Madison Close Second

I thought that Madison du Berlais ran a solid enough race at Exeter yesterday afternoon on his first start over hurdles since 2004.  He finished a close second to Mr Hudson, and the run will have blown away the cobwebs for another season over fences.  The trip of 2m5 1/2f might just have been on the sharp side for him, so to me it was an encouraging run.  I'msingingtheblues wasn't beaten at all far in the big race of the day, The Haldon Gold Cup and he too looks to be more than capable of winning races over fences this season.

Also at Exeter yesterday afternoon, I had to feel sorry for champion jockey AP McCoy.  He had a very uncomfortable time of things aboard Victory Parade when his stirrup leather broke.  AP had to kick his other foot out of the irons and ride for about half a mile before his partner finally pulled up - I must admit that he looked a bit like me back in my riding days!

Over on the flat, Richard Hughes managed to keep the title race very much alive courtesy of a double at Kempton bringing the gap to Paul Hanagan back down to three.  Looking through their booked rides this afternoon, things could get even tighter as while Hanagan has eight mounts at Kempton, Hughes has twelve rides across two meetings, including five paper favourites.  Apparently, he is still not sure which side of the pond he will be on on Saturday, although Ryan Moore has been jocked up aboard Paco Boy for the Breeder's Cup Mile...interesting!

*****

Down the gallops this morning I managed to get a nice shot of Master Overseer working upsides Atlantic Pearl.  Both worked well within themselves.

(l-r) Master Overseer and Atlantic Pearl on the Pond House Gallops