Kempton, Newton Runners

This afternoon there are five meetings taking place with three jumps cards from Kempton, Hexham and Newton Abbot as well as flat cards from Pontefract and Windsor.  The stable is represented by Softsong in the three mile handicap chase at Kempton, while All Force Majeure (pictured above) and Multimedia run in the 2m3f maiden hurdle at Newton Abbot.  In fairness they all look as though they will need to improve a bit to get involved in the finish.  Meanwhile Tom Scu heads all the way to Hexham for a couple of rides and his mount in the bumper looks interesting having running creditably at Down Royal.

What a cracking effort from Amigo in the Scottish National on Saturday.  Our eight year old jumped and travelled well in the hands of Conor O'Farrell to finish a good fourth, beaten only eight lengths by winner Wayward Prince, in the process picking up a handy £11,000.  Broadway Buffalo also looked likely to be involved for a long way although he would have found the ground plenty fast enough and he eventually finished sixth under Tom Scudamore.

The ground at Wincanton yesterday was good/firm and consequently there were some very small fields.  Indeed, there were three races with only three runners, while there was another with just two competitors...not the sort of action that is going to draw in the crowds I am afraid.

You must remember to pick up a copy of the Racing Post on Thursday as there will be a piece in there about A P McCoy and the time he met with Martin to tell him that he would be leaving Pond House to be retained by J P McManus.  Without wishing to be a spoiler, I can tell you that it was a very sad day and A P was really upset...it promises to be a real tear-jerker!

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There was a bit of a shock last night as Aston Villa beat Liverpool 2-1 in the semi-final of the FA Cup.  It would seem that Liverpool have encountered big problems over the last couple of months and it seems to coincide with when Sterling started messing the club around...I wonder if the two are linked in any way?!  If players aren't happy you should get rid of them as they will do no good for morale in the dressing room.

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There was another non-event in the Formula One at the weekend with Lewis Hamilton winning his third race from four starts this season.  He had plenty in hand despite dodgy brakes and consequently is already well ahead in the championship - perhaps it would be better if he had no brakes at all?!

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A sport that does seem to be struggling for popularity is county cricket.  Although the season is already underway the newspapers don't even seem very interested.  The trouble is if you have to wait too long for a result, people lose interest.

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As you may have already have figured out by now, my wife bought me a book of fascinating facts the other day.  Today's useless morsel...did you know that honey bees kill more people than venomous snakes do?  Have a nice day (and watch out for the bees!).

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