Stan's Mildmay Success

It was another good weekend for the stable with a couple of winners including the feature chase at Newton Abbot on Saturday with Standing Ovation.  Having won a novices' hurdle last time out, it was good to see him get his head back in front over fences for the first time since landing the Badger Ale Chase at Wincanton in 2013.  He has been performing creditably in plenty of the top handicaps chases so it was a very well deserved success.  Meanwhile on Sunday Purple 'N Gold made a winning chasing debut at Worcester under Tom Scudamore.  He jumped well in the main and battled on well to beat the favourite Broughton in the driving rain.  He has traditionally wanted faster ground than this so it was a very good performance and he looks as though he could make up into an even better chaser than hurdler.  A winner now on the flat, over hurdles and over fences, he has proven to be an excellent claim off of the all-weather.

Keith and Lynne Webb, owners of Purple 'N Gold have been patrons of the yard for over thirty years.  Lynne hasn't changed a bit in all of those years, although time hasn't been quite so kind to Keith!  Our other runners at the meeting yesterday all performed creditably with My Brother Sylvest finishing a close third in the competitive handicap chase, while Junior Package was only beaten three lengths into second in the bumper and he looks a likely winner once sent over hurdles, particularly over further.  Epic Warrior improved for the step up in trip when second in the 2m7f novices' hurdle, while Perspicace was third in the handicap hurdle and looks as though he could do with a little respite from the handicapper.  The weekend's good results saw David move back up to second in the trainers' championship.

There are just four flat meetings to look forward to today with action from Brighton, Carlisle, Kempton and Leicester.  The stable has two runners on the level today as Race To Glory takes in the 6.25pm race at Salisbury - our four year old has to shoulder top weight in this 1m4f handicap.  He sports cheekpieces for the first time today and is the mount of Jamie Spencer - the Post make him a 12/1 shot.  We also have a very rare runner at Carlisle as ex-French recruit Impulsive American runs in the 5.05pm.  He had some fair form in France on heavy ground and Shane Gray partners him in this apprentices' handicap so a big run is anticipated.  We have had flash floods here in Brixham owing to the amount of overnight rain and it is bound to effect the ground so if you are betting, you had better keep an eye on the going and make sure that your selection appreciates a bit of cut.

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I think that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho needs to see a psychiatrist as he has completely lost the plot!  Some of his antics on the touchline at the weekend are just not right - he was shouting at the pitch-side microphone and poking his tongue out at sent-off skipper John Terry.  He seems to need help - and fast!  I will be having a little wager on tonight's match between Arsenal and Liverpool with Arsenal looking the likeliest winners to me at odds of around 3/4.  It is on the box at 8pm.

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What about super-mum Jessica Ennis-Hilll winning a gold medal at the world championship athletics?  It just goes to show that there is no substitute for class.

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Finally, what do you call two spiders who have just got married?  Newlywebs!

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