I don't know if anybody saw yesterday's racing at Newmarket but it was quite remarkable that all six of jockey Jim Crowley's intended mounts were declared non-runners.  There were plenty of non-runners throughout the day at both Newmarket and Brighton but it is quite unlucky to be expecting a full book of rides and end up with none!  Racing was quite hid quite hard yesterday, with several fields depleted as there were 73 non runners across the six meetings, mostly due to the rain affected ground.  Brighton was worst affected with 23 withdrawals.  Jim Crowley's six non-runners made up hald of all the non-runners at Newmarket so that is bad luck!  

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The flat jockey's championship seems to be warming up with six times former champion jockey Kieren Fallon breaking through the one hundred winner barrier for the season.  He is currently one winner ahead of Nelson de Sousa, although he still trails current champion Paul Hanagan by eleven winners.  Fallon certainly seems to have built up some momentum and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him still challenging hard for the title come November when things will be decided.

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The Racing Post continues their series about young racing fanatics and today's featured student, sixteen year old William Kedjanyi is another that speaks plenty of sense.  He talks of reducing the fixture list in order to increase field sizes and promote better prize-money, while on a local level he talks of cutting the price of admission and food at racecourses to bring racing more into line with other sports such as football and rugby...why is it that the youngsters can see what needs doing?  Perhaps we should be recruiting these guys to the Racing For Change think tank as I haven't seen many worthwhile changes so far!

William is obviously a man of impeccable taste too - he lists his favourite horse as Old Vic "a complete legend", his favourite jumps trainer as David Pipe and his favourite racing moment as when Our Vic got the better of Kauto Star in that thrilling Betfair Bowl at Aintree...good man - keep following the team!  You can find out more about William by visiting his blog: www.keejayov.blogspot.com

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I am thoroughly enjoying my trip to France and just as predicted, there is some big money being thrown around at the Arqana sales.  The lots are averaging over €100,000, with the top lot - a yearling fetching €1.7million...handsome is as handsome does, and to me that seems like an awful lot of money to throw at a completely untried youngster.  I have seen plenty of familiar faces from the flat, all looking to strengthen their teams and uncover a star of tomorrow - Mark Johnston, Ed Dunlop and Paul Cole are all in attendance to name but a few.

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Our French trip has proved to be something of an eye-opener.  Yesterday we attended the reception at Deauville's Hotel Royal Barriere and before we even set foot inside the hotel, you could see what type of event it was going to be...parked outside was a brand new Ferrari, and what seemed like a fleet of Aston Martin's.  Inside there was a guest list that comprised just about anyone you could ever think of from the world of racing, including my great hero Lester Piggott.  This was of course a prelude to the Arqana August Yearling Sales, and I am sure that there is going to be some serious money changing hands over the coming days.

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Businessmoney Judi returned from a little break to score her third win over hurdles at Newton Abbot yesterday under a fine ride from Tom Scu.  Our mare seemed not to appreciate the rain softened ground at Aintree last time but preferred the drying conditions at Newton Abbot.  She took the lead at the third last hurdle and looked well in command coming to two out before jumping the penultimate flight violently to the left abd Tom scu did well to stay in the saddle.  He picked her up well as her closest pursuer Hes Our Lad came to challenge but Judi stuck to her task gamely an was just in command when the second horse unseated his rider at the final flight.  It was great for her owners Bob and Iris Lefory who were present at the track and also bred the mare as well.  

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Well, I feel like I have finally arrived...David Pipe's overseas corresponent - talk about racing journalism royalty!  I am currently over in France for a few days with friends enjoying a few days break and a bit of racing action - and I do literally feel like I have "finally" arrived...we took the overnight ferry and the sea was choppy to say the least!  It's just as well my long suffering wife remembered to pack my sea legs.  I don't like to rub things in, but while I understand it has been a little damp back home, we have been enjoying some glorious sunshine over here!

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