Farewell Sir Peter

It is a sad day for racing as we bid farewell to Sir Peter O'Sullevan who passed away yesterday afternoon at the age of 97.  Sir Peter was a legend of our sport with his instantly recognisable commentating style and his wonderful, friendly demeanour and infectious enthusiasm for our sport.  The nation, not just racing has lost one of it's treasures and I am sure we will not see another like him.  He wasn't just an iconic commentator either - he was a wonderful correspondent for the Daily Express as well a tireless worker for the welfare of animals throughout the world.  Indeed, after his retirement from racing Sir Peter set up his charitable trust which benefitted Racing Welfare, Blue Cross, The Brooke, Compassion in World Farming, World Horse Welfare and the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre by raising millions of pounds.

One of his major fundraisers was the annual awards dinner in London and Martin was privileged to be recognised by the Sir Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust when he was presented with the Sir Peter O'Sullevan Award in 2013 for his lifetime contribution to racing - one of the most exclusive and highly coveted acknowledgements.  Martin and David stayed in touch with Sir Peter and regularly paid him visits at his home in London.  He led an extremely active life and only in the last couple of years was he unable to make his annual trips to Paris for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe meeting - he had until that point always driven himself over in his sports car.  A lovely man and an inspiration to many, his passing will leave a massive void.

Onto the racing now as I am sure Sir Peter would have wanted and the stable has three runners this afternoon and there are five meetings taking place with flat cards from Goodwood, Nottingham, Ffos Las and Epsom as well as a jumps card from Stratford, while the Galway Festival continues over in Ireland.  The stable has two of the three runners at Stratford in the novices' chase at 3.55pm; Flabello and Street Entertainer while Purple 'N Gold runs on the flat at Epsom tonight.  Flabello has not troubled the judge over hurdles and will need to improve significantly for the switch to fences.  Having said that, he has schooled well at home and is guaranteed some prize money granted a clear round under Kieron Edgar.  Our other runner, Street Entertainer has more obvious claims - despite being beaten on his chase debut, he rarely runs a bad race and looks to be the one to beat on the pick of his form - Tom Scudamore is in the saddle.

David will be bidding for an Epsom Derby winner tonight!  Yes you heard correctly, Purple 'N Gold runs on the level in the Ladies' Derby over 1m4f and will be partnered by Jodie Hughes, the Welsh Ladies' point-to-point champion.  Purple 'N Gold is another who rarely runs a bad race and I am sure he will give another good account tonight.

David went to Glorious Goodwood yesterday and had a fantastic time.  This meeting at the Sussex track really is a unique occasion - the setting, facilities and racing are all first class...I dare anybody not to have a good there.  There was a cracking finish to the feature Sussex Stakes yesterday as French star Solow beat front-running Arod by 1/2 length.  Today's card is looking pretty tasty too with two Group 2 races and a Group 3 on offer.  The highlight of the day is the two mile Goodwood Cup which features Ascot Gold Cup winner Trip To Paris - Martin went close to winning this race in 2000 when the ultra-tough Far Cry finished a narrow runner-up to Royal Rebel.

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After all that has been written about the England cricket team, can you believe that our bowlers skittled out the Aussies on the first day of their third Ashes Test for just 136?  Jimmy Anderson was fantastic as he took six wickets and England are now 2/7 chances to move ahead in the series again as at the close of play they were just three runs behind on 133-3.  They really need to make a good start this morning and consolidate a good lead.  While I have had a wager on the tourists, I must admit to deriving a fair bit of enjoyment from seeing them taking a hiding!

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Finally, have you heard that a burglary was committed at West Ham's ground and the entire contents of the trophy room were stolen?  The police are currently looking for a man with a claret and blue carpet!  Have a nice day...

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