Weekend Jottings

There are three meetings taking place this afternoon with two flat fixtures from Chester and Chepstow and a jumps card from Market Rasen.  Tom Scudamore and Conor O'Farrell have both picked up outside rides at Market Rasen and it is particularly good to see Conor back in action after a nasty fall a couple of weeks ago.

As  you may already be aware, I do enjoy a bit banter and there was plenty of that earlier in the week at Goodwood between trainer Dean Ivory and broadcaster Nick Luck.  Ivory was interviewed before his race and as he closed he said, "Thank you Rishi" which was a reference to Trinidad born Rishi Persad.  Luck replied, "We are easily confused!".  Of course, Ivory's horse went on to win and in the post-race interview with the hapless luck, the trainer signed off with "Thank you Dave!"  Great television from Dean Ivory, well at least I thought it was funny.

Anything that makes racing safer has to be considered a good thing so it can only be a positive that Bangor became the third course to use "Onefit" padded hurdles.  Newton Abbot and Taunton already have them in place - they do stand up a bit straight and don't look that inviting but that is a small price to pay for safety.  The biggest problem is that the horses are not used to them as there is such a small sample at present.  Both Kelso and Uttoxeter will also give them a go in September.  Perhaps the likes of Lambourn or Middleham could get some put in on the schooling grounds?

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Yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of England's World Cup victory.  Back then they received a £1,000 bonus on top of their £60 per match fee.  Captain Bobby Moore was earning £15,000 per year at West Ham (about £300 a week)...how times have changed!  That works out to just over £195,000 a year in today's money, while the likes of Wayne Rooney are earning £300,000 a week!  I know who I would rather have on my team.

Looking at the odds for the season ahead, last season's winners Leicester are 33/1 to follow-up and that looks a bit insulting to me.  Meanwhile in the Championship, Newcastle look good things but are just 15/8 which is a short price when you consider how long you have to wait before you can collect your winnings.

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I'm so clever that sometimes, even I can't figure out what I'm doing!  Have a nice weekend...

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