5 Handed At Exeter

Today we have just two jumps cards to look forward to this afternoon at Exeter and Towcester.  The stable has five runners at the Devon track, Sir Frank, Bois des Aigles, Vif Argent, Doctor Harper and Togiak.  I am particularly looking forward to seeing the second hurdles start of Doctor Harper who was so impressive at the course last time (pictured above).  Our five year old has won three of his four career starts and looks to be a novice of considerable promise - he runs in the 2.35pm race.

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I see that the Jockey Club have turned 'Wonga' down for sponsorship at this season's Cheltenham Festival - perhaps they thought that they could not handle the interest from the payday loan company?!

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It really is a wonder that orange Attheraces presenter Matt Chapman doesn't get a right-hander from someone.  If I was one of the big bods at ATR I would keep him in the studio - when he is on the track he cuts in when the trainers and jockeys are talking tactics - certainly not the done thing.  In fact, Nick Williams couldn't even leg his jockey up on his mount as motormouth kept him talking!  I like Matt, despite the brash exterior he is a nice guy, but I much prefer him in the studio...especially as I know when to turn the sound down!

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It is Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber's final Grand Prix in Brazil this weekend.  It will be his 215th race and next year he will be moving across to the Le Mans endurance series to drive for Porsche.  Webber's first race was in 2002, so eleven years in F1 is a long career even though he has failed to keep tabs on his younger team mate, multiple world champion Sebastian Vettel.  Let's just hope he takes plenty of Reb Bull with him for the endurance races!