A Frosty Reception!

I must be honest, I think that A P McCoy has every right to refuse to speak with Racing UK following their criticism of one of his rides.  The broadcasters analyse every single race that they cover, and it seems to me that a lot of the time they are looking for something that isn't there in order to "sensationalise" their coverage.  If their comments had been made about a lesser jockey, it could have serious implications on their career.  AP rode for Martin for many years, and during that time I think we got closer to the champ than a lot of people, and I don't think that I have ever known a more straight-forward and honest jockey.  He is his own biggest critic and is one of the few jockeys that I have ever met that would come back and say if he hadn't given one a very good ride, although that didn't happen very often!

Personally, I think that RUK should apologise to AP for any offence caused - I (like many others I am sure) would rather listen to what AP has to say than their commentary team.  Their comments show that they do not know much about the man.

*****

England played magnificently in the second innings of the first Test of the Ashes series to force a draw with the Australians.  It was almost as good as a win, and there were plenty of records broken as the English scored 517-1 declared at the Gabba.  Alastair Cook's total of 235 not out was the biggest score at the ground, beating Don Bradman's record - I am not comparing Cook with Bradman, but the Essex man is in great form and also posted a good total in the first innings.  Cook and Trott put on a stand of 329 - the ninth highest in English Test cricket...roll on Friday when the second Test begins!

*****

I think that we are in for a quiet time of things in the near future on the racing front.  While Folkestone goes ahead this afternoon, the forecast for the rest of the week is not very good - Hereford have already abandoned their meeting ahead of tomorrow, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if we struggled to have any further jump meetings this week.