Runners & Reflections

         Batavir - runs at Ffos Las

Today there are just two jumps cards at Carlisle and Ffos Fas and David has runners at both meetings.  Baraka De Thaix and Iniciar run at Carlisle ridden by Daryl Jacob and Batavir and Eamon An Cnoic run at Ffos Las ridden by Tom Scu.  Baraka De Thaix has run consistentky on most of his starts this season without getting his head in front but ran well at the track last time and with cheek pieces on hopefully he will run again.  Iniciar returns from a mini break and needs to step up on what he has done so far.  Batavir ran well at Chepstow last time out in first time blinkers and if they work again he should run well.  Eamon An Cnoic makes his debut for the yard.  He was second in an Irish point to point and is a lovely type who should be able to win a bumper.

The Trainer's championship is hotting up.  Mr Mullins won over £1.2 million in prize money at the Festival and Paul Nicholls won £209,189 so there is only just over £100,000 between them.  There is still a lot of prize money up for grabs of course this season, especially at Aintree and the Grand National so it will be interesting to see what happens.  Nicky Henderson is over 1/2 a million behind.  When you look at the winning trainers at the Festival you realise how hard it is to get a winner.  Philip Hobbs and Alan King did not get one.  David had a winner and five other horses in the prize money from 11 runners so it was not a bad week for Pond House. 

Cheltenham drew a record 260,579 people over the four days.  I just hope they don't get greedy and try and extend it to five days.  Going everyday is very tiring - just ask James in the office!  Some of the people in our marquee have been going for over 20 years and seem part of the family!  Only another year and it starts again!

Manchester will come alive today as City play United.  What a game and who will have bragging rights in Manchester tonight?!  The other big match is Newcastle versus Sunderland.  there are no clubs with more passionate fans.  City/Newcastle double for me.

My mum was a lollipop lady by which I mean she had a very thin body and a big round, red sticky head!  Have a good day.