Katkeau To Fakenham

This afternoon there are three meetings taking place with jumps action from Southwell and Fakenham and an all-weather flat fixture from Lingfield.  The stable has one runner at Fakenham as Katkeau (pictured above) begins his chasing career appropriately in the beginners' chase.  Paul Nicholls is represented by Southfield Vic who was officially 11lbs his superior over hurdles so he is obviously the one we have to beat - it is certainly quite a hot race for a Fakenham meeting on a Tuesday even if there are only four runners.  The stable's amateur jockey David Noonan rode another double at Plumpton yesterday which took him onto seventeen winners for the season - he is certainly a young jockey in form.

Andy Crook spent Sunday up to his neck in cold water due to the flooding up north near Middleham.  Four horses owned by Tina Weston were stranded in a field but fortunately connections were able to get them all out onto higher ground - I bet the little Shetland pony was pleased.

I see that there is an inspection planned at Hexham today for tomorrow's meeting at the track - hardly surprising given the amount of rain.

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I hope a few of you followed me in and had a few quid on Ireland to beat Bosnia in their Euro 2016 Qualifier last night.  The Irish beat Bosnia 2-0, although they were perhaps a little lucky to be awarded a penalty.  Martin O'Neill and his sidekick Roy Keane really wound the Irish up - I am not quite sure what Roy Keane's role is but it certainly seems to be working!  Who would gee you up more, Roy Hodgson or Roy Keane?  Sorry, stupid question!

Tonight England take on France and it is sure to be a very emotional game.  I don't know why Hodgson doesn't play more of our under 21 side - the team he has selected are not going to win any major championships.  The youngsters might get beaten but at least you are building towards the future.

I see a pair of football boots signed by Anfield legend Steven Gerrard fetched £40,000 on Ebay - it was all in a good cause however as the money was donated to the British Red Cross European Refugees Appeal.

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Golfer Graham McDowell won again for the first time in a year at the weekend.  His victory means that he has also earned a place in the Masters in April.

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Did you hear about the little boy who became separated from his father at the funfair?  "What's your father like?" asked the attendant.  "Football and going to the pub!" replied the little boy.

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