Kean's Great Chase Debut

It was a good day for the stable yesterday when our only runner at Leicester, Edmund Kean was successful on his chasing debut.  This was an impressive first effort over the larger obstacles in what looked a decent little novices' handicap chase - he jumped very well and jockey Tom Scu echoed that sentiment, adding 'he is one of those horses that will keep improving'.  Rated 132 over fences going into yesterday's contest, our former Irish point-to-point winner looks likely to take high rank among the novices' this term.

There are three meetings taking place this afternoon - a jumps card at Doncaster and two all-weather flat fixtures at Kempton and Lingfield.  The stable has three runners, Thomas Junior, Smiles For Miles and Western Warhorse.  Thomas Junior has finished placed in a couple of soft ground bumpers at Ffos Las and now makes his hurdling debut this afternoon in what looks to be a fairly hot maiden hurdle.  He will handle the ground and will appreciate the slightly longer trip and looks an interesting five year old for the yard.

When is this terrible weather ever going to relent?  We had another night of gale force winds and rain in Brixham yesterday...I have never known it so bad.  Mind you, it was -40ºc in parts of mid-west America yesterday so we should spare a thought for those people who are worse off than us.  Personally I used to think that snow and ice was okay for a day or two, but then I would get fed up with throwing snow balls and ice skating!

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Talk about deserting a sinking ship!  I see Nemanja Vidic wants out of Manchester United.  They lost 2-1 at Sunderland last night and it is the first time in thirteen years that United have lost three matches in a row.  If I was David Moyes, I think my first job on Monday would be to get rid of Vidic - you don't need players with his attitude on your team.

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What a great result for England to draw at cricket in Australia.  Yes, I did say that (and an England player scored a ton!) - of course, I am not talking about our Ashes team, instead I am referring to the ladies' team.  I think it may well have been better if they had played the Aussies for the Ashes!

While we are on the subject of cricket, I see there is a big row brewing between Kevin Pietersen and Andy Flower.  Flower says he will quit if Pietersen remains an England player.  Personally I am of the opinion that Pietersen isn't a good influence in the dressing room and would tend to side with Andy Flower on this one.