Horses for Sale
Seymourjohn (GB)
- Thursday, 10 July 2014 06:44
- Written by Chelsea Eggleton
This afternoon there are five meetings taking place on the flat from Newmarket, Doncaster, Nottingham, Epsom and Bath. Bath most definitely win the award for worst prize money today with a paltry £27,000 up for grabs across their seven race card - I don't know how they get away with it, but if owners continue to run their horse, I guess the courses will continue trying to push their luck. It is the start of Newmarket's July Cup meeting today and there is some cracking good action from the headquarters of British flat racing and what is more, Channel 4 cover the first four races on the card.
This afternoon there are five meetings taking place on the flat from Newmarket, Doncaster, Nottingham, Epsom and Bath. Bath most definitely win the award for worst prize money today with a paltry £27,000 up for grabs across their seven race card - I don't know how they get away with it, but if owners continue to run their horse, I guess the courses will continue trying to push their luck. It is the start of Newmarket's July Cup meeting today and there is some cracking good action from the headquarters of British flat racing and what is more, Channel 4 cover the first four races on the card.
Talking of Channel 4, I see that former presenter Lesley Graham was taken off the mountain in the South of France with hypothermia. She bravely got back on her bike and completed the ride from Saint-Malo to Cannes. Surely if Lesley had cycled faster she would not have got so cold? I have never seen Martin (pictured right) get cold riding his bike around the yard! Of course, I am only joking - it is a wonderful achievement from Lesley who was taking part in the marathon bicycle ride in aid of Racing Welfare.
I see that the BHA are looking into how they can increase the number of runners in conditions races. The average turnout is just under five runners, although I am not quite sure what the answer is. The trouble as far as I can tell is that there is normally one or two class horses in these races and trainers are afraid to run inferior rated animals against them in case they finish within reasonable proximity of the higher rated horses - they then face the prospect of being crucified by the handicapper. You wouldn't be happy if your 80 rated horse finished two or three lengths behind a 90 rated horse at level weights - theoretically they could be looking at a 7lbs rise in their handicap mark. This certainly isn't going to be an easy one for the authorities to get around.
There was an exciting semi-final last night between Argentina and Holland with the Argenitnians prevailing after a thrilling penalty shoot-out. On form you would have to say that the Germans look to be worthy favourites and they should certainly be full of confidence having slaughtered Brazil in their semi.
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It hasn't been the most encouraging of starts for England's cricketers as India have managed to score 259 runs for the loss of just four wickets in their first innings. It already looks like England's best hopes lie with a draw. They certainly need to take a few quick wickets this morning as if the Indians make another 100 runs we will be right up against it.
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