Super Skylander At Hexham

The stable continues in good form with our three runners yesterday yielding a win and two seconds.  Skylander (pictured above) won the novices' handicap chase at Hexham on his first outing over regulation fences (he was the winner of an Irish point-to-point) jumping very well in the main, with the exception of a small mistake at the last.  He won this from a mark of 120 and he clearly has a bright future as a chaser.  Meanwhile on the same card Willem ran another sound race to finish a close second in the 2m4f handicap hurdle - it looks to be only a matter of time before he gets his head in front - furthermore, he is for sale and details can be found here if you are interested.  Over at Fontwell Purple 'N Gold ran yet another solid race to finish second in the handicap chase behind last year's winner Workbench, picking up more good prize money in the process.  He is an amazing little horse - he hardly ever disappoints and is fresh as a daisy again this morning!

There are five meetings taking place this afternoon with flat cards from Ascot, Newmarket, Redcar and Wolverhampton and a jumps card at Fontwell.  The seven race Newmarket card is a real cracker with £1,235,000 in prize money up for grabs.  Even with that sort of money on offer, I note that Godolphin jockey William Buick has still gone over to ride in France at Longchamp.  David has no runners this afternoon.

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I watched some of the action from the Dunhill Links golf yesterday and was quietly impressed by riding legend A P McCoy.  His swing has certainly improved significantly since the last time I watched him - he actually turns now!  For all that though, his golfing attire hasn't improved at all!  Devon lad Jimmy Mullen has only just turned professional and is leading the tournament - the bookies still make him a 28/1 chance so they obviously think the pressure of the big occasion will get to him.  Jimmy plays at the Royal North Devon course where you have to watch the horses and ponies galloping around the course - it is the oldest links course in England...not a lot of people know that!

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There is a big rugby match taking place as England take on Australia in the World Cup on ITV at 8pm.  They tell me it is an important match for England as they could potentially be out of the tournament if they do not beat the Aussies.  The betting suggests that it should be a close match.

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I will be having a little treble on the football this weekend to put some food on the Barnes' table - Arsenal at 21/20, Bournemouth at 23/20 and Chelsea at 5/6.

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What do you call a boy with a crisp packet on his head?  Russell!  Have a nice weekend...

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