2 Runners At Bangor

There are three meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps meetings from Bangor and Wincanton and an all-weather flat card from Kempton.  The stable has two runners this afternoon; Saint John Henry and Bladoun.  They have chances but both are competitive races - it would be nice to get a winner to take us through the 100 barrier for the season.  Saint John Henry has been in good form this season, winning two of his three starts, including on this course last time out - this is more difficult from a 7lbs higher mark.  Bladoun (pictured above) has some decent form in the book, although he doesn't always find as much as sometimes looks likely - stable jockey Tom Scudamore rides them both.

I see that Paul Nicholls thinks that his stable jockey Sam Twiston-Davies will succeed A P McCoy as champion jockey next season.  If you look through this season's table Sam is only fourth behind the champ, Richard Johnson and Tom Scudamore - he would have a decent chance, although it sounds like a bold statement to me.  If Tom Scu can continue in his current form, I don't see any reason why he shouldn't be in with a shout - he is currently five ahead of STD and not far off of Johnson.  It should be a close call once A P calls time.

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If you are a regular reader of my column you will know my thoughts on drugs cheats.  As far as I am concerned if you get caught using drugs you should be banned for life whatever the sport is.  The cheats know what they are doing and a lifetime ban is the only way to stamp it out.

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There was a good football match last night between Manchester City and Barcelona with City losing 2-1.  Joe Hart gave the home team a slim chance by saving a penalty in the last minute but to no avail.  Having said that, Barcelona did look the better team.  City manager Manuel Pellegrini was pleased with his team's performance which I can't quite understand - when I used to play ping pong I was never satisfied with a loss.  The same is true of punting today.

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What an innings from West Indian Chris Gayle in the Cricket World Cup.  He scored an incredible 215 including ten fours and sixteen sixes - it was just how I remember the West Indians playing all those years ago.  It just begs the question, how on earth did the Irish beat them?  How many cricket teams are there in Ireland?  They play that funny game where you pick the ball up and hit it...maybe that is where they learn their cricket from?!