Delighted with Soll

   AP, MCP & Dave Roberts at Aintree
Soll ran a great race in the Grand National on Saturday, he jumped and travelled superbly and I was getting excited 3 out but sadly he broke a blood vessel which stopped his progress and he finished a gallant ninth.  I am pleased to report that he is fine since the race and he definitely enjoyed his trip to Aintree.  Many Clouds looked a good winner and I think probably he is the best we have seen for a good few years.  The best news of the day was of course that all horses returned safely from the big race.  Baltimore Rock finished fourth in the competitive handicap hurdle under a good ride from Kieron Edgar.  He will be a very exciting chaser next season.  We were also delighted with the run of Un Temps Pour Tout as well who finished third.  The blinkers seemed to help and he was much closer to Cole Harden than in the World hurdle on ground that was quicker than ideal.  He to is another to look forward to over fences.  

Our other weekend runners away from Aintree all ran well but unfortunately no winners.  Perspicace was third at Chepstow and Bladoun was fourth on Saturday.  Yesterday, at Ffos Las, Top Wood was fourth and Vif Argent was fifth.

Today we have three meetings.  A jumps card at Kelso plus flat cards at Windsor and Redcar.  David does not have any runners today.  Tom Scu is now on 144 winners for the season, three clear of Richard Johnson and Sam Twiston-Davies.  Tom would love to get to 150 which is still possible with just under two weeks left of the season.

I know what Ruby Walsh can do when he retires from race-riding.  He can become a flag man!  He did a great job waving the chequered flag at the canal turn on the second circuit to get all the runners to bypass the fence.  Remember he would have had no training and I am sure he must have broken some Jockey Club rule but it was was a brilliant effort from the top jock.

In the golf it was a fantastic effort from Jordan Spieth to win the US Masters and also equaling Tiger Woods' low total of 18 under.  My each-way bet, Justin Rose finished third so I am happy enough.  There are going to be some great battle between Spieth and McIlroy over the next few years!

I watched the Manchester derby game yesterday and can't believe how City have got so bad?  The look completely un-organised nad it looks like all the players have got old together alongside their manager.  I am sure next season they will have a new manager and a few new younger players.  United just need two defenders and they could be back winning the Premier League title - even though it hurts me to say this!  Have a nice day.