Competitive Cards Today

This afternoon there are four meetings to look forward to - three on the level at Newmarket, Pontefract and Wolverhampton, while over the sticks it is the second and final day of Perth's meeting.  Despite not having any runners, David made the long journey up to Scotland and had an enjoyable day at the races.  Stable jockey Tom Scudamore and Conor O'Farrell both had rides at the meeting but drew a bland and will both be hoping for better luck this afternoon.  Tom has three rides and they all appear to have chances.  Meanwhile the card at Newmarket looks very good with a Group 3 contest supported by two Listed races.

This afternoon there are four meetings to look forward to - three on the level at Newmarket, Pontefract and Wolverhampton, while over the sticks it is the second and final day of Perth's meeting.  Despite not having any runners, David made the long journey up to Scotland and had an enjoyable day at the races.  Stable jockey Tom Scudamore and Conor O'Farrell both had rides at the meeting but drew a bland and will both be hoping for better luck this afternoon.  Tom has three rides and they all appear to have chances.  Meanwhile the card at Newmarket looks very good with a Group 3 contest supported by two Listed races.

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I see that former jockey Willie Ryan hasn't lost his sense of humour (I don't suppose you can afford to if you are an Arsenal supporter!).  Ryan said 'just bumped into Martin Dwyer down here at Goodwood, he's loving this Indian Summer'.  He was of course refering to the jockey's ludicrous eight month ban for a ride in India which was subsequently reduced to eight weeks on appeal...it still looks harsh to me.

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Above: Broadway Buffalo on the Pond House gallops

Sadly since this picture of exciting prospect Broadway Buffalo was taken on the gallops last week the weather has taken a turn for the worse.  Nonetheless, you can see that the son of Broadway Flyer who won his first five starts in bumpers and hurdles is doing nicely and is on good terms with himself.  He is very much a horse that everyone at Pond House is looking forward to this season.

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It is the start of the Alfred Dunhill Links Golf Championship today and J P McManus partners Padraig Harrington.  They look a useful pairing to me, with J P having the look of a well handicapped participant...a bit like some of his horses!  The final round is at St Andrews on Sunday and should certainly make for interesting viewing.

Talking of golf, Epsom Downs Golf Club today stages an inaugural challenge event which they hope will become an annual memorial to trainer John Akehurst, raising funds for his chosen charity Macmillan Cancer Support.  Akehurst's father Reg, the former handicap king will be present to present the trophy.  I played golf with Reg at Basingstoke a good few years ago...he was another well handicapped golfer.

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I see that Swansea made ten changes from Sunday's starting eleven and managed to lose 3-1 to Birmingham.  I think that teams who don't want to play in the Capital One Cup should be able to opt out.  Swansea obviously weren't interested in winning this cup and they were the holders!

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In case you have missed it earlier this week, below is owner Terry Neill's recent interview with Mike Vince about the forthcoming winter jumps season...