Weekend Jottings

Even though they are racing under just one code you won't catch me complaining about balance in the fixture list this afternoon as we have two jumps meetings to look forward to!  It look like quality action too with meetings from Aintree and Wincanton.  The stable has runners at both meetings - Unanimité makes his eagerly awaited second start over hurdles following his exciting debut at Market Rasen and he goes in the juvenile hurdle at Aintree at 1.30pm.  Tom Scudamore is once again in the saddle.  Meanwhile, over at Wincanton Conor O'Farrell picks up some nice rides for the stable as he rides Vazaro de Lafayette, Famousandfearless and Johnny McGeeney for the yard.  Famousandfearless has won his last two starts and looks a progessive type now switched to fences - this 3m3f trip should suit as should the ground and he has only 10-3 on his back.

I see the Timeform Hurdlers & Chasers annual is now out and it is a publication I always look forward.  At a price of £75 it is not cheap, but it is a 1,000 page masterpiece featuring over 9,000 horses and is a must for any hardcore jump racing fans.  They have these going back years and years in the office at Pond House and are certainly collectible.

What a performance yesterday from Adelaide to win the Cox Plate in Australia under former flat champion jockey Ryan Moore.  He looked to have it all to do as he trailed the field from his terrible draw in the early stages and forced to deliver his challenge widest of all, it was certainly an amazing effort from both horse and rider.  Congratulations too to Aidan O'Brien and his team at Ballydoyle.  The result certainly vindicated Ryan Moore's decision to cease chasing the jockeys' championship in Britain - I am sure his cut of the near £1million in prize money will help to soften the blow!

I will glued to the television for Manchester United versus Chelsea this afternoon from 4pm.  Does it get any better than this?...runners at two meetings and then football!  Burnley play Everton at 1.30pm - I had better give this one a swerve otherwise Mrs Barnes will give me a good kicking!  I may just have to get my son round for some support.

*****

Just think, darts used to be a pub game played by overweight men swilling larger.  It's hard to believe how big the sport has now become.  At the moment the big tournament is taking place in Germany.  Years ago I used to enjoy watching Tom Barrett who was twice News Of The World champion...you older readers will remember Tom - he played with nine inch nails and used to cover the board up with newspaper and still hit all the doubles!  He tried to get me to hold cigarettes in my mouth and take it out by throwing a dart - I made sure to point out to him that I was a non-smoker!