TV Row Rumbles On

The debate continues about the racing coverage following ITV securing the rights to be the sport's terrestrial broadcaster.  I have to say, I have never heard anyone say that they had to switch on to Channel 4 to watch Gok Wan talking about the fashion at the races.  To be perfectly honest, I would much rather listen to Sir Anthony McCoy talking about fashion because he has no idea - it would be great entertainment!  I always thought that people tuned in to Channel 4 Racing to watch the horses...or am I oversimplifying things once again?!

There are three meetings taking place this afternoon with a jumps card from Towcester supported by two all-weather flat meetings from Lingfield and Chelmsford City.  Our two runners at Huntingdon yesterday, Still Together and Iniciar didn't run without promise so let's hope that the handicapper will give them a realistic mark and let them have a fair chance of competing in handicaps.

You can quite understand why most of the British jockeys enjoy riding abroad during the winter months - not only is it much warmer overseas, but the prize money is far more lucrative as well.  Just look at Meydan today...of the five races the Post have chosen to cover, the least valuable is worth almost £45,000 to the winner.  I reckon without the British jockeys they would struggle to get enough riders for the meeting!  I notice that trainer Brendan Powell also has a runner out there - I wouldn't want to be paying the travelling expenses for that one if it doesn't finish in the money!

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What a great result for Everton as they beat Manchester City 2-1 in the first leg of their semi-final of the Capital One Cup last night.  I am not sure it will be enough for them when the return leg is played at Maine Road, but what a final it could be if Everton and Liverpool were to make it through.  Just think, 100,000 scousers descending upon London!

I see that Juventus, Roma and AC Milan are all trying to buy Marouane Fellaini from Manchester United.  I would get shot of him straight away - he must be one of the worst signings they have ever made.  Mind you, the wig trade in the area will die a death.  I am sure they will not be able to command the £28 million they paid for him.

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The rain and bad light came to England's rescue in the second cricket test match in South Africa yesterday.  Somehow England managed to get to 159-6 and it makes me wonder how our batsmen can play so badly just a few days after playing so well?  They also need to put in some fielding practice as the dropped catches have really cost them dearly during this match.

Talking of cricket, Somerset landed something of a coup by re-singing West Indian star Chris Gayle for the new season.  Beware all you west country lady presenters!

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What do you call a nun who sleep walks?  A Roamin' Catholic!  Have a nice day...

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