Weekend Jottings!

Tuesday is the biggest day in Australia's racing calendar - the Melbourne Cup.  It is billed as the race that stops a nation, and doubtless all eyes will be on Flemington Park.  There is also a big race that takes place a little closer to home, the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, while Friday sees the start of the two day Breeders Cup meeting at Churchill Downs in America.  Midday will take centre stage for the European contingent in the fillies and mares turf and would crown a wonderful season for Henry Cecil.

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Did you know that Friday's Listed hurdle winner Maoi Chinn Tire was the longest priced winner at 200/1 for five years?  I did know this as I was on one of the more well-fancied runners in the race!  Apparently, the owner of the winner, Alan Baxter backed his horse at 300/1 - I wonder if he does the lottery?

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At the risk of upsetting half of the population, I am afraid that I have never been a huge fan of lady jockeys.  However, I thought that Julie Burke looked very tidy when successful on Inpursuitoffreedom at Newmarket on Friday.  She gave it a great hold up ride, and certainly looked like she will be riding plenty more winners.

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It is Halloween tonight, so at least I can rent my wife out and earn a few quid!  The trouble is she is frightening all the kids to death!