Moon Makes Winning Debut

What a fantastic race at Perth yesterday!  The champion bumper winners of the last couple of years, Moon Racer and Ballyandy served up a real treat in the novices' hurdle at the Scottish track, with Moon Racer prevailing by 3/4 length in a thrilling finish.  As I said yesterday, this was probably the best novices' hurdle ever to take place at Perth and the pair will certainly go on to better things as the season progresses.  I see that Moon Racer was trimmed to 10/1 favourite for the Supreme at Cheltenham but there is still plenty to be done before then.  Meanwhile What A Moment ran creditably in the 3m novices' hurdle to finish runner-up and it looks only a matter of time before he is winning something similar.

The one disappointment from our Perth raiders was Impulsive American who finished fourth in the novices' chase, but even he is allowed the odd off-day!

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with three flat cards from Haydock, Newmarket and Newcastle while there is also a jumps fixture from Worcester.  I know it is all-weather but Newcastle somehow get away with just £37,000 across their eight-race card.  Stable jockey Tom Scudamore and conditional David Noonan both go to Worcester for one ride each - David Noonan looks to hold sound prospects aboard Ashcott Boy.

I see that it is owner Stef Stefanou's 75th birthday today.  Stef is a real character and he owned one of my favourite horses ever in Corporal Clinger who won numerous good races for Martin in the early days including a Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham.  I could tell you some stories about Clinger!  Anyway, happy birthday Stef - we hope you have a great day...

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It's the last day of summer so the cricket must be coming to an end.  All three teams, Somerset, Middlesex and Yorkshire could still win the championship although if either Middlesex or Yorkshire win today, they will have nicked it.

It is a tough life being a footballer.  Phil Jones has not played for Manchester United since 2nd January, although his new silver Bentley should help to ease the pain...these people do not live in the real world.

Ronnie "The Rocket" O'Sullivan was dumped out of the Shanghai Masters by world number 38 Michael Holt yesterday.  O'Sullivan lead 2-1 early but lost the next four frames, blaming poor safety play for his defeat.  Ronnie said, "I still believe I can win tournaments" and I have to say I agree with him for what it is worth.  There isn't a man alive who can live with an in-form Rocket.

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Mrs Barnes has said she is leaving me as I am too controlling...it's alright though, as I am not going to let her!  Have a nice day...

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