen Lee has been found guilty of match fixing on seven counts.  There were £111,000 of suspicious bets place on seven matches that he contested, leading to winnings of £97,000 - some of which the player banked and some of which his wife banked.  Personally I think that all cheats (particularly drugs cheats) should face a ban long enough to ensure they will not compete in their sports again.

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What a match Jonjo Shelvey had last night for his new club Swansea as he played his old club Liverpool.  He was involved in all four of the goals - I wonder if anyone told him he was now playing for Swansea?!  He scored a goal and made another for his new side, but made two other terrible passes which gifted two goals back to Liverpool!  I wonder if he was allowed to keep the match ball?!