Brilliant Babe!

There was a nice winner for the yard last night in the concluding race at Worcester as Weather Babe ensured that A P McCoy did not move in front of Martin in the career winners race.  Weather Babe won nicely by seven lengths for stable sponsors Wayne & Sarah Clifford and it wouldn't be the greatest of surprises to see her follow-up under a penalty.  She was 6lbs 'well-in' last night so was entitled to win - hopefully the handicapper will not crucify her for this effort.  Meanwhile, over on the flat Purple 'N Gold was a bit disappointing in the one mile hanidcap at Sandown last night - perhaps the trip was a little on the sharp side for him?

A P McCoy drew level with Martin on 4191 winners with success aboard On The Record at Uttoxeter yesterday afternoon - it was a vintage ride from the champion jockey as his mount looked anything but a willing partner, idling badly and looking beaten on a couple of occasions.  Using all his strength, McCoy lifted his mount home in front to equal the fantastic milestone - with a name like On The Record, could it have been scripted any better?!

One fact that people are forgetting is that Martin also rode a winner as well...I know the rest of the field must have been crooked for him to score a success in the saddle, but shouldn't that count as well?!  Martin was in France yesterday afternoon - when I asked him if he was there as he couldn't bear to see McCoy equal his total he replied, "No, I was looking at horses."  I thought he had retired...

What a season young Tom Scu is having - I don't think I have ever seen him riding better than he is at present.  Riding his maiden ton of winners last season seems to have done his confidence the world of good and he has already ridden 35 winners so far this term and lies second only to the peerless McCoy in the jockeys standings.

*****

What a day for sitting in front of the television.  The Open Championship already teed off at 6.25am this morning, while there is also the second cricket Test match between England and India and with the James Anderson row going on, it should certainly make for interesting viewing.  You know where I will be today, remote firmly in hand!

*****

What a manager Louis Van Gaal is.  As no agent was involved in his move to Manchester United, the new boss has asked the club to donate £1million to charity, a donation that he is also going to match personally.  I cannot believe that any other manager, player or agent would do this so very well done to him.

?