Scu Nearing 500!

Tom Scudamore is nearing a significant milestone in his career following a double at Aintree on Saturday afternoon.  Following his brace Tom has now ridden 498 winners in Britain. Although son of eight times champion jockey Peter Scudamore, it is his grandfather Michael Snr who won the 1959 Grand National aboard Oxo that Tom lists as his hero.  You can imagine his delight therefore when he equalled his grandfather's total of 496 winners in Britain earlier in the week (although Michael still claims bragging rights as he rode four winners abroad, and a grand total of 500 altogether!).  I'm sure there will be a few celebrations when Tom notches his 500th success...watch this space!

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Hopefully, weather permitting (and by that I mean, I hope it rains!) we will have some high class runners at the weekend.  I have made entries all over the place for the likes of Mr Thriller, Gentle Ranger, Massini's Maguire, Sure Josie Sure and Raslan among others.  I will be watching the weather over the next few days and doing a rain dance or two!

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Colin Tizzard certainly looks to have a nice prospect on his hands in the shape of Cheltenham Festival Bumper winner Cue Card.  He made a smooth start to his hurdling career when successful at Aintree on Sunday and he looks sure to take high rank among this season's novice hurdlers.  He is already prominent in bookmakers lists for the Festival in March, and while yesterday's race was over 2m4f he looked to have plenty of speed and I wouldn't be at all concerned about dropping him back to two miles.

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I am pleased to report that a number of horses arrived from Roger Brookhouse on Sunday, including last season's Grade 2 Celebration Chase winner I'm So Lucky.  Many will remember that he showed improved form to take the notable scalp of Twist Magic on the last day of the season.  It is good to see them back and looking well.