Pendleton On Polder

We have four meetings to look forward to this afternoon with jumps action from Sandown and Fakenham (who after inspecting at 7.30am have now set a second inspection for 10.30am) while there are all-weather flat fixtures from Lingfield and Wolverhampton - the stable has no runners this afternoon.  We drew a blank yesterday with Soll putting in a somewhat laboured effort at Kelso where he finished third in the Ivan Straker Memorial Chase.  He handles soft ground but perhaps he would just prefer it a bit better these days?  Pilgrims Bay also finished third in the handicap hurdle, while Prideofthecastle was fourth at Leicester on only his second start over fences and he is another who looks likely to prefer better ground to me.

I was at the yard earlier in the week and I don't mind telling you, it was plenty cold!  Even so, ever the creative type I donned my thermals and took the camera down the gallops to bring you the great photograph above...the things I do for you lot!  Anyway, I was quite pleased with the result...eat your heart out Ed Whittaker.

It is a big day for former Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton as she has her first ride under rules at Fakenham this afternoon.  She takes the mount aboard Pacha du Polder in the 4.10pm race and there are high expectations as she is a 1/2 chance.  I am not sure I would want to be lumping on at those sort of odds - I am fairly confident that riding a bike is not the same as riding a horse...at least she had control of her bike!

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I can't believe that Manchester United lost to that Danish side that I had never heard of last night.  This has to be the worst United side that I can ever recall and I am not just saying that to upset my reader!  Goalkeeper (and about the only player from the side who belongs in the Premier League) was injured in the pre-game knock about and couldn't play.  Surely it is time for manager Van Gaal to go?  If I were him, I would be too embarrassed to stay...having said that, I am sure he will wait to get the sack as you don't get the golden handshake if you leave!

Talking of United, I see that a Chinese side have offered £27 million for Wayne Rooney and if I were them I would bite their hand off for it!

It would appear that those arrogant people in charge of tennis are incorrect with their claims that the sport is totally clean as 24 matches are being investigated by gambling watchdog ESSA.  With so many matches being looked into, the odds of there being no corruption involved has to be some extremely slim.

There is a cracking snooker match in prospect between World Champion and current number one Mark Selby against Ronnie O'Sullivan in the Welsh Open.  Ronnie has certainly been stirring things up a bit this week as first of all he refused the chance to make a 147 and then he claimed he gets so bored they need an adults creche!

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Did you hear about the archaeologist?  He was upset as his career was in ruins!  Have a nice day...

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