Jockeys' Shake Up

The flat jockeys championship became a lot more interesting last week when Ryan Moore sustained an injury.  The resultant shake-up in the market means that Silvestre de Sousa is the new favourite at 8/13 - he is just two winners behind Moore (pictured with me above, right at A P McCoy's retirement party) so a lot will depend on how long Moore's neck injury will keep him out of action.  William Hill make Ryan Moore a 10/1 chance which seems like a big price to me and I am tempted to have a small interest...get well soon Ryan!  I just love this picture and by the way, did you know that between the three of us we hold 28 British titles? 

There are four flat meetings taking place this afternoon at Beverley, Bath, Thirsk and Lingfield.  The seven race card at Lingfield is worth a total of just £28,000 - I wonder who owns this track?!

There was some good news for fans of racing when Frankie Dettori announced that he wanted to ride beyond his 50th birthday.  He may not be to everybody's taste but there is no denying that he raises the profile of the sport.  Being a jockey (particularly on the flat) is one of those sports that you can carry on until a right old age - Lester Piggott was well over 50 when he decided to call it a day...you may remember him winning the Breeders Cup aboard Royal Academy for Vincent O'Brien.  I do think Frankie will have to cut down on the flying dismounts however!

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I have been frantically trying to get a bet on new Leicester City manager Claudio Ranier not seeing out his three year contract.  Surely he is the wrong manager for the club?  They have had some right hard men in the shape of Nigel Pearson and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him back there at some point in the future.

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It is a shame when some of sports greatest icons leave it too long to retire.  Not only is Tiger Woods playing patchy golf - he seems to have lost it in the head as well!  He says that he can win the Open that starts on Thursday.  As far as I can tell he doesn't hit the ball straight enough any more...fortunately for him, at least the spectators will be able to find his ball!

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With the second Ashes Test also starting on Thursday there is plenty to keep me entertained now that the tennis has finished.  I had a great Wimbledon with four of my five wagers coming to fruition.

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Why was the boxer known as Picasso?  Because he spent all of his time on the canvass!  That one paints a picture, have a nice day...

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