Four Seconds!

It was a frustrating day for David on Saturday, while the horses ran very well, he hit the crossbar no fewer than four times with Vieux Lion Rouge, Dynaste, Fingertips and Broadway Buffalo all finishing second - that includes the big races at both Ascot and Haydock.  Vieux Lion Rouge was runner-up in the Listed handicap chase at Ascot and considering this was only his fifth start over fences, he remains a promising type for all the long distance handicaps.  Meanwhile Fingertips ran an extraordinary race in the handicap hurdle, looking to have no chance turning in before flying up the straight to finish second - a very good performance from a four year old given the conditions.  Dynaste and Broadway Buffalo also ran well to fill the second spots at Ascot and Haydock respectively and both picked up good prize money in the process.  I would imagine that all of the above will now be heading to the Cheltenham Festival next month.

We have three meetings to look forward to this afternoon with a jumps card from Carlisle (which has survived an early morning inspection) and a couple of all-weather flat meetings from Lingfield and Wolverhampton.  Unsurprisingly given the geography the stable does not have any runners this afternoon.

I have to agree with those former cavaliers of the weighing room John Francome and Steve Smith-Eccles; Victoria Pendleton looks like an accident waiting to happen.  I believe that jockeys have to meet a certain criteria with regard to the number of rides and success they have enjoyed before they are allowed to compete in the Grand National...why is not the same for the Foxhunters at the Cheltenham Festival?  Victoria needs plenty more experience first otherwise I fear that she is going to end up getting badly hurt, or worse still hurting someone else.

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Manchester City were beaten 5-1 by Chelsea in their FA Cup match at the weekend and it was quite clear who valued the Cup more.  City fielded a team in which five players were making their full match debuts and as far as I am concerned it is a disgrace to the Cup.  The manager said that the European Champions League was far more important...if so, why even enter the FA Cup?

I was over the moon that my beloved West Ham beat Blackburn 5-1 and they look set to go quite deep into the competition.  Dimitri Payet must be one of the best buys ever...I just hope that we can keep hold of him until the end of the season (or beyond)!  I was surprised to see Spurs lose at home to Crystal Palace, but in fairness they did look unlucky.

Ronnie O'Sullivan was in imperious form as he won the Welsh Open at the weekend, reeling off the last seven frames to beat Neil Robertson 9-5.  Ronnie is completely different class when in the mood...he is not all there, but he is definitely different class!

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Why did the scientist remove his doorbell?  He wanted to win the no-bel prize!  Give me a break, it is only Monday!

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