Weekend Jottings!

There are three meetings taking place this afternoon and incredibly they are all over the sticks at Kelso, Huntingdon and Uttoxeter.  All eyes however will be on Longchamp as they host the £2.4million Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.  It has the makings of a great race with Treve bidding for a historic third success, while English and French Derby winners Golden Horn and New Bay will be doing their best to spoil the party.  Treve's big race partner Thierry Jarnet has stated that he hopes the rags do not get in the way, so it sounds as though he is fairly confident.  Of the 18 runners, seven will be ridden by jockeys from over here including Golden Horn who will be partnered by Frankie Dettori (who you may recall was jocked off the French wondermare)...I'm sure he would love to get his own back!

David doesn't have any runners on these shores but stable jockey Tom Scudamore heads to Uttoxeter for a couple of rides - his best chance would appear to be aboard the Gordon Elliott trained Ullswater in the 5.40pm race.  Meanwhile, I am informed that the Philip Hobbs trained Hello George is in good order and heads all the way up to Kelso to be partnered by Richard Johnson.

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I see that Dick Advocat is leaving Sunderland and the board have already been in touch with former West Ham manager Sam Allardyce about the role.  I would imagine that Allardyce would suit as they need someone who can tighten up their defence.  Big Sam says that he is not ready to manage again although I reckon if they were to offer more money he could be persuaded!

Apparently FIFA sponsors Coca-Cola and McDonalds have told president Sepp Blatter to resign otherwise they will withdraw their sponsorship.  I don't suppose he gives a monkey's what the sponsors do...let's just hope the police do him good and proper!

There is an intriguing football match this afternoon as Arsenal take on Manchester United at 4pm on Sky Sports 1.  I love seeing Arsenal manager Wenger conducting his press interviews as he gets totally wound up.

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Finally, a true story for you...A dolphin had to be guided back to the sea after it risked getting trapped in a canal at Sharpness in Gloucestershire.  Apparently it was a bottleneck!

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