Double At Wincanton

The stable enjoyed a double at Wincanton yesterday after when landing both divisions of the National Hunt novices' hurdle with promising youngsters Baltimore Rock and Vieux Lion Rouge.  Baltimore Rock (pictured above) won the first division from a potentially useful sort, the pair of them in turn were well clear of the remainder and I have to agree with David that he looked as though he would appreciate better ground.  Vieux Lion Rouge won the finale with any amount in hand and really seemed to appreciate the deep ground - this was a good first effort over hurdles and he should certainly be capable of holding his own in better company.  Red Seventy performed creditably to finish third at Ludlow and this ex-flat miler looked like he stayed the trip okay - he could find a race within his compass.

Above: Vieux Lion Rouge wins on hurdles debut at Wincanton

There are three meetings taking place this afternoon - a jumps card at Musselburgh as well as all-weather flat meetings at Lingfield and Wolverhampton.  The stable has no runners today.  Champion jockey A P McCoy goes up to Musselburgh for some fancied rides, so it could be a good day for him.

It's amazing how fast time goes by and looking at our website, I can't believe that the Cheltenham Festival is now only 50-odd days aways!  It will soon be upon us again and with some exciting youngsters at the yard, I am really looking forward to it.

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Now for some shock news.  England are going well in the cricket against Australia.  Morgan made 106 and he has given the visitors a good chance as they reached 300 from their 50 overs.  I am sure we will find some way of blowing it!

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I was sad to hear that Roger Lloyd Pack or 'Trigger' from Only Fools And Horses has passed away at the age of 69.  He was a good actor, who also enjoyed success in The Vicar of Dibley, Harry Potter, Doctor Who and even Shakespeare!  However, he will always be best known for his role as Trigger...it didn't matter how many times I watched it, it would always crack me up when he called Rodney, Dave.

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I see that the LA Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has signed a 6 year deal with the team worth $20 million a year.  The pitcher is the one that just stands still and throws the ball!  I am obviously in the wrong line of work.