Two Taunton Runners

There are three meetings taking place this afternoon with two jumps cards from Taunton and Wetherby as well as an all-weather flat fixture from Wolverhampton.  The stable has two runners at our local track; Bella and Dell' Arca.  Former Greatwood Hurdle winner Dell' Arca (pictured above) finished second last time out at Cheltenham and that was a good effort considering he was trying to concede 16lbs to the winner - this looks a bit easier, although Ibis du Rheu cost an absolute fortune and looks to be the principal danger.

Tom Scudamore continued his amazing season with a winner yesterday at Lingfield aboard Borus Brook for Jim Best.  The 8/13 favourite looked to be in a bit of trouble two out but Scu kept at the seven year old and he finally managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat - a great ride.

I see that Newcastle racecourse are under fire for their ban on picnics.  I'm not surprised really, they say that there will be one meeting where picnics are allowed - they will be banned for the remainder of the season owing to health and safety reasons!  The track will provide more seating and food outlets, so it sounds to me like it is more for monetary reasons!  I would like to know what harm a picnic can do so long as those enjoying it, clear up properly after themselves?

Both Martin and myself will be joining owner Fergus Wilson at Jimmy Greaves 75th birthday celebration on Friday evening.  Greavsie cost £99,000 back in 1961 - I wonder how much he would cost today?!

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I was watching the football last night between Manchester United and Preston.  United continue to win despite looking ordinary as they ground out a 3-1 win.  Rooney was awarded a penalty for what England manager Roy Hodgson described as 'taking evasive action' - it looked very much like a dive to me, an opinion that seemed to be back up by the television replay.  Just think, Hodgson is the man that is picking our national team!

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It would appear that quite a few of the Russian athletes could fail a dope test.  Personally I would introduce a rule to try to stamp all of this drugs business out.  If an athlete fails a test at the Olympic, European Championships or any other big event then the country they represent should be banned from competing in that event next time.  This would ensure that the countries would dope tested their competitors right up until the time of competition in future.  Another problem sorted by the Barnes Consultancy!