Down To The Wire!

It's the final day of the flat season and the jockey's championship is still wide open and up for grabs following a treble yesterday for each of the protagonists.  Paul Hanagan kicked off with a double in the afternoon followed by another at Wolvehampton, while Richard Hughes capitalised by scoring on all three of his mounts to finish the day as they started.  This afternoon Hughes has seven mounts, with three of them being paper favourites, while Hanagan also has seven mounts, although they are not as well fancied.  Even so, with a two winner head start, you would still have to say that the advantage lies with Hanagan...what a finish to the season!  I am sure there will be a bumper crowd at Donny to watch the action unfold.

Watching the action from Churchill Downs last night, it was a disappointing night for the European raiders.  Midday came close to landing her second victory in the filly & mares' race, but was beaten close home by outsider Shared Account.  She did not enjoy the clearest of passages, but still had every chance entering the straight if she was good enough on the night.  Hopefully the European contingent will fare better tonight as we are strongly represented with the likes of Workforce, Paco Boy while the mighty Zenyatta will be the centre of attention as she bids to win her third Breeders' Cup and extend her unbeaten run to twenty.

Further to my piece about Lester Piggott yesterday and the great man's amazing victory in the Breeder's Cup Mile aboard Royal Academy twenty years ago, I have managed to find a picture of the plaque from his stable door.  I wonder who will be celebrating success in the mile tonight?  I must plump for the French wonder mare Goldikova, who is also bidding for an incredible third success at the Breeder's Cup meeting.

Kauto Star is the star of the show at Down Royal this afternoon and I am sure that he will be responsible for getting a few more people through the turnstiles.  Regular partner Ruby Walsh is once again in the saddle and it should be an interesting contest, particularly if Sizing Europe sees out this three mile trip.

*****

On the football front, there was probably one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history last night as FC United of Manchester beat Rochdale in the first round.  FC United are an incredible four divisions below Rochdale - I can't think of another sport where such comparative no-hopers would be able to pull off such an upset...it certainly wouldn't happen in table tennis!