Ice To See You!

There are six meetings taking place this afternoon with five on the level at York, Goodwood, Newmarket, Windsor and Redcar as well as a jumps card from Cartmel.  There is another competitive card at York with the big race of the day the Group Two Gimcrack Stakes for two year old colts and geldings.  Meanwhile there are plenty of runners at Cartmel with champion jockey A P McCoy making the long trip up north for three rides.  Cartmel is a unique racing experience and I would recommend it to any enthusiast, although don't expect to be getting out any time soon after the last as the lanes get totally jammed up!  I tried to leave early a number of years ago but failed miserably - the last time I went up by helicopter and that is definitely the way to travel with a lovely trip across Morecombe Bay.

There are six meetings taking place this afternoon with five on the level at York, Goodwood, Newmarket, Windsor and Redcar as well as a jumps card from Cartmel.  There is another competitive card at York with the big race of the day the Group Two Gimcrack Stakes for two year old colts and geldings.  Meanwhile there are plenty of runners at Cartmel with champion jockey A P McCoy making the long trip up north for three rides.  Cartmel is a unique racing experience and I would recommend it to any enthusiast, although don't expect to be getting out any time soon after the last as the lanes get totally jammed up!  I tried to leave early a number of years ago but failed miserably - the last time I went up by helicopter and that is definitely the way to travel with a lovely trip across Morecombe Bay.

People are waxing lyrical about Richard Hughes ride to win the Group One sprint yesterday aboard Sole Power, but much as I am a fan of the jockey, I cannot help but think that his partner managed to get him out of a spot of bother.  Hughsie had to switch the horse three times before he finally managed to get a run, when the split came Sole Power quickened up in great style and must be some horse.

The more I think about Jamie Spencer retiring from race riding, the more I find it strange.  I think that after a couple of months of retirement he is going to realise what he is missing and try to make a return to the saddle.

A P McCoy had the icebucket challenge at Newton Abbot on Thursday evening and while everyone else I have seen has screamed like a girl, the champ seemed to enjoy it.  Having said that, the people pouring the bucket seemed to be enjoying it more!  Personally I would like to nominate David, MCP and Tom Scu Gail from the office (pictured right) for a soaking and I would like to be one of those pouring the ice!  Somehow I have been roped into taking the challenge with Martin, so if you would like to give us a soaking do get in touch - the highest bidder gets to pour the ice in aid of charity.  I would imagine that between us, there would be quite a few people queuing up to bid!  You can make a bid by dropping us an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or messaging us on Twitter @DavidPipeRacing.

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As usual I will be having a treble on the football this weekend and my selections are Chelsea at 2/9, Swansea at 8/11 and Tottenham at 1/2.  There looks to be two good games on this weekend with Everton taking on Arsenal at 5.30pm and Manchester City playing Liverpool on Monday.

I know he has had countless chances, but let's hope that Paul Gascoigne come through this latest bout of drinking.  Without ever being in his shoes it is hard for someone like me to know how hard it must be to give up drinking.

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