Derby Day!

Well, it's Derby Day at Epsom and all eyes will be on the big race at 4.10pm - I wonder who's name will be the next carved in history?  The race is worth £1,380,000 to the winner and that is just a drop in the ocean when you consider the stud fees that the winner will be able to command when eventually retired to stud.  The winning jockey will pick up a cool £138,000 for his percentage - just about average wage for a Premier League footballer!  The stable has a rare runner at the track when Red Seventy runs in the 1m4f handicap at 4.50pm.  Our five year old is fit from a productive campaign over hurdles but this looks to be a big ask, even with the jockey claiming weight off his back.

I wonder if David will be in fancy dress (top hat and tails)?!  When I used to go to the Derby I had very long hair and I resembled a penguin, or possibly even a circus clown!  In the end I would finish up carrying my top hat - people would obviously feel sorry for me as they would put money in it!

It seems a long way down the line, but I wonder how bookmakers will react if Australia runs out an impressive winner of the Derby?  He is currently a 10/1 chance for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October and he can only get significantly shorter with victory this afternoon.

Aside from Epsom there is plenty of other action to look forward to this afternoon with supporting flat cards from Doncaster, Lingfield, Mussleburgh and Newcastle and a couple of jumps fixtures at Hexham and Worcester.  Over at Worcester the stable has two runners in the handicap hurdle at 4.35pm; Ainsi Fideles and Star Of Angels.  This looks to be a tricky little race, although Ainsi Fideles (pictured above) definitely showed much more promise when runner-up at Fontwell last month and will be partnered by Tom Scudamore.  It will certainly pay to keep your eyes on the sky - the ground at Worcester is currently good although heavy thunderstorms are forecast.

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So, it is true - bookmakers will bet on just about anything!  I see that William Hill are betting on what clothes England manager Roy Hodgson will be sporting for their first World Cup match.  The latest going report is that it is going to be hot and humid.  They bet 8/15 he will be donning a polo shirt or tee shirt and 11/8 something more formal.  The only other time I have heard about betting like this is when they bet on the colour of the Queen's hat for Royal Ascot, always a great favourite with Mrs Barnes!

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While we are on the subject of crazy betting, I see that New Zealand are 1/50 to beat England in the Rugby Union Test in Auckland.  Those odds are so bad, you are almost better off keeping your money in the bank and that is saying something these days!  The match kicks off at 8.35am.

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Finally I would just like to say how saddened I was to learn of the passing of Johnny Leach at the age of 91.  Johnny was twice the winner of the world table tennis championships (in 1949 and 1951) and was a great inspiration and mentor to me during my career.  Indeed, he was captain of the team when I first represented England - a lovely man who will be greatly missed.

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