Racer Back At Punchestown

There are five meetings taking place on these shores this afternoon with flat action from Ascot, Pontefract, Wolverhampton and Brighton, while the new National Hunt season gets underway at Cheltenham with their hunter chase meeting.  Meanwhile over in Ireland it is the second day of the Punchestown Festival and David is currently travelling over there as he saddles Moon Racer for the Champion Bumper at 6.05pm.  The thirteen runners have won 23 races between them while Moon Racer is unbeaten in three starts including the Cheltenham Festival Bumper last year.  He seems to go on any ground and he will get maximum assistance in the saddle with Jamie Codd booked for this amateur riders' contest - a big run is expected.

The Punchestown Gold Cup lacks the lustre that had looked likely a few weeks ago with the defections of Gold Cup winner Don Cossack while Vautour was beaten over two miles yesterday.  Cue Card will be looking to add to an incredible season and he looks to be very much the one to beat again in the hands of Paddy Brennan.

There was a bit of a shock yesterday when Vautour finished only second to Gods Own in the two mile chase.  I didn't think he received the best of rides - he clearly needs a lot further so I have to question why the jockey felt he had to take it up so late.  He certainly won't be winning a Champion Chase based on this effort although it could also be a case of one run too many this season.  Earlier in the day Yorkhill was also beaten out of sight so there were two 4/9 chances turned over yesterday.

If you are going to Cheltenham tonight make sure that you are wearing your funny clothes - plenty of checks and big hats otherwise you will look completely out of place.  You have been warned!

*****

I did my money on Manchester City last night as their match against Real Madrid ended up in a mind-numbing 0-0 draw.  The City goalkeeper Joe Hart made a couple of great saves at the end to keep City in the match.  I was picked up on a deliberate error yesterday when I said that City played at Main Road - of course they have not played there for years and in fact play at the Etihad Stadium.  I would love to say it was a trick question but I would be lying - thanks Tony!

The weather played havoc with the cricket fixtures yesterday as snow stopped play at Warwickshire, Derbyshire, Durham, Essex and Surrey...mind you, it is 27th April!  We certainly live in a funny old country.

I see that Tiger Woods has entered the Open at Royal Troon in July.  I wonder if he will turn up?  Sad to say but I am not sure we will ever see the real Tiger Woods again.

*****

A policeman approached me yesterday with a pencil and a thin piece of paper.  He said, "Here, I want you to trace someone for me!".  Have a nice day...

Tweet