Lady Second At Worcester

I thought that Lady Of Longstone ran another good race at Worcester yesterday finishing second, well clear of the remainder.  She looked to have bumped into one in winner Tobefair who had already gone up a stone for an impressive success last time.  The winner looks set for another big rise in the weights and looks the type to follow-up in the coming weeks.  Judged on this effort, there are further races in Lady Of Longstone provided the handicapper doesn't crucify her.  Meanwhile both Flabello and Race To Glory looked like they did not see out the extra distance in the boys' race and it would be of no surprise to see them compete over a shorter distance next time. 

David has been over at Deauville during the past couple of days for the Summer Sales and he didn't come back empty handed.  He picked up an unraced three year old grey gelding by Martaline, who just so happens to be the sire of Dynaste (who David also bought from here a few years ago).  With the likes of Grands Crus, Gevrey Chambertin, Dell' Arca and Vieux Lion Rouge also coming from these sales in previous years, this new purchase has a bit to live up to!  He is currently for sale (although I don't see that being the case for very long) so if you are interested in buying him to stay in the yard do get in touch with the office on 01884 840715 or dropping us an e-mail.

Onto today's acation and there are five meetings taking place this afternoon with flat cards from Haydock, Lingfield, Epsom and Newbury plus a jumps cards from Perth.  The stable has no runners today, although I see that Irish trainer Gordon Elliott has four runners at Perth and both Russian Regent and Broughtons Bandit look like good things to me.

It seems that there is a bit of underlying animosity between Kauto Star's owner Clive Smith and former trainer Paul Nicholls.  From a personal point of view I do think that Paul should have been informed of the seriousness of the injury although it is the owners' prerogative and I am sure Clive was only doing what he thought was right.  It seems a shame that there is an ongoing argument over such a great horse - I hope it resolves itself quickly.

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I see that Clare Balding is getting a fair bit of stick for her appearances on the Wimbledon highlights show on the BBC.  I'm afraid I am with the masses - Clare is over-exposed these days as she is appearing on nearly everything and she is certainly no tennis expert.  There needs to be more characters presenting the sports shows on television nowadays (I hope you are listening Channel 4) and not just people who speak nicely - that is why John McEnroe is so good.

Heather Watson managed to get through her second round match at Wimbledon yesterday afternoon and has been rewarded with a third round match against Serena Williams.  It certainly looks like the end of the line for Watson as Williams will completely overpower the Brit - did anyone see Serena yesterday banging down serves at 123mph?  In the mens' championships Andy Murray plays Robin Haase for a place in the last 32.  Haase has beaten Murray in the past yet Murray is a 1/50 chance with the bookmakers - I think I will leave my money in my pocket!

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There has been plenty of money around for Neil Lennon to take over as the new Leicester City football manager despite only taking over at Bolton less than a year ago.  Lennon was an esteemed player at Leicester during the late 90's and money often talks in markets like these.

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Did you know that almost half the people on earth have never made a telephone call?  Looking through my phone bill it would seem that Mrs Barnes is trying to make up for them all!