2 Days To Go!

Today we have just two jumps cards from Market Rasen and Warwick but now really is the lull before the storm.  David doesn't have any runners today, although stable jockey Tom Scudamore heads off to Market Rasen to ride a couple and he looks to have a decent chance on Relic Rock for Brian Ellison.  Champion jockey A P McCoy would appear to be giving himself the day off before Cheltenham week and I tend to agree - if I were a jockey with a strong book of rides next week, I would be very selective with my mounts over the next couple of days and I certainly wouldn't be riding anything with a F,U or R next to the horses' name!

I always like to give credit where it is due so hats off to Paddy Power who gave £10,000 to Ireland's Injured Jockeys Fund after their Cheltenham Preview evening, so very well done to them.  Talking of bookies, there are so many offers available to entice the punters before the start of the Festival - money back if your horse doesn't win, each way five places, non-runner no bet, it goes on and on...I know they seem very generous, but  just remember - they want your money!!!

Did you know that retiring champion jockey A P McCoy has only ever performed one flying dismount and that was after Blowing Wind (pictured above) had landed that incredible Imperial Cup, County Hurdle double in 1998 - he went off 15/8 favourite and landed the huge Sunderlands bonus.  He also sent most bookmakers home crying as well as McCoy won the last three races on the card.

Another interesting piece of trivia...did you know that Willie Mullins' horses will take up a quarter of the saddling boxes at Cheltenham next week?  Some of them started arriving yesterday.

If you are looking for a wager today Sam Twiston-Davies has been talking up the chances of Kilronan High in the 2.35 at Market Rasen.  The trouble is that most jockeys are terrible judges!

Today we bring you the final couple of Cheltenham interviews following Mike Vince's visit to the stable earlier in the week.  Stable jockey Tom Scudamore talks of his apirations for the forthcoming Festival, while Mike also managed to catch a few words with amateur jockey David Noonan.

Tom Scudamore Cheltenham 2015

David Noonan Cheltenham 2015 from David Pipe on Vimeo.

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There is just one football match taking place this afternoon as Liverpool take on Blackburn.  The Scousers are 1/3 to win and that looks like buying money to me, while there will be a good match between Manchester United and Arsenal tomorrow night.

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2 golfing pals Alan Gustard and Frank Farquharson both hit a hole in one yesterday at Goring Golf Club in Berkshire...I wonder if they had a go at the lottery too?!